Microsoft's (MSFT) U.S Ad-Buying Business Moves to Publicis Groupe SA

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced it has moved its ad-buying business in North America from Interpublic Group of Cos. to Publicis Groupe SA.

Outside of North America, IPG's Universal McCann and Mediabrands groups are keeping the software giant's ad-buying business in 35 countries it serves.

Publicis' Starcom MediaVest Group will take over its accounts in the U.S. and Canada and advise the company on its media-buying strategy globally.

Microsoft had IPG as its manager of global media account for over 12 years.

A Microsoft spokeswoman said, "We look forward to partnering with Starcom to drive exciting and engaging ways to deliver creative content to our customers."

Microsoft closed Friday at $24.80, up $0.02, or 0.08 percent.