WPP merges GT and VML to form Y&R's global digital arm

In the UK, VML has until now only operated a small unit out of GT's

office in London. Tim Seddon, GT's managing partner and Simon Milliship,
who heads up VML's EMEA operations, will now report to Antony.

The impact on Saint, Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R's digital arm, is
unclear. However, sources say that the agency will now take a back seat
on global Y&R pitches or larger pieces of business.

Talks between Y&R, VML and GT started in late autumn last year. GT was
told about the merger plans in an agency-wide meeting last week, before
12 staff were put on notice of redundancy this Monday.

The merger will take effect immediately and changes will be introduced
over the coming six months.

Last year, GT lost Audi, one of its most important digital ad accounts,
to Bartle Bogle Hegarty. In December, Marc Giusti, GT's creative
partner, quit to join Leo Burnett.

The agency still handles advertising for Microsoft, although the company
has cut its global adspend by 20 per cent.