DDB FocusEurope Opens U.S. Office in Chicago; Focusing on the Globalization of North American Companies.

Business Editors

BRUSSELS, Belgium--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2001

Having seen a substantial uptick in the volume, and pace, of North American companies seeking to extend their brand influence in Europe, DDB Worldwide is opening a U.S. based office of its DDB Belgium FocusEurope division, effective 5 February 2001.

Taking residence in DDB's Chicago office will allow FocusEurope to extend the global network's value proposition, and provide a central access point for clients in the U.S. and Canada, and Mexico.

DDB FocusEurope is a centrally-managed, multilingual communications enterprise, comprised of fully-integrated services targeting small and medium-sized companies seeking pan European marketing expertise. The Brussels division, launched in 1997 to optimize its "gateway" to the 15 European Union member countries, will continue to function as the headquarters. Barron Evans, Executive Vice President DDB FocusEurope, will head up the North American office, bringing with him the experience from his time in Belgium -- understanding the critical market issues and designing the pan European network to assist small and medium sized enterprises in North America. The Chicago office will allow those benefits to be realized by clients and prospects on a more real-time basis.

What's occurring across European markets, underscored by the Euro driving a centralized economic policy, is heightened country-specific demand to Think Globally, (but) InterAct Locally, with customer relationships -- leveraging cultural insights for optimal consumer receptivity. At the same time, North American companies doing business in Europe demand cost and time efficiencies -- often preferring a centralized agency structure to oversee their multicultural communications.

"It's critical that you not only understand how to deliver relevant messages, but as well, be able to master the rigor of coordinating and executing European communications for companies working in time zones 5 - 10 hours earlier than the Continent," said Mr. Evans. "And it doesn't stop there."

Cognizant of the many challenges that often face enterprises as they explore European opportunities, DDB FocusEurope has built a network of professional services alliances -- the Partner Value Proposition -- to support North American companies as they enter into Europe. "Whether legal, taxation, venture capital, resource training, product distribution, fulfillment, data administration, call center or mail services, we want to be prepared to support all client needs," adds Kristin Keefe, International Account Manager. "It all depends on where in the marketing life cycle our client comes to us," she concludes.

DDB Belgium is part of DDB Worldwide (www.ddb.com), the second largest advertising agency in the United States and the third largest agency worldwide (based on consolidated gross income). The agency has 206 offices in 99 countries and is acknowledged as the industry's most creative multinational network, based on its dominance of advertising award competitions.

www.ddb.be/focus