WPP continues acquisition spree in China

Shanghai - Bates 141, part of the WPP network, has taken a majority stake in Shanghai-based digital agency Evision.

Bates 141's latest acquisition of Evision makes it the third in the past 14 months, following Apex and MeThinks.

Founded in 2003, Evision specialises in interactive design, mobile marketing, CRM and online media buying. Its client portfolio includes Nike, KFC, Intel, Diageo and Mentos.

According to WPP, Evision's unaudited revenues for the year to 31 December 2007 were RMB 28.9 million with gross assets at the same date of RMB 23.5 million.

Herbert Chen, managing director for Evision, said the partnership with Bates 141 will provide an opportunity to help clients' brands create greater engagement with their consumers across multiple touchpoints to further succeed in China.

Arthur Yu, CEO for Bates 141 China and Taiwan, said the agency's focus will be to integrate all three companies into one Bates company with one vision.