LONDON: The WPP Group said that like-for-like revenues for PR and public affairs fell 7% to $1.2 billion* in 2009, compared to $1.1 billion in 2008, while like-for-like revenues dropped less than 5% in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of the holding company, acknowledged in the earnings statement that 2009 was a “brutal year” but that he expected 2010 to be more stable with a stronger second half. He noted that the second quarter ...