Publicis Considering Epsilon Acquisition

Marcoms giant Publicis has announced that it is considering the potential acquisition of data intelligence and customer insights provider Epsilon.

Last November Epsilon's owner, marketing and loyalty solutions business Alliance Data, said it was considering selling the division. Epsilon's assets include personalized digital marketing specialist Conversant (formerly known as ValueClick), which it acquired four years ago in a cash and stock deal worth up to $2.3 billion.

In the statement, Publicis said its governing bodies 'feel an obligation' to study any possibility of strengthening its position with assets that could add enhanced services to the group's clients. While Publicis has not yet decided whether or not to make an offer, it confirmed that discussions are currently underway and the project is being analysed.

Web sites: www.publicisgroupe.com , www.epsilon.com and www.alliancedata.com .