Highlights:
- Group organic revenue growth of 8.6% (H1 2011: 7.8%), including 9.0% in second quarter
- Group underlying operating margin of 14.6% (H1 2011: 14.6%)
- Strong performances and increased revenue contribution from digital, faster-growing regions and North America
- Excellent net new business performance, with $3.2 billion in billings (H1 2011: $2.0 billion), supported by General Motors Co. contract win in January 2012
- Continued focus on targeted acquisitions & investments including Roundarch in the US, Upper Storey in Singapore, eLink in China, and PPI in Hungary
- Recommended cash offer by Dentsu Inc for Aegis Group overwhelmingly approved by Aegis shareholders
- Transaction expected to complete during fourth quarter of 2012, subject to satisfaction of certain competition clearances
Jerry Buhlmann, chief executive officer of Aegis Group plc, said:
"Aegis produced another strong performance in the first half of 2012. The business's considerable positive momentum continued, and was reflected in our market-outperformance, our sector-leading organic growth of 8.6% and another excellent new business performance.
"During the period, Aegis continued to deliver its growth strategy, further increasing the revenue contribution from our sector-leading digital capabilities and from faster-growing regions and North America. This improved business mix, supplemented by targeted acquisitions, gives Aegis an unrivalled ability and opportunity to deliver the integrated campaigns our clients are seeking in the convergent media environment.
"Successfully delivering our strategy in recent years has consolidated Aegis's market-leading position and, in July, the Board recommended a £3.16 billion cash offer from Dentsu. Once completed, this transaction will create one of the world's most dynamic marketing services groups, the first truly global communications group born in the digital age, with the global reach to provide increased scale, capability and investment to support our clients. For our people, the combination offers continuity and the promise of working for one of the most exciting, high growth companies in our industry."
