This case describes the dramatic rise and fall of Saatchi and Saatchi in the Advertising industry, based on their vision of scale, globalization and diversification, driven by an aggressive acquisition strategy. The (A) case, set in 1988, is a condensed version based on the earlier INSEAD case by Sumantra Ghoshal and Alice Aves (INSEAD, 1989).

The (B) case provides an update of the subsequent events leading to the downfall and further developments up to 2002, with WPP, led by the former S and S Finance Director, Martin Sorell, coming out as the ‘winner’ in this global consolidation game.

The case describes the successful growth and internationalization strategy of Belgian Creyf’s interim business (temporary labour services) after initial internationalization debacles, which nearly bankrupted the original family company. It describes the ‘not me too’ – strategy of this player in an industry increasingly dominated by a few large European and even world players.