• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, April 29, 2004

Citing a strong contribution from its MPG media network, Havas Thursday said it reversed its downward trend in the first quarter and returned to "positive organic growth" in the second quarter of 2004. The company said it would continue to position itself as the "challenger" brand among the major agency holding companies.

Havas' growth came despite lackluster results in North America, which represents about 44 percent of Havas' business. U.S. revenues declined 3.4 percent during the quarter due to weakness at U.S. flagship Euro RSCG, which lost the Red Lobster account during the quarter. Europe, excluding the U.K., and Asia Pacific were its strongest markets, helping to push overall growth up 0.7 percent over the second quarter of 2003.

Citing RECMA data, Havas said its MPG unit has had the "most dynamic evolution of its media activities," and is now second only to Aegis' Carat and Vizeum units in terms of media services growth.

MPG's biggest gains during the quarter were the renewal of its global media buying assignment from Air France, and new business wins from Diageo and Volkswagen in Spain.