Sir Martin Sorrell has fiercely criticised legacy holding companies, including WPP, while defending S4 Capital, his own ad group, despite its 97% market value decline. He blames macroeconomic factors and remains focused on streamlining operations and growth in key markets.
S4 once disrupted the market with fast acquisitions and tech-driven strategies, but audit issues, falling revenue, layoffs, and a tumbling share price weakened confidence. The equity-heavy model also demotivated acquired teams.
Now under pressure, industry insiders speculate about delisting, mergers, or break-ups. While Sorrell insists on long-term value, the future of S4 in its current form appears increasingly uncertain.