Founded in 1961, Interpublic unites hundreds of advertising, marketing and communications agencies located in over 100 countries, including Deutsch, Lowe Worldwide and McCann Erickson, among others. Combined, these companies employ approximately 43,000 people and have generated over $3 billion in revenues in the first half of 2007.

A new content-licensing agreement between Interpublic and Getty Images is now in effect. The agreement is designed to streamline Interpublic companies' access to Getty's library of digital media, including imagery, footage and music, as well as the stock agency's assignment and asset-management services. Eliseo T. Rojas, director of global sourcing and procurement at Interpublic, says that the agreement expands an existing partnership with Getty by providing a range of new options.

MJ Richards, Getty Images' vice president of sales, says the deal affirms the agency's solid position in the marketing and advertising industries. This media-buyer market is also targeted by Getty's top competitor. Recently, Corbis exited several lines of business to focus on its stock and licensing divisions. Since then, the Bill Gates-owned agency launched several programs targeting the ad industry, such as its new online Creative Boutique and the "I Am Buried" campaign, designed to appeal to overburdened creatives. Corbis also publicized several deals with ad agencies, including BBDO New York, Publicis and DDB Canada.

Financial terms of the Interpublic agreement with Getty were not disclosed. Specifics of the new arrangement are also unclear, particularly whether Getty will enjoy any exclusivity. Getty executives did not respond to questions about how the agreement changes the company's existing relationship with Interpublic at press time.