WPP develops networks in fast-growth markets through Australian acquisition

31 Aug 2015

J. Walter Thompson has acquired a majority stake in Webling in Australia, an award-winning independent digital agency based in Sydney.

WPP develops networks in fast-growth markets through Australian acquisition

Webling offers an end-to-end service covering strategy, ideation, design and development across web, mobile, social, digital OOH and experiential channels. The agency has delivered milestone projects winning major awards including IABs, AIMIA and the Festival of Media.

Founded in 2004, by Deniz Nalbantoglu and Darren Clark, the agency's clients include Acer, Amex, Coca-Cola, Coles, CommSec, Fuji Xerox, Google, Mirvac, QIC Shopping Centres, and Australian gardening supplies company, Yates.

For the year ending 30 June 2015, Webling's revenues were A $4.4m, with gross assets of A $1.3m, as at the same date.

This acquisition marks a further step towards WPP's declared goal of developing its networks in fast-growth markets and sectors.

In Australia and New Zealand, WPP companies (including associates) generate revenues of US $1.2bn and employ over 4,000 people. In the Asia Pacific region, WPP companies (including associates) generate revenues of US $5bn and employ around 50,000 people. In Australia and New Zealand, STW Group has a minority stake in JWT. WPP's global digital revenues are US $6.9bn, representing 36% of total group revenues of US $19bn.