WPP Regulatory News (WPP)

WPP PLC ("WPP") 

WPP and KOÇ form a new partnership to launch digital media agency Ingage

WPP's GroupM, and Zer, a Koç Group Company, have formed a partnership to launch new digital media agency Ingage. Ingage will service the rapidly growing demand for digital marketing and offer clients agile solutions that bring together GroupM's global innovative communications services with Zer's industrial and technological expertise.

The joint venture, fully backed by WPP and Koç Group, will be powered by GroupM's expertise as the world's largest media investment group, and build on the award-winning procurement, digital and technology services of Zer, to provide strategy-led digital marketing services in Turkey.

Zer General Manager Aykut Özüner said: "We at Koç Group are committed to expanding the current digital marketing business handled by Zer with this new partnership. Ingage will draw on Zer's industry expertise to broaden its experience in the retail, durable goods, automotive, finance, local communication, and e-commerce industries."

WPP's Turkey Country Manager Demet İkiler said: "Ingage signals WPP's intent to further develop our business in Turkey. This partnership combines the global media experience of GroupM with the local market strength of Koç Group, and will target local leadership as well as regional influence."

Zer's 50-strong digital marketing team will continue to serve their clients under the brand Ingage.

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About KOÇ GROUP

Koç Group is Turkey's largest industrial and services group in terms of revenues, exports, employees, taxes paid and market capitalization with over 94,000 people. Koç Group has leading positions with clear competitive advantages in sectors with long-term growth potential such as energy, automotive, consumer durables and finance. Following an average annual growth rate of 16% in consolidated profit in TL terms between 2013 and 2017, Koç Holding is the only Turkish company in Fortune Global 500 with consolidated sales of around US$ 27 billion as of year-end 2017. Koç Group has been a driving force of the Turkish economy with total sales corresponding 7% of Turkey's GDP, exports comprising 10% of Turkey's total exports and Koç Holding and its listed subsidiaries making up 19% of Borsa Istanbul's market capitalization.

About ZER

ZER was founded 16 years ago as a center of excellence in the procurement of media, digital marketing, services, materials and logistics. With the rapid expansion of digital marketing, Zer focused its efforts on this field. Zer has been recognized with more than 50 awards for its successful initiatives in digital marketing while expanding its procurement services with more digital and technological solutions. The entire digital expertise and assets held by Zer will carry over to Ingage. All media planning and procurement activities other than digital marketing will continue to be provided by Zer.

About WPP

WPP is the world leader in communications services. The Group provides a comprehensive range of services including digital, ecommerce & shopper marketing; advertising & media investment management; data investment management; public relations & public affairs; brand consulting; health & wellness communications; and specialist communications. WPP companies (including associates) generate revenues of over US$130 million and employ around 1,400 people in Turkey.

About GroupM

GroupM is the leading global media investment management company for WPP's media agencies including Mindshare, MediaCom, Wavemaker, Essence and m/SIX, and the outcomes-driven programmatic audience company, Xaxis. Responsible for more than US $108B in annual media investment by some of the world's largest advertisers, GroupM agencies deliver an advantage to clients with unrivaled insights into media marketplaces and consumer audiences. GroupM enables its agencies and clients with trading expertise, data, technology and an array of specialty services including addressable TV, content and sports. GroupM works closely with WPP's data investment management group, Kantar, and together they account for almost 50% of WPP's group revenues of more than US $19B. GroupM delivers unrivaled marketplace advantage to its clients, stakeholders and people.