WPP Q1 Trading Update, BrandZ Top 100 by Millward Brown, China's Prosumers

	No. 111 - May 2008 www.wpp.com

Welcome to e.wire, WPP's public monthly round-up of news and initiatives from across our worldwide network. WPP people can also access the full version on the Group intranet. If you can't see this news bulletin properly, you can also view it here

News highlights

WPP announces Q1 trading update
• Reportable revenues up over 14%
• First quarter reportable revenues exceed $3 billion for first time
• Constant currency revenues up 9%
• Like-for-like revenues up almost 5%
• First quarter operating margin ahead of budget
• The Group remains on course to achieve full year margin objective of 15.5%

BrandZ Top 100 Most Powerful Brands ranking
Millward Brown Optimor has launched the third annual BrandZ Top 100 Most Powerful Brands ranking. This year's study confirms the continued rise of China as an economic and branding superpower, with significant rise in values for Chinese financial brands. It also shows how "old" brands can create considerable value for their owners. Nokia, McDonald's and IBM all record high growth rates. The topline data can be received from www.brandz.com or contact Kate Lovatt (klovatt@wpp.com) or Peter Walshe (peter.walshe@uk.millwardbrown.com).

Cohn & Wolfe acquires stake in European PR agency AxiCom
Cohn & Wolfe has taken a majority stake in AxiCom, a pan-European technology public relations agency. AxiCom manages public relations for companies in enterprise computing, wireless and mobile, telecommunications, consumer technology, and digital media. Its client list includes among others: Actix, Brightcove, BT, Dell, Kineto, Linksys, Real Networks, Sling Media, Shoretel and VMware. AxiCom currently operates in seven European countries and employs over 80 people. The company was founded in 1994 by Julian Tanner.

BATES 141 takes majority stake in Chinese digital agency, Evision
Bates 141 has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Chinese digital hot shop Evision. Based in Shanghai, Evision specialises in interactive design, mobile marketing, CRM and online media planning and buying. Evision was founded in 2003 and has a portfolio of clients including top international and Chinese companies, with the likes of Nike, KFC, Sprite, Intel, Diageo brands, Wyeth, Bao Steel and Mentos. Evision has also established long term partnerships with six of China's largest portals: Sohu, Sina, Netease, QQ, Mop and MSN.

New business

OgilvyOne UK wins global digital assignment for Persil / OMO

OgilvyAction Romania wins Diageo

RKCR/Y&R wins Oxfam and Virgin Healthcare

G2 Japan wins Cadbury Schweppes

H&K US wins Michelin

People

Nigel Marsh named CEO of Y&R Brands in Australia

Michael Nevins named First Director of Mobile for GroupM Interaction North America

Added Value appoints Janine Hawkins to CEO

Awards

WPP agencies win a remarkable 26 Effies

O&M India reigns at the ABBYs for the 11th time in 12 years

Uncle Grey wins 'Agency of the Year' at the Creative Circle awards in Denmark

MindShare Shanghai's Nike Zoom campaign wins Campaign of the Year at the Venice Festival of Media

China's Prosumers
by Ogilvy & Mather China
The Internet and digital media have largely transformed the ways in which Chinese people live, entertain, consume and do business. The Discovery team at Ogilvy & Mather China set out to identify a core group of China's prosumers - that group of smart, active and tech-savvy consumers, who gain their information from digital media or online, and interpret and influence mass consumers in terms of lifestyle and brand choices. Prosumers are studied in the spheres of gaming, music, entertainment, e-commerce, online discussion and blogging, in order to understand their motivations and values, and have attempted to explain the nature of their influence. Contact Kunal Sinha, Executive Director - Discovery, kunal.sinha@ogilvy.com.

Hill & Knowlton China publishes China government report

Hill & Knowlton China has recently produced an Insights report offering analysis of the organizational and personnel changes announced during the 2008 National People's Congress. This report provides insight into the Chinese government restructuring, and more importantly into the goals and motivations of China's government leaders - a key stakeholder for all operations in China. Contact: Christopher Dostal or Alan Lin.

New business enquiries

Are you looking for an advertising or marketing services partner? WPP can help point you in the right direction - find out how.