The big advertising holding companies were caught in a global market slide as the world reacted to falling oil prices and fears of economic fallout from the coronavirus.
In the US, Omnicom shares fell more than 8% to $US60.40, well down on the 12-month high of $US85.05.
WPP in London dropped more than 7% to 672.20 pence. In France, Publicis Groupe fell 6% to EUR30.80, while in Japan Dentsu fell 9.5% to JPY2,390.
M&C Saatchi shares rose 4.7% to 75 pence after reports of private equity firms interested in buying.
The company's shares fell in December after a profit warning, saying that full year global profits would be significantly below forecast due to "weaker than expected" trading and higher costs.
Co-founder Maurice Saatchi was among four directors to step down from the board of directors in the fallout.
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