15th May 2006 14:49
WPP Group PLC15 May 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15 May 2006 WPP GROUP PLC ("WPP") Bates Asia acquires Beyond Communications in Hong Kong WPP announces that its wholly-owned operating company Bates Asia, the leadingAsian advertising and marketing communications network, has acquired 75% of theissued share capital of Beyond Communications Hong Kong Limited ("Beyond"), aleading independent marketing communications consultancy in Hong Kong. Founded in 1995, Beyond employs 11 people. Beyond had audited revenues of HK$4.4million (US$0.57million) for the year ended 30 April 2005, with net assets as atthe same date of HK$0.23 million (US$30,000). Clients include Adidas, MeadJohnson, Swire Properties, Wing On Travel, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co, Cafe deCoral, Fotomax, Kimberly Clark, Sony and Procter & Gamble. This acquisition continues WPP's strategy of developing its networks in fastgrowing markets and sectors. Greater China is one of the fastest-growingmarkets for WPP, with over $400 million of revenue - almost one-third of thecompany's total Asia Pacific business, including associates. WPP earns thehighest amount of revenues from this region amongst its competitors.Consequently, the Group, which employs 6,000 professionals in Greater China hasa very strong leadership position in the region - as it does in Asia overall -across all marketing disciplines. Contact:Feona McEwan, WPP 44-20 7408 2204 www.wpp.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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