RNS Number:3527M
Aegis Group PLC
16 June 2003





16 June 2003


                                     Vizeum

                      A Major New Independent Media Network



Vizeum, Aegis Group plc's new independent media network, announced today the
beginning of its phased launch. Vizeum brings together 17 of Aegis' established
national media agencies currently outside the Carat network into a new
international communications planning and buying network. The network has
immediate critical mass with over 200 clients and combined billings of more than
$1.5bn.



Building on the existing strength of these media operations, Vizeum provides
advertisers with a choice when seeking independent advice and international
reach in communications planning and buying. It offers brand owners a fresh
perspective on the dynamic media environment by looking at new and innovative
ways to utilise their communication budgets, based on its understanding of how
brands connect with consumers through media.



The "connection" between a brand and a consumer occurs on several levels: how
the message is sent and received, how the meaning is translated and how the
consumer responds. Vizeum's goal is to combine an in-depth knowledge of the
media market with developments in consumer psychology to provide brand owners
with communications planning and buying services designed to maximise the impact
of this "connection".



The Vizeum network initially comprises 17 agencies - including BBJ in the UK -
across Europe, all of which are being renamed Vizeum. A progressive rollout
across Asia-Pacific and North America is planned for the latter part of the
year.



Eric Drancourt, Chief Executive, and Martyn Rattle, Chief Operating Officer -
both of whom have held senior international management positions within the
Aegis Group - head the network's management team. National agency heads,
including Trista Grant in the UK, will be responsible for the day to day running
of the national Vizeum offices.



Vizeum enjoys the support of the world-class systems, scale and negotiating
power of Aegis Media, the recently formed platform for all of the Aegis Group's
media operations.



Commenting on today's announcement, Eric Drancourt said:



"Today, clients are increasingly seeking truly independent media advice.  They
are totally focused on value and effectiveness - optimising the performance of
their international communications budgets.  But this is only possible where
media is freed from the constraints of defending creative solutions and is
allowed to influence the marketing strategy.  Yesterday there was only one truly
independent international media network.  As of today the choice for brand
owners has doubled.



"In an increasingly complex world, brand positioning is more important than
ever. Consumers are more difficult to reach and are demanding more from the
brand experience. It is therefore imperative for marketers to build closer
connections between their brands and consumers. This, in turn, will provide them
with a better return on their investment.



"Vizeum's fresh approach to the increasingly complex media environment has
already been well received by the clients we have spoken to as part of the
consultation process that we began in March. As we begin this exciting journey,
it is clear that the new network will provide our clients with a genuine
competitive advantage."



Enquiries:



Eric Drancourt, Chief Executive Office
Martyn Rattle, Chief Operating Officer
Vizeum                                               Tel: 020 7070 7700

Charles Palmer
Financial Dynamics                                   Tel: 020 7831 3113



Notes to Editors:



The Vizeum network initially consists of the following offices:



Vizeum Austria - Vienna

Vizeum Czech Republic - Prague

Vizeum Finland - Helsinki

Vizeum France - Paris

Vizeum Germany - Wiesbaden and Hamburg

Vizeum Italy - Florence, Milan and Rome

Vizeum Hungary - Budapest

Vizeum Norway - Oslo

Vizeum Poland - Warsaw

Vizeum Spain - Barcelona and Madrid

Vizeum Sweden - Gothenburg and Stockholm

Vizeum UK - London


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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