Advertising getting over recession, says Interpublic

Advertising firm Interpublic today said its clients were spending again, bringing recovery to the sector.

Michael Roth, Interpublic's chief executive, told the World Economic Forum in Davos he was optimistic for the year ahead.

"Anecdotally, there is no question that clients are starting to focus on 2010 and to invest in their brands, which is the appropriate move. I still believe the worst is over," he said.

Interpublic, like its rivals, was hit hard in the downturn by the reluctance of clients to spend money on big marketing campaigns or events.

The advertising company is home to agencies such as DraftFCB and McCann-Erickson and counts General Motors as one of its major clients. Mr Roth said it was encouraging that GM had come through bankruptcy and was preparing for growth again.