More news on the merger of Draft and FCB with the analysts starting to throw in their ten cents worth… "Although we see the strategic rationale of approaching clients with a more complete, data-driven offering, there have been more failed than successful examples of agency mergers historically," wrote Merrill Lynch analyst Lauren Rich Fine in a report. "It is too soon to judge the FCB-Draft merger, but execution is clearly key in how Interpublic manages client conflicts and agency cultural differences." Hey, Lauren baby, that’s the understatement of the year. Every merger I can think of ends up being a disaster for one of the merged companies… My bet, within a couple of years FCB will just be three extra letters on the nameplate on the mailroom door. The fifty foot high flashing neon sign on top of the building will say “Draft!” Wouldn’t be surprised if it had a “Howard” in front of it either! 
Not right now. I haven't digested FCB yet!
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I was part of a Draft buyout in 1998 (adler boschetto peebles). About 80 of us moved up to the Draft mothership in August of that year. We kind of stayed on our accounts and really didn't mix well with the Draftees. Eventually, we all realized all they wanted was our billings not our traditional advertising expertise. Soon most were swept under and moved out except Adler and Boschetto. They stayed on to count money.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 7, 2006 6:55 PM | Permalink to Comment