PARIS, April 29, 2010 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Publicis Groupe today
announced it has acquired the remaining capital of Beijing-based agency, W&K,
thereby increasing its ownership to 100%. In November 2008, the Groupe had
acquired a majority stake in W&K, creating Leo Burnett / W&K Beijing
Advertising Co., Ltd. The agency will now be renamed Leo Burnett Beijing
Communications Co., Ltd.
Over the past year and a half, the local management was considerably
strengthened with support from Leo Burnett. During this time, the agency also
saw a number of important client wins including BMW Greater China and
Singapore Tourist Board, among others.
“Over the last 18 months, we have successfully integrated the operations
and management of a local Beijing agency into the Leo Burnett Greater China
Group, with remarkable achievement. Re-branding the agency is an important
milestone for Leo Burnett’s future development in the Beijing market,”
declared Michael Wood, CEO of Leo Burnett Greater China.
Publicis Groupe currently has over 3,700 employees in 36 offices across
China.
The next major global events, the 2010 Shanghai World Expo (May 1st -
October 30th 2010) and The 16th Asian Games, the largest Asian games ever
(November 12th to November 27th, 2010) promise a unique opportunity for
marketers to target China’s burgeoning consumer class and stimulate
advertising expenditure.
About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe Euronext Paris: FR0000130577 is the world’s third
largest communications group. In addition, it is ranked as the world’s first
largest media agency, and is a global leader in digital and healthcare
communications. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents,
the Groupe employs approximately 45,000 professionals. Publicis Groupe offers
local and international clients a complete range of advertising services
through three global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi &
Saatchi, and two multi-hub networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle
Hegarty. Media consultancy and buying is offered through two worldwide
networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; and interactive and
digital marketing led by Digitas and Razorfish. Publicis Groupe launched
VivaKi to leverage the combined scale of the autonomous operations of
Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group, Denuo and ZenithOptimedia to
develop new services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Publicis
Groupe’s Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services offer healthcare
communications with Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG),
sustainability communications and multicultural communications. With MS&L
Group, the world’s sixth PR and Events network, Publicis Groupe expertise
ranges from corporate and financial communications to public relations and
public affairs, branding, social media marketing and events, sports marketing
and events.
Web site: http://www.publicisgroupe.com
SOURCE Publicis Groupe Services