WPP makes double acquisition

Advertising, media and communications giant WPP on Tuesday said its wholly-owned operating company, Millward Brown, has acquired US firm InsightExpress. The business, which supplies media analytics and marketing accountability packages, will be combined with Millward Brown Digital, the company's US-based digital unit. InsightExpress, which employs 100 people, generated revenue of $26.4m in the period ended 31 December. WPP also announced that its wholly-owned operating company, GroupM, its global media investment management arm, has agreed to acquire Keyade, a digital search marketing agency in France. Keyade's revenues for the year ended 31 March were €7.0m, with gross assets of approximately €8.6m at the period end. "This investment will continue WPP's strategy of developing its services in important markets and sectors and strengthening its capabilities in digital media," a statement from the group read. The group, led by chief executive Martin Sorrell, made the announcements alongside its half year results, which came in slightly ahead of expectations. NR