WPP’s Cohn & Wolfe buys impactasia, triples China presence

Independent PR group impactasia has been acquired by US firm Cohn & Wolfe, part of the WPP network, and will be rebranded as Cohn & Wolfe-impactasia.

The acquisition, subject to regulatory approval, will see Cohn & Wolfe triple its presence across Greater China, with impactasia’s Beijing and Shanghai operations to be immediately integrated into its existing offices in both cities.

impactasia’s Singapore business, which operates under a partnership model, is not included in the deal, with the combined group focusing on North Asia. The move also gives Cohn & Wolfe a foothold in the Hong Kong market.

Susan Field and Sarah Woodhouse will continue to lead the merged business as CEO and group managing director respectively, reporting to Donna Imperato, CEO of Cohn & Wolfe.

impactasia clients include Rolls-Royce, Guinness and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Through the acquisition, Cohn & Wolfe will also strengthen its presence in the healthcare and technology sectors, adding clients such as Dell.

According to ShareCast, impactasia’s unaudited revenue for the year to end-2010 was approximately HK$23.5 million, with gross assets of around HK$12.8 million.

Lydia Shen, currently managing director of Cohn & Wolfe China, and Fiona Ng, managing director of impactasia, will take on joint managing director roles for mainland China, reporting to Woodhouse.

Woodhouse said the two businesses share similar values and operating styles.

“Being part of the global Cohn & Wolfe network will enhance our client partnerships and help employees grow their careers in an international environment,” she said.

The merged agency will employ more than 80 staff and work across sectors including travel and tourism, art and design, luxury, healthcare, technology and FMCG.

Cohn & Wolfe has more than 1,000 employees across over 50 offices globally.