JWT China acquires digital agency A4A

JWT CHINA   WPP   MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Beijing - WPP creative network JWT has taken a majority stake in A4A, a full service digital agency in China, which counts Audi, Lenovo and Nokia as key clients.

Based in Beijing, A4A's offering includes digital strategy, social media, online advertising including search marketing, e-marketing and media investment management.

Founded in 2003, the agency employs 80 people.

A4A's unaudited revenues for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approximately RMB 16.2 million, with gross assets at the same date of approximately RMB 12.2million.

In a statement WPP said the investment continues its strategy of developing services in fast-growing and important markets and sectors.

Donald Chan (pictured), CEO of JWT China, said A4A is a strong addition to the company's China portfolio of top-notch marketing solutions businesses.

"This acquisition is an example of our commitment to further strengthening our capabilities and client offering in digital marketing while developing our business in the fast growing China market," he said via a statement.

 Tony Wang, general manager of A4A, added the acquisition would allow the agency to share JWT's global resources and provide better products and service clients.

"We are eager to help bring China's digital marketing to another level."

WPP has been operating in China for more than 20 years. China remains one of the fastest growth markets for the company and is currently WPP's fourth largest market with revenues of more than over $1 billon.

The Group currently employs 12,000 people (including associates) across Greater China, underlining its strong leadership position in the region - as in the BRICs and Next 11 markets - across all communications services.

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