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French advertising group Publicis SA (13057.FR) Thursday said its ZenithOptimedia agency secured the China Mobile (0941.HK) account, but it also announced lay-offs at agencies Leo Burnett and Starcom Mediavest in the U.S.

China Mobile's advertising budget is estimated to exceed $100 million in 2009, a person familiar with the situation told Dow Jones Newswires.

Publicis won the account in a pitch against WPP's (WPP.LN) MindShare, Aegis' (AGS.LN) Carat, and Interpublic's (IPG) Universal McCann, Publicis said.

This is the second account win for Publicis in 2009. On Sunday, Publicis announced a contract with the French retail giant Carrefour SA (12017.FR).

This account, which includes corporate and commercial communications worldwide, is estimated to be worth about EUR1 billion, the person also said.

A large part of Carrefour's media account was previously held by French rival Havas (12188.FR).

Meantime, two of Publicis' agencies said they are going to lay off staff, a Publicis spokesperson said.

Leo Burnett will cut about 73 jobs and Starcom Mediavest about 70.

Last month, U.S.-based digital agency Digitas announced plans to cut 70 jobs in the U.S.

Company Web site: www.publicisgroupe.fr

-By Ruth Bender, Dow Jones Newswires; +33 1 40 17 17 40; ruth.bender@dowjones.com

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