Omnicom Eyes Speakers Bureau
Omnicom Group, New York, parent of advertising agencies BBDO Worldwide and DDB Worldwide, is in negotiations to acquire the Washington Speakers Bureau, a leading representation firm known for booking corporate CEOs, elected representatives and celebrities.Although no official public announcement has been made, a company spokesperson at the Washington Speaker's Bureau, Alexandria, VA, confirmed that the organization is in negotiations. Presumably Omnicom's ad agencies, BBDO, DDB and TBWA will benefit most from the acquisition since many individuals associated with their leading clients also are well-known CEOs, product endorsers or Hollywood celebrity spokespersons.
The Washington Speakers Bureau, founded by Bernard Swain, reported $15 million in revenue for 1999. The firm has represented numerous world renowned public speakers, including Gen. Colin Powell, former President Ronald Reagan, NBC anchor Katie Couric, Margaret Thatcher and Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's former prime minister.
