Publicis Talking With Potential U.S. Partners

Publicis, the French advertising agency network that made an ill-fated bid for former partner True North Communications Inc., has reopened talks with other potential U.S.-based partners. Publicis Chairman Maurice Levy declined to identify potential partners, but described targeted agencies as having the “critical mass” needed to compete in the U.S. Levy ruled out a new offer for True North, whose shareholders have approved the purchase of New York-based Bozell, Kenyon, Jacobs & Eckhardt. Publicis’ hostile bid came earlier this year after the firm dissolved an eight-year partnership with True North. The bitter takeover battle was sparked by Publicis’ belief that True North was paying too much for Bozell.