Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has engaged investment bank Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) to help it unload digital agency Razorfish. Publicis (OTC: PGPEF) is looking for targets in the online ad space and could be a possible bidder.

Razorfish has been valued at $600 million to $700 million, based on a top line of approximately $400 million for its last fiscal year and peer margins of 12% to 13%. The company boasts 2,000 employees and clients that include Audi, Nike (NYSE: NKE) and Kraft (NYSE: KFT). Microsoft bought the company as part of a $6 billion deal to acquire aQuantive. At the time, Razorfish was known as Avenue A Razorfish, as the result of a merger sealed in the wasteland known as the "dotcom bust."

Continue reading Microsoft to unload Razorfish, Publicis looking?

Microsoft to unload Razorfish, Publicis looking? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In the rarefied world of private equity, there is a well-known PR operator: Kekst & Co Inc. Founded in 1970, the firm has a sterling client list, which includes biggies like KKR. No doubt, it's a complex specialty, which requires a strong understanding of securities regulation and shareholder relations.

Well, Kekst is selling out to Publicis Group, which is a global advertising and marketing firm. The price tag was not disclosed.

Kekst has a storied past. For example, the firm was involved in the leveraged buyout of RJR (back in the late 1980s). Kekst is also advising Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. (NYSE: BUD) on its fight against InBev.

Continue reading Kekst & Co: PR firm for private equity sells out

Kekst & Co: PR firm for private equity sells out originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Many lower income students and first generation families are captivated by the prospect of going to college, as well they should be. Given the greatly increased earning potential of college graduates and the tremendous value that further education imparts upon our society, it only stands to reason that higher education should be a national top priority.

Publicis Groupe (NYSE:PUB) (Euronext Paris:PUB), has joined forces with the Advertising Counsel and the American Counsel on Education to provide a direct Public Service Announcement campaign designed to help lower income and first generation students become aware of exactly what they need as preparation for getting into college classrooms.

Continue reading Publicis Groupe is closing the social gap with KnowHow2GO

Publicis Groupe is closing the social gap with KnowHow2GO originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.