Walker Media, one of the leading media agencies in the UK, is to become part of Publicis after M&C Saatchi sold a 75% stake in the business for £36 million.

Walker Media, which employs 130 people, was formed in 1998 and has long-standing blue-chip clients including Marks & Spencer, Dixons Group, KFC and Halfords.

M&C Saatchi confirmed it will retain a 24.9% stake in Walker Media and plans to use the majority of the proceeds from the deal to return cash to its shareholders.