• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, November 6, 2006

Havas, the Paris-based parent of MPG, Monday reported mediocre results for the third quarter of 2006, despite healthy new media business gains including Danone's $100 million U.S. media buying account.

Revenues rose only 0.6% during the quarter, which nonetheless represents an improvement over a first half of the year. In its earnings release, Havas touted a rosier organic growth rate of 1.9% for the quarter, and noted that it was spread across most regions, "driven by sustained activity in corporate communication, healthcare and media consulting."

MPG and Euro RSCG, which won the Reckitt Benckiser account, were cited as the main contributors to the quarter's growth. In addition to Danone, MPG picked up Progressive Direct and PSA, which will be reflected in the fourth quarter results.

Havas' lackluster results come as the company is restructuring its media operations, and as Chairman Vincent Bollore is renewing his efforts to gain some influence over rival Aegis Group's board.

Martin Thomas, MPG's head of strategy, will leave the agency at the end of the year to form his own company, Brand Republic reported last week. Thomas, who joined MPG in December 2005, had been touted as the architect of MPG's new communications planning practice.