Performics, the performance marketing agency unit of ZenithOptimedia, owned by Publicis Groupe, announced today that through a global extension across 14 major markets it will become the most comprehensive search and performance marketing agency worldwide.

As part of the global development, Andras Vigh will assume the new role of Managing Director Worldwide, responsible for Performics’ overall operations. Vigh currently serves as regional CEO for CEE, Middle East and Nordics for ZenithOptimedia and will retain part of this role during his transition. He will report to Steve King, Global CEO of ZenithOptimedia.

“Andras’ leadership and innovation skills, along with Performics’ proven model and our OneSearch platform, will advance clients’ digital marketing around the world, where demand for search and performance marketing solutions is rapidly growing,” said King.

According to ZenithOptimedia’s Advertising Expenditure Forecasts released in December 2010, global paid search advertising expenditures are expected to grow by more than $15 billion USD within the next three years. Total paid search spending in 2010 was more than $30.5 billion USD, which is predicted to exceed $46 billion USD by 2013.

“Advertisers should be poised to capture the expanding search market in 2011 and beyond. Clients are demanding best in class specialized skills and seamless digital integration. A worldwide network solidifies Performics as an international marketing agency and allows it to deliver against both objectives,” said Fred Joseph, Worldwide Chief Digital Officer for ZenithOptimedia.

Performics was acquired by Publicis Groupe in 2008 and has been part of ZenithOptimedia Group since 2010. Performics’ core offering, “OneSearch,” drives integrated search efficiency for clients to ensure optimal marketing investment. The agnostic approach pairs third-party platforms, such as DoubleClick Search, Marin, Kenshoo and others, with proprietary technology, including BenchTools, Performance Marketing Dashboard and Click2Sales, to deliver best in class solutions.

“Our performance specialists around the world are recognized thought leaders and experts in PPC Search Engine Marketing, SEO, Display Advertising Social Media Marketing, Mobile, Conversion Optimization and Affiliate Marketing,” said Vigh. “Performics’ consistent global offerings will enable our clients to make smarter decisions about their digital spend and, ultimately, increase ROI.”

Performics’ global headquarters will be based in Chicago, with international hubs in London, Paris and Singapore. The performance marketing teams of the former ZedDigital offices in Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Russia, and Spain will align immediately under the Performics brand, while other digital capabilities in these markets will be integrated into local ZenithOptimedia operations. Further expansion plans will develop the performance-based marketing agency model to all of ZenithOptimedia’s 72 countries.

“Performics currently manages search and performance marketing programs for many of the world’s top brands,” notes Daina Middleton, Performics U.S. CEO. “Existing and new clients will benefit from enhanced solutions and continued access to the VivaKi network and resources of Publicis Groupe – the world’s third largest communications group and the top global spender in search.”

Middleton will remain U.S. CEO, while Vigh, based in London, will oversee all offices and global operations, effective immediately.