Media and advertising giant WPP has snapped up majority stakes in Russia- and Ukraine-focused market research group ARMI-Marketing and in one of India's largest rural communications and marketing services providers.Moscow-headquartered ARMI is to be acquired by WPP's brand, media and communications research arm, Millward Brown, while Delhi-based RC&M will be merged into its Grey advertising network.Founded in 1992, ARMI generated revenues of 735m rubles during 2012, equal to around £14m.RC&M turned over 360m rupees in the year to March, equivalent to £3.5m, and employs more than 320 people and services clients in the automotive, industrial automation, FMCG and durable sectors.FTSE 100-listed WPP, which is headed by founder Sir Martin Sorrell, said the investments continued its strategy of developing services in fast-growing and important markets and sectors. "With ARMI, WPP companies (including associates) will have revenues of over $300m and employ over 2,000 people in Russia," WPP said in a statement, adding that RC&M would take revenues in India to $500m and the payroll to almost 13,000 people.WPP also said that ARMI investment strengthens the capabilities of Kantar, its data investment management company.BC