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October 31, 2008 11:04 AM

Microsoft ad shop Razorfish expands in Europe, contracts in New York

Posted by Benjamin J. Romano

The recently renamed digital advertising agency Razorfish, which Microsoft got with its aQuantive acquisition, is buying a digital shop in Madrid, Spain, the company said today. Razorfish aims to build its coverage of Europe with the acquisition of Wysiwyg, a 56-person agency.

Meanwhile, Razorfish has cut 40 positions, roughly 2 percent of its national work force, in response to the financial crisis, spokeswoman Sally O'Dowd said via e-mail.

"This has had a direct impact on our business, particularly in New York," she said, adding that the company plans to offer job-search help to those affected by the cuts.

The cuts are only in New York, not in Seattle, she said.

"At the same time, we remain optimistic, knowing that we will weather this storm and be able to maintain the integrity of our business," O'Dowd said. "We are fortunate to have strong relationships with clients who believe in the power of digital to build their brands. The key to our continued success is to remain focused on delivering amazing work and measurable results."

In Europe, the acquisition of Wysiwyg (yes, that's in reference to the phrase "what you see is what you get") adds to Razorfish's operations in France, the U.K. and Germany.

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