Publicis completes Digitas takeover

The French advertising giant Publicis Groupe has completed its purchase of Digitas Inc., a Boston marketing firm that focuses on the Internet.

In December, Publicis disclosed an agreement to buy Digitas for $1.3 billion, a premium of nearly 30 percent over Digitas's average stock price for the previous three months.

Publicis said the acquisition would create the world's largest digital marketing firm.

Publicis said trading in Digitas stock will end at the close of business today.

At 3 p.m., Publicis shares were up 70 cents, or 1.64 percent, to $43.27.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)