World’s No. 3 Ad Group Buys U.S. Agency

Interpublic Group of Cos., the world’s No. 3 advertising group, said it acquired U.S. advertising and marketing agency Deutsch Inc., which created Bad Andy, the mischievous “spokespuppet” for Domino’s Pizza. Interpublic declined to say how much the deal was worth, but Chief Executive Philip Geier said it was less than reports of between $250 million and $300 million. Interpublic, which owns agencies McCann-Erickson and the Lowe Group, said Deutsch clients also include retailer Tommy Hilfiger Corp. and Microsoft Corp.’s Expedia.com. Deutsch had billings of $1.2 billion in 1999 and ranked as the 19th-largest U.S. agency. Deutsch majority owner and Chief Executive Donny Deutsch will head the agency. The New York firm also has offices in Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Interpublic’s shares fell $1.06 to close at $39.06 on the NYSE.