WPP takes stake in Chinese shopper consultancy
WPP has purchased a majority stake in DPI, an integrated shopper-marketing consultancy in Greater China, via the vehicle of its wholly-owned global brand activation network G2.
WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell has frequently stated that he sees strong growth opportunities in Greater China and other fast-growing markets. The territory is currently the company’s fourth largest market and it employs almost 12,000 people across Greater China.
DPI was founded in 1996 in Hong Kong and has offices in Guangzhou and Shanghai. The consultancy specialises in shopper-based design, retail space design, merchandising systems design, experiential design and environmental design.
Its clients include Doll, Ferrero, GlaxoSmithKline, Haier, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Nestea and Procter & Gamble.
The consultancy’s unaudited revenues for the year ended 31 December 2009 were HK$29.7 million (£2.47m) with gross assets at the same date of HK$48 million (£3.99m).
WPP, which also owns JWT and Ogilvy Advertising, reported a 2.5% increase in first-half revenue last month .
