• February 1, 2008

Publicis Group announced that it has acquired Act Now, the sustainability consultancy helmed by Greenpeace International board member Adam Werbach. The consultancy assists companies and their employees practice sustainability, without suffering any loss of performance.

As part of the deal, Act Now will move to become part of Saatchi & Saatchi S, Publicis' sustainability-focused marketing services division. Werbach has been appointed CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi S, and will report to Andy Murray, global CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi X, the holding company's retail and shopping-focused branch. The two companies will work together to help retailers build their own plans for social and environmental responsibility, as well as develop marketing initiatives that encourage consumers to make sustainable purchases.

"Saatchi & Saatchi S is where world-changing global communications meets deep sustainability expertise and passion," Werbach said. "This is about taking the vision, mission and passion of the people of Act Now to the talents, process, scale, impact and creativity of the people of Saatchi & Saatchi.'"

Saatchi & Saatchi S will also integrate with core Saatchi & Saatchi services including media planning, creative and brand navigation, as warranted. The division currently has offices in San Francisco and Boulder, Colo., and plans to set up shop in New York, Chicago, Beijing and other locations later this year.

--Tameka Kee