RECMA Ranks Starcom MediaVest Group #1 Global Media Network

NEW YORK, July 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Paris-based research agency RECMA (Research Company Evaluating the Media Agency Industry) has named Starcom MediaVest Group the number one ranked global media network in its 2012 Global Billings Rankings Report for the third consecutive year. This report evaluates the overall activity, including buying billings and specialized services, of all global media agencies across 61 countries.

RECMA also ranked Starcom MediaVest Group number one in the "Top 14 Countries" ranking which is a key chart in the overall report that accounts for 81% of the media agency industry. SMG increased its billings by 13.3% in 2012 and retained its regional position as the number one agency in North America.

"We are incredibly proud to top RECMA's Global Rankings Report for the third consecutive year in a row," said Laura Desmond, Global CEO of SMG. "We are gratified to work with some of the greatest brands in the world and this ranking reflects our success in using creativity and technology to put the consumer at the center of everything we do."

"In terms of growth rate 2012 vs. 2011, SMG performed better than the industry average (10%) and led the global league with an industry share of 11.5% (increasing by 0.5pt vs. 2011)," said Olivier Gauthier, Partner, Head of Research of RECMA. "SMG also had strong domination in North America with a 17.4% industry share that is six more points than its nearest competitor."

SMG had an outstanding 2012, winning over 300 industry accolades including Cannes Lions, Festival of Media and Effie awards, in addition to several Agency of the Year wins. Through July 2013, SMG has won over 240 awards for its creative work.

About Starcom MediaVest Group
Starcom MediaVest Group is the Human Experience Company. We believe experiences matter. They enhance lives and build brands. We bring brand experiences to life through SMG's three global agency brands: MediaVest, Starcom, and Spark. Ranked one of the largest brand communications groups in the world, SMG (www.smvgroup.com) encompasses an integrated network of human experience strategists, investment specialists, content creators and digital experts. With nearly 6,500 employees in 110 offices worldwide, SMG partners with the world's leading companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Kraft Foods, P&G, Samsung, Walmart, among others. In 2010, Adweek named SMG "Media Agency of the Decade."