Omnicom's organic revenues soared 7.3 percent, due to especially strong growth in the U.S. (+9.0 percent), while Aegis jumped 7.2 percent. London-based WPP Group ranked fourth, growing 5.5 percent, followed by Paris-based Havas' 2.5 percent gain. Beleaguered Interpublic Group remained negative, experiencing a 0.7 percent decline in organic revenues for the year, which the Merrill Lynch analysts attributed partly to the loss of big accounts such as General Motors' media buying business, and the loss of Bank of America. "Patience at Interpublic is required," the report said, adding, "However, net account wins in [the first quarter of 2006] seem to point to an improving revenue outlook towards reaching management's goal of industry level organic growth of 5 percent to 6 percent by 2008.
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2005 Net New Business
Gains
Publicis $7.80 billion
Omnicom $5.50 billion
WPP $5.24 billion
Aegis $1.60 billion
Havas
$1.06 billion
Interpublic NA
Source: Merrill Lynch from company reports. NA = Not available.