Omnicom Group's Diversified Agency Services Acquires Pioneering Corporate Licensing Agency Nancy Bailey & Associates

NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnicom Group Inc.'s (NYSE: OMC) Diversified Agency Services (DAS) has acquired Atlanta-based Nancy Bailey and Associates, Inc. (www.baileylicensing.com).  The agency, which was founded by Nancy Bailey in 1982, is one of the industry's most successful corporate licensing firms.  Nancy Bailey & Associates will become a division of DAS's Beanstalk, the leading global brand licensing agency and consultancy.  Nancy Bailey has been named a vice chairman of Beanstalk and will report directly to Beanstalk's president and CEO Michael Stone.

"Nancy Bailey & Associates and Beanstalk are without question the two preeminent brand licensing agencies in the world.  Not only have they both been true pioneers in corporate licensing but they both continue to innovate and push the industry forward with their creativity and leadership," said Tom Harrison, CEO of DAS.  "Together, they form the biggest, most experienced, successful and innovative licensing agency in the world."

The new relationship allows Beanstalk and Nancy Bailey & Associates to combine their talents, expertise and relationships to better serve both agencies' Fortune 100 clients including The Procter & Gamble Company.  Currently, both Beanstalk and Nancy Bailey & Associates represent a number of P&G brands.  The new combined entity will consolidate the agency P&G representation into one fully integrated global team across the U.S., Europe and Asia.

"Nancy Bailey has been both a good friend and fierce competitor for more than 25 years and there is no one in the industry outside of Beanstalk, for whom I have more respect or admiration," said Michael Stone, president and CEO of Beanstalk.  "The merger of Nancy Bailey & Associates with Beanstalk is truly game changing for our businesses and for the licensing industry as a whole."  

"I have been in the licensing business a long time and I can truly say that there is no organization other than Beanstalk with which I would rather merge my company," said Nancy Bailey.  "Michael and his team have consistently been at the forefront of our industry, helping to raise the visibility of licensing as a strategic marketing tool through thought leadership and an incredibly impressive portfolio of work.  Combining our companies' talent and experience will have a major impact in the industry and we are excited about the future together." 

About Beanstalk

Beanstalk, a global brand licensing agency and consultancy, extends brands through the strategic and creative development of licensed products. The company works with blue-chip brands and other high-profile clients to leverage licensing as a strategic tool to enhance brand awareness, increase consumer touch-points, and generate revenue. Beanstalk also works with manufacturers to help identify and acquire compelling brands and properties to help them gain competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Beanstalk is the licensing agency of record for 35 world-class brands. The agency has developed thousands of brand extensions in every major product category, resulting in nearly $2.2 billion in retail sales in 2009 alone.  Headquartered in New York, Beanstalk's global reach includes offices in London, Los Angeles, Dearborn and Hong Kong, and affiliates throughout the world.  For more information, please visit www.beanstalk.com.

Beanstalk is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. Diversified Agency Services (NYSE: OMC). Omnicom (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. 

About Nancy Bailey & Associates, Inc.

Nancy Bailey & Associates is at the forefront of trademark and brand extension licensing. The company develops and manages successful licensing programs for several Fortune 100 companies.  A pioneer and leader in brand extension licensing for more than 25 years, NBA develops strategic long-term partnerships that leverage brand equity to create innovative products that sell. In recognition of her contributions to the licensing industry, Nancy Bailey was inducted into the Licensing Industry Hall of Fame in 2008, the first inductee for trademark licensing.  With offices in Atlanta and Miami, the company is a full-service licensing agency specializing exclusively in the management of trademark licensing programs as well as providing consulting services for corporate trademark brand extension.  

Nancy Bailey & Associates is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. Diversified Agency Services (NYSE: OMC). Omnicom (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. 

About Diversified Agency Services

Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), is a network of more than 175 companies in over 71 countries that provide a diverse range of services in marketing communications and specialty advertising, including direct and relationship marketing, public relations, sales promotion, healthcare communications, design, branding and identity consulting and event marketing.  

About Omnicom Group Inc.

Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

SOURCE Omnicom Group Inc.