NEW YORK, NY (November 19, 2004) - Aegis Group plc, the global marketing services company, announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Velocity Sports & Entertainment LLC, one of the largest and most prominent independent sports marketing, sponsorship and event-marketing agencies in the United States. The two brand leaders have joined forces in recognition of the huge opportunity and the burgeoning global potential that sports and entertainment marketing, sponsorship, and event marketing represent to clients both in the United States and around the world.

Upon closing of this acquisition, Aegis will become a major global player in the sponsorship and event marketing sector, and plans on expanding and developing Velocity's already formidable lifestyle marketing capabilities and scale. In particular, Aegis is excited about Velocity's proven success in the creation of breakthrough sponsorship-related programs, as well as the measurement of these programs and their impact on the business of their clients.

Velocity, based in Wilton, Connecticut, will maintain its name, its autonomy, its personnel, and its offices. Importantly, Velocity will also maintain the attributes for which they have become known in the industry, including a client-centric philosophy, a commitment to its people and culture, a strategic approach to sponsorships, and objective methodologies. Additionally, Velocity will continue to be managed by its five existing Principals. The agency, with five U.S. locations and one in London, will become Aegis' worldwide sports and entertainment marketing brand under the holding company umbrella. “The acquisition of Velocity is consistent with our strategy of investing in the development of strong global networks,” said Doug Flynn, CEO of Aegis Group plc. “ Sports and event marketing has become a key communications platform and a vital part of the communications planning mix. We are very impressed with the vision of Velocity and are keen to develop this part of the business into a true international capability.”

“The mass marketing of the past has given way to targeted communications, and sports, sponsorship and event marketing is center stage,” said Velocity Principal Mike Reisman . “With the resources and reputation of Aegis behind us, we are excited about enhancing our capabilities. You can expect us to expand our international efforts as well as create dynamic new service offerings. In our business, you can't sit still; the status quo just doesn't work.”

The acquisition is expected to close before the end of the year. Paul Singer, who is charged with building experiential marketing for Aegis in the United States, will be responsible for overseeing the integration of Velocity within the Aegis network.

About Velocity Sports & Entertainment

Established in 1999, Velocity has five U.S. offices located in Wilton, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC, and a U.K. operation based in London. The agency specializes in helping clients maximize the value of sports and entertainment sponsorship and lifestyle marketing efforts. In PROMO Magazine's annual ranking of U.S. promotion agencies, Velocity ranks fifth overall and is the top-ranked sports and entertainment marketing agency. This ranking reflects the exceptional growth the agency has experienced in the past two years as well as Velocity's creative and strategic ability to launch sponsorship and lifestyle marketing programs. Velocity's point of difference has been its ability to combine its strategic and creative approach with the traditional discipline of sports and entertainment marketing.

About Aegis Group plc.

Aegis Group plc is the holding company for Aegis Media, which includes Carat and Vizeum, and provides clients with a range of services across media communications, brand consultancy and market research. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, it operates in over 60 countries. More information is available at www.aegisplc.com.

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