Walmart enters strategic relationship with global ad and PR agency Publicis Groupe

PARIS - Publicis Groupe, a global leader in marketing and business transformation services, and Wal-Mart Stores, announced Tuesday the launch of a new strategic relationship that will give Walmart unfettered access to all of Publicis Groupe`s agencies and resources.

"Our ambition globally is to make every day easier for busy families, and having best-in-class marketing is critical to achieving that goal," stated Doug McMillon, president and CEO Walmart Stores. "This relationship with Publicis Groupe will help us think and act differently, which will ultimately enable us to serve our customers even better."

"This relationship is the direct result of Publicis' new approach, `the Power of One,` which is designed to deliver end-to end solutions for our clients," Maurice Lévy, chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe. "Walmart is already implementing innovative approaches to reach its customers.  Our goal is to leverage all of Publicis' assets - not just the resources of one agency - to help them in these efforts."

The relationship, which is not exclusive, went into effect on July 1 and initially applies to Walmart`s US advertising and in-store creative for which Publicis Groupe will function as the primary Agency of Record. The relationship will be led by Arthur Sadoun, CEO of Publicis Communications.

The new entity will focus on how Publicis Groupe and Walmart will partner on advertising and marketing efforts as the companies together navigate the future of retail.

Walmart will also have access to resources outside of marketing, including capabilities to support corporate reputation and technology that builds relationships with customers.