JC Decaux, Europe’s largest outdoor group, is weathering the ad downturn successfully, judging by a 9% rise in revenues last year to $950 million.
Although a hefty chunk of the increase is down to an acquisition spree, the French firm still managed slight organic growth compared with a 3%–5% decline for the media industry as a whole.
Chief executive Jean-François Decaux revealed that the group's billboard and transport units have been suffering from the ad slump, but its street furniture business has performed well.
The near future appears to hold mixed fortunes. “In billboard, visibility remains extremely short but this area’s decline seems to have slowed,” said Decaux. “In transport, airport advertising continues to deteriorate and therefore we do not expect any improvement before the second half of the year.”
The group is expected this year to focus on its operations in America, where it is intent on catching up with rivals Infinity and Clear Channel.
Data sourced from: MediaGuardian.co.uk; additional content by WARC staff
