A very lengthy article in this week’s Adweek explores the history of Lowe–both the man and his agency–as it merged and remerged through the years.
Lowe’s situation is symptomatic of the problems plaguing IPG after its acquisition frenzy of the past 20 years. The holding company, after all, is still subject to an SEC investigation as it struggles with financial controls stemming in part from poor integration of past acquisitions. Nevertheless, the history of Lowe raises larger questions about the past corporate vision and priorities at IPG, concerns that extend far beyond accounting details.
It’s quite a story, filled with colorful ad folks and their personality clashes.
