Accenture has spent more money acquiring media and creative agencies than any of the holding companies this year, according to Q3 analysis by R3.
It is the first time a consultancy has been more aggressive in the marketing industry than traditional holding companies since R3 began tracking agency moves and indicates the growing trend of consultancies muscling into traditional advertising services.
Accenture, which ha bought nine businesses including The Monkeys and Maud in Australia, is estimated to have spent $690 million on M&As this year.
This is more than the $622 million spent by WPP and Dentsu Aegis Network's (DAN) $543 million investment, although WPP has been the busiest holding group with 28 acquisitions followed by DAN with 18.
In Asia-Pacific, DAN has been the busiest holding group, acquiring eight businesses with a deal value of $152 million.
Significant M&As in Australia are M&C Saatchi's acquisition of Bohemia, which R3 has valued at $25 million, and Accenture's acquisition of The Monkeys and Maud, valued at $56 million.
MediaCom, McCann top new business lists
MediaCom and McCann Worldwide head respective media and creative lists for new business wins (see below). This is based on estimated gains in revenue from new business wins and losses.
MediaCom's global win list includes the Victorian Government account it recently won from Dentsu Mitchell. MediaCom is followed by Vizeum and Mindshare. McCann's pitch wins include the US Army and Vauxhall Motors.
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