HEADLINES: Dentsu takes 20% share in BCom3

Dentsu has signed an agreement to acquire a 20 per cent share of

BCom3, previously known as BDM, which was formed by the merger of The

Leo and MacManus Groups in January this year.

BCom3's affiliate agencies include: Dentsu, Leo Burnett, D'Arcy, NW

Ayer, Bartle, Bogle and Hegarty, Starcom and MediaVest.

As the majority shareholders, Dentsu will take two seats on the BCom3

board of directors, which plans to list on the stock market in the

US.

"The Dentsu investment will give us needed capital to further fuel our

aggressive acquisition and diversification drive, ensuring we have the

necessary scale to compete in an industry that continues to

consolidate," said Mr Roger Haupt, BCom3 CEO.

"At the same time, BCom3 will be positioned to provide Dentsu's clients

with increased resources worldwide as appropriate, assuming that

conflict is not an issue."

While BCom3's holding agencies, Burnett and D'Arcy, will operate as

separate entities in Japan, they will tap into Dentsu's media operation

on behalf of their clients.