GroupM media agency MediaCom remains the leader in new business development through the first 11 months of 2018, according to the latest tally from R3 Worldwide.
That’s both globally and for the U.S., per R3, which estimates that the agency has accrued estimated annualized win revenue of $236.2 million through November for 159 wins.
Omnicom’s OMD remains number two-ranked on the global new business list with estimated win revenue of $193.1 million for 294 wins year-to-date through November.
Interpublic’s Initiative is third-ranked with $91.5 million in win revenue from 146 wins.
Rounding out the top 5: Havas Media ($106.1 million from 187 wins) and Publicis Media ($73 million from three wins).
Through November R3 estimates that global net new business revenue (which factors in losses) amounted to $1.03 billion, up nearly 22% from the same period a year ago.
In the U.S., top-ranked MediaCom has an estimated $73.9 million in year-to-date win revenue and 17 wins.
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Second-ranked Starcom (thanks to its recent Fiat Chrysler win) has an estimated $58 million in win revenue for four wins.
Hearts & Science is third-ranked with $83 million in win revenue (but was on the losing end of the Fiat Chrysler pitch) and seven wins.
Rounding out the top 5 in the U.S.: Blue 449 ($40 million from 2 wins) and Initiative ($39 million from 9 wins).
Total U.S. net new business revenue for media agencies through November: $350.9 million, up 44.5%.
Well, that’s something to celebrate.
Richard,
The focus on new business "wins" may distort the picture, since it is a one-sided measurement approach.
What about current business "losses?"
MediaCom is part of WPP, and WPP's growth rate has been disappointing.
Yet, MediaCom appears to be good at winning new business.
Does this mean:
1. MediaCom also loses more clients than others, and the "net" business situation is either flat or declining?
2. MediaCom is heavily discounting its services in order to win new business -- because it is desperate to win?
It's hard to say, and the assumption of the "new business wins" article is that new business wins are a good thing, and agencies who win big are strong and good.
I suspect that this is not the entirely the case.
Fees for new business wins have been in freefall for some time, and new biusiness winners have been eroding their fee bases and their future growth rates.
Pricing is a major industry problem.
Best wishes,
Michael Farmer
Author: Madison Avenue Manslaughter, an inside view of fee-cutting clients, profit-hungry owners and declining ad agencies