This week's developments are driven by a new round of layoffs at WPP, Havas winning the global media account for Candy Crush from Omnicom agency OMD, and Dentsu launching its own retail data infrastructure.

Company	07/07	14/07	Change
WPP (GBP)	267.80	274.40	+2.5%
Publicis (EUR)	88.14	86.94	-1.4%
S4 Capital (GBP)	36.00	35.35	-1.8%
Dentsu (JPY)	3,358	3,358	0.0%
Omnicom (USD)	80.84	80.75	-0.1%
Havas (EUR)	18.20	18.45	+1.4%

WPP

WPP was the week's strongest performer. According to Ad Age, the network has begun another round of layoffs, with hundreds of jobs expected to be cut globally before the end of 2026. Employees at agencies including VML were notified on Monday. The layoffs are part of the ongoing restructuring under CEO Cindy Rose. At WPP Media, which employs around 40,000 people, Darren Minshall was appointed Chief People Officer.

In addition, Barrows, part of WPP Enterprise Solutions, won the U.S. commerce account for Conagra Brands following a review. Barrows will manage shopper and customer marketing, including digital shelf services, for brands such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Reddi-wip and Slim Jim. The first programmes are scheduled to launch at the end of July.

WPP's share price rose 2.5%.

Publicis

Publicis declined 1.4% without any major operational announcements. The group published its half-year statement on its liquidity contract, while Publicis Groupe Middle East launched the second edition of the Ra'idah programme in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council.

The acquisition of data platform LiveRamp, announced in May at an enterprise value of US$2.2 billion, remains in progress. Publicis expects the transaction to close before the end of 2026. Meanwhile, Zenith lost the Farmers Insurance media account to Havas.

S4 Capital

S4 Capital was the week's biggest decliner, falling 1.8% despite no significant company news. The stock has relatively low trading volume, making it more volatile, after gaining more than 15% last month.

Dentsu

Dentsu's shares were unchanged at 3,358 yen.

New Stream Media, the network's commerce division, launched its own retail data infrastructure, enabling retailers to store, activate and measure CRM and transaction data. The Trade Desk is the first technology partner integrated into the platform through the dentsu.audiences identity solution.

Dentsu was also added to both the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index. In addition, its IT subsidiary Dentsu Soken announced a partnership with NS Solutions on the sovereign cloud service absonne4, which is expected to become available in the second half of fiscal 2026.

Omnicom

Omnicom ended the week almost flat, slipping 0.1%.

Omnicom Media, together with NBCUniversal, introduced Dynamic Contextual Content, a solution that adapts connected TV advertising based on the programme, episode and specific moment within a broadcast. The offering combines Acxiom data with NBCUniversal contextual signals and is currently in beta, with a U.S. launch planned by the end of 2026.

PHD MENA was appointed media agency for Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates, scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027. However, sister agency OMD lost the global Candy Crush media account.

Havas

Havas gained 1.4% following the strongest new business week among the major agency groups.

Havas Media Network UK was appointed global media agency for King, the maker of Candy Crush, after a competitive pitch. The account will be handled by Arena Media UK's gaming team and was won from OMD.

Havas also secured the Farmers Insurance media account. According to COMvergence, the insurer spends approximately US$51.5 million annually on media. Farmers previously worked with RPA and Zenith for media services.

In addition, Havas acquired Barcelona-based agency MUT, which specialises in experiential marketing and sustainable events. Founded in 2010, MUT employs around 30 people and works with clients including Audi, Freixenet, T-Systems, NTT DATA and Zurich Seguros. Founder Nacho Gómez will remain CEO, and the agency will be integrated into Havas Spain.

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

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