SHANGHAI - WPP announces that its wholly owned operating company VML, which is part of the Y&R network, has acquired IM2.0. The deal is subject to regulatory approval. IM2.0 employs approximately 230 people in Beijing and Shanghai. For the year ending 31 December 2012, IM2.0’s unaudited revenues were RMB 72 million, with gross assets of RMB 200 million. This acquisition marks a further step towards WPP's declared goal of developing its networks in fast-growth and important markets and sectors. Collectively, WPP group companies, including associates, employ more than 47,000 people in the Asia Pacific region, generating revenues of $5 billion. In Greater China, WPP group companies, including associates, have revenues of $1.4 billion and 14,000 people. WPP's digital revenues were well over $5 billion in 2012 and represented 33% of total Group revenues. WPP recently raised its targets from 35-40% for each of fast-growth markets and new media to at least 40-45%, over the next five years.

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[MadisonBoom firstly reported in July 30th] Various sources revealled to MadisonBoom that, WPP Group is close to finish the acquisition of local independent agency IM2.0 Interactive Group, which founded by Susan Wang. The digital agency has been built up its senior team from marketers and 4A agencies, such as Chris Tung, Yi-Chung Tay and Tony Yang from PepsiCo China, and, Freddie Yuan and ECD Allen Lee from OgilvyOne, Meg Wu from GroupM/PPS. The rumor has spread around the market for a while. IM2.0 recently just grabs whole creative account for BMW's mini brand in mainland, and majorly counts Budweiser, Haier,adidas, Kraft Foods and Bacardi as clients.