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 AGM trading update for first five months of 2010

Reported revenues up 1.8%
Constant currency revenues up 2.2%
Like-for-like revenues up 2%
In first five months revenues, profits and operating margin well ahead of budget and last year

WPP launches The Midas Exchange

WPP has formed a new corporate trading division to help clients secure media credits in exchange for underperforming assets. The new company, named The Midas Exchange, will be powered by GroupM US and will be headed by Kathy Kladopoulos. Most recently Kladopoulos worked as EVP and managing director of Carat Trade, which she launched nine years ago.

Ogilvy & Mather and CommonHealth to merge their healthcare business: new global powerhouse created

Ogilvy Healthworld and CommonHealth, two of WPP´s premier healthcare marketing networks, have formed Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide. The new entity, a combination of Ogilvy Healthworld and CommonHealth, becomes the single most innovative, resourceful - and largest - healthcare communications network in the world, with over 1100 employees in 64 offices across 33 countries. Matt Giegerich, President and CEO of WPP´s CommonHealth, will serve as Chairman & CEO.

New Offers

Kantar Video launch - leading initiatives in online and mobile video

Kantar Video has unveiled a suite of video measurement and tracking tools called Kantar Videolytics focusing on proprietary syndication, tracking and optimisation platforms.

This new unit currently in private beta, but launching in beta soon, brings together and extends Kantar´s range of multi-channel data, analysis and audience measurement services. The platform is dedicated to effectively and efficiently measure and monetize online and mobile video.

To learn more bit.ly/cO0M8E or contact Kantar Video CEO Bill Lederer at Bill.Lederer@kantar.com.

JWT Sydney launches property division

JWT Sydney has launched a new specialist property division, offering communications for residential, retirement and commercial property sectors. The property sector is expected to see strong growth, with a recent NSW Government Strategy Review targeting 640,000 new homes by 2031.

G2 and BCG join forces in the New Zealand market

Grey Global Group and Blackwood Communications Group have joined forces in New Zealand to form bcg2, an integrated advertising and communications agency providing a unique offering in the local market.

New Business

Grey Beijing wins Yingda Taihe Life Insurance Co. Ltd..

GroupM Chengdu wins Chengdu Municipal Government.

Grey Advertising India wins Bharti AXA.

Ogilvy PR Brazil wins Bayer.

JWT Canada wins Canon.

Winners, Movers & Shakers

Donald Chan named CEO of JWT China.

Marcus Warner named Managing Director Hill & Knowlton Australia.

Sudler & Hennessey hires Catherine Bardsley Managing Director of Sudler London.

Ogilvy Mexico named Agency of the Year at the Mexico Creative Circle Festival.

Young & Rubicam named Network of the Year at the Art Directors Club in New York.

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.

WPP at Cannes 2010

By John O´Keeffe, Worldwide Creative Director, WPP

WPP companies have shone at Cannes this year with a total of 177 statues - up from 109 in 2009. View the results.

Top 20 Most Valuable Global Retail Brands

By Kantar Retail

This report helps illuminate the radical changes reshaping retail as shoppers, chastened by the recession and empowered with technology, think differently about what and how they purchase.

It provides the ingredients needed in order to thrive in this new retail environment: the best data, original insights and compelling ideas that will drive our businesses forward.

OnScreen

Views, opinions and verdicts: watch WPP´s professionals - past and present - on industry issues and hot topics.

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