WPP takes #1 spot from Omnicom to become world’s biggest marketing group by revenue

WPP Group has overtaken Omnicom to become the biggest marketing group by revenue in the world, according to new research.

According to a survey by Marketing Services Financial Intelligence, WPP, led by Sir Martin Sorrell (pictured), reported revenues of $12.1bn in 2009 – a 13pc increase on the previous year – pushing it past Omnicom, which recorded revenue of $11.7bn.

Omnicom remains the most profitable of the main groups, however, making a profit of $793m. WPP made $666m. Publicis Group was third in the revenue list, beating Interpublic.

Revenue earned by the major-listed players fell by more than 5 percent as the global downturn continued to bite.