• December 2, 2008

Publicis Groupe, the Paris-based parent of media networks like Starcom MediaVest Group, ZenithOptimedia Group and Digitas, this morning announced the acquisition of W&K, a full-service agency headquartered in Beijing, China. W&K will be re-branded as Leo Burnett W&K Beijing Advertising Co., and will become part of Leo Burnett Greater China operations. W&K Communications will continue to be led by Mr. Guo Weijun, current Chairman, and Mr. Wang Yi, Managing Director. Both will now report to Michael Wood, CEO of Leo Burnett Greater China. According to ZenithOptimedia forecasts, Chinese advertising expenditure has more than tripled since 2000. The Shanghai World Expo in 2010 and the Asia Games are the next major global events that are expected to stimulate high demand for advertising between 2008 and 2010.