The agency will be part of Interpublic’s Advanced Marketing Services Group (AMS) and will report directly to AMS Chairman and CEO Larry Weber. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Founded in 1978 by Madeline de Vries, the firm develops programs for blue-chip clients such as Procter & Gamble, Tupperware, Old Navy, E&J Gallo Winery, 3M, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Berlex Laboratories. The 15th largest consumer agency according to the Council of PR Firms’ rankings, DeVries reported 2000 revenues of $10 million and grew more than 20% in the first half of 2001. It will retain its name and management, led by CEO Madeline de Vries, and will operate independently.
