IPG Merges Draft, FCB

Interpublic Group yesterday announced (pdf) that it is merging two of its four largest agencies to offer both traditional and new approaches under one roof, combining the venerable Foote Cone & Belding with the younger, direct-marketing focused Draft, reports the New York Times (via MarketingVOX). The merged agency will be the second-largest IPG unit, behind McCann Worldgroup. Michael I. Roth, chairman and CEO at Interpublic, New York, is quoted as saying, "This is what clients are looking for - the big idea that can be brought across all media, all channels, all distribution models" - ranging from TV, direct mail and the internet to in-store marketing, promotions and branded entertainment.