WPP, Publicis, S4 Capital, Dentsu, Omnicom and Havas showed a united picture over the past measuring period. After a week in which almost the entire group lost ground, the boards turned green again. S4 Capital and Publicis climbed the hardest, while WPP stayed virtually flat. The common thread in the news was once again the battle for data, AI and integration, with acquisitions in Southeast Asia, a consolidated IPL mandate in India and a striking move by Havas into the music industry.

Share price movement 26 May - 2 June 2026

Company	26 May	2 Jun	Change
WPP (GBP)	275.90	275.84	-0.0%
Publicis (EUR)	82.32	84.95	+3.2%
S4 Cap (GBP)	41.10	43.72	+6.4%
Dentsu (JPY)	3061	3093	+1.0%
Omnicom (USD)	74.41	75.22	+1.1%
Havas (EUR)	16.65	16.85	+1.2%

WPP stayed virtually flat at 275.84 pounds, against 275.90 pounds a week earlier. Publicis was one of the strongest risers and went from 82.32 to 84.95 euros in Paris, a gain of more than 3 percent. S4 Capital was the biggest riser and climbed from 41.10 to 43.72 pounds in London, a plus of more than 6 percent. Dentsu gained slightly in Tokyo, moving from 3061 to 3093 yen. Omnicom rose from 74.41 to 75.22 dollars. Havas closed higher in Amsterdam, going from 16.65 to 16.85 euros.

WPP bundles Natura and Avon in Latin America

At WPP the news was about integration. The company is building a dedicated communications and strategy operation for Natura in Latin America, bringing together the creative, media and production of both Natura and Avon under a single partner for the first time. The operation is led by VML and WPP Media and runs on WPP Open, the company's agentic platform. The transition takes place in phases during the second quarter of 2026, with São Paulo as its base. Stefano Zunino, CEO of WPP Brazil, spoke of a simpler and better connected company.

WPP Media was also appointed media partner of the American fashion brand ALICE + OLIVIA, supporting an e-commerce rollout in Asia with Hong Kong and Taiwan as key markets. In South Korea, WPP Media further launched an extensive offering for digital out of home. On the stock market the mood stayed cautious: AlphaValue lowered its rating to Add and trimmed its price target.

Publicis invests in Indonesia and renews its board

Publicis continued its acquisition drive in Southeast Asia. Publicis Groupe Indonesia acquired Inter Pariwara Global and iLab, together accounting for around 150 staff, who join Spark Foundry Indonesia. Amrita Randhawa, CEO Singapore and Southeast Asia, pointed out that the acquisition comes precisely at a time when much of the sector is pulling back. Publicis was ranked number one for new business momentum in Indonesia by COMvergence.

At the shareholders' meeting on 27 May, shareholders approved several board changes. Tidjane Thiam was reappointed as an independent director, while Benjamin Badinter and Jaime Teevan were appointed for four-year terms. The ex-dividend date is set for 1 July, with payment on 3 July. Arthur Sadoun pointed to organic growth of 5.6 percent over 2025.

S4 Capital the biggest riser

S4 Capital was the strongest riser within the group this measuring period, after weeks in which the share was under pressure. Investors remain sharply focused on the growth expectations and margins within Martin Sorrell's company.

In terms of activity, Monks, the operating brand of S4 Capital, moved further towards premium content. The agency expanded into what it calls premium sports storytelling, a step that fits the broader ambition to bring media and creative closer together.

Dentsu wins consolidated IPL mandate

Dentsu India secured the integrated media mandate for Tata Group's Indian Premier League, after a competitive pitch that also involved Publicis and Havas. The mandate brings brands such as Tata Motors, Voltas, TATA AIG, CaratLane and Air India Express under a single media strategy and is estimated at 180 to 220 crore rupees. Amit Wadhwa, CEO of the creative and media brands for South Asia, spoke of a confirmation of the network's integrated strength.

Dentsu also entered a strategic partnership with retail media specialist Pacvue in the United States and was appointed by Tabcorp for media duties in Australia. A Digiday analysis put Dentsu's agentic ambitions centre stage, along with the question of how they play out in the American upfronts. In Africa, Dentsu profiled itself with new creative leadership.

Omnicom stays in the background

Omnicom did not come out with major news this measuring period. The share traded slightly higher in New York. Analysts' attention remains on the integration of Interpublic and the role of AI within the company's future strategy.

Havas steps into the music industry

Havas made the most striking move of the week with the launch of Volyum, a record label that connects emerging artists and brands. The label comes out of Art of Sound, the sonic agency of Havas, and is led by Damien Escobar, Chief Music Officer of Havas. The distribution partner is Virgin Music Group. Rather than treating music as the final piece of a campaign, Havas wants brands to move in earlier in the creative process. The first projects appear this autumn.

Havas Media further integrated the Teads audience API for direct access to data, and Havas Red in Australia launched a First Nations communications offering with Mundanara Bayles. Havas also reported progress within its ongoing share buyback programme. The share closed higher than a week earlier.

Marketing Report Markets is an editorial analysis of share price movements within the marcom sector and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell securities.

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