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 Saatchi & Saatchi’s Beirut and Amman offices have “withdrawn” from the Saatchi network, according to a press release issued by the agency today.
The release gave no specific reasons for the split, which will take effect on 24 December this year (Christmas Eve).
“He [Eli Khoury, Saatchi & Saatchi Beirut CEO] confirmed that the withdrawal from the network aims at implementing his agency’s wider plan for the greater Middle East,” said the release, the closest it came to offering an explanation.
Saatchi & Saatchi EMEA chief exec Simon Francis said in the press release: “We’d like to thank Eli and his team for their successes and contributions over the last 18 years, and wish them continuing success in the future.”
This latest upheaval caps a turbulent 12 months for Saatchi in the Middle East, starting with the arrival of new regional chief Elias Askhar last November, swiftly followed by the sacking of creative head Ed Jones in January, and reports of unrest throughout the year.
More to follow as we hear it.
UPDATE - 6 December: Last week Eli Khoury actually sent AdNation - along with other Saatchi & Saatchi contacts - a more substantial communiqué about his agencies' split with the rest of Saatchi.
(Owing to an email snafu, we didn't notice it until this morning. Of course.)
The email doesn't add that much of substance in terms of reasons behind the split, but does make plenty of positive noises regarding the ex-Saatchi agencies and their future.
Khoury does suggest that more announcements are in the pipeline, but remains coy about actually telling us what they are, saying this would mean "I will be spoiling a surprise".
Oooh, you tease, Eli.
Here's the email in full:
"Times are different indeed. Change is the word, and we have one of our own.
As of December 24, 2009, Saatchi & Saatchi Levant will withdraw from Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide network. Given our privileged relationship, dear partner, this is to share the attached piece of news with you before we take it public.
As you may rightly assume, this is a very deliberated decision taken on the important premise of our desire for progress and growth. A progress that goes hand in hand with our partners growing need for the right ideas, the right methods and at the right time.
It is with such an important and crucial step that we finally focus on and realize our much-anticipated expansion plan across the region. A landmark decision designed especially for our prominent partners and with our particular staff in mind.
As you well know, we didn’t grow into one of the most successful and award-winning agencies in the region by cowering in our comfort zone. We have always taken the right steps at the right moment, that is nothing new and the right moment it certainly is. We are where we are today only because of the talented people we employ and the partners we work for.
We can now expand at an unprecedented rate, be available where we are needed, set new standards, and further enhance the quality of our acclaimed work. This event will only serve to strengthen the existing faith you have in us, and vindicate your support to one of the most dynamic, creative and visionary agencies in the region.
Finally, our change is only half the story. The second stage of the agency’s exciting journey will be announced very shortly. I would have loved to share it with you now, but then again, I will be spoiling a surprise.
Sincerely,
Eli Khoury"
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