Omnicom's Ketchum Takes Majority Share in Greater China Operations
NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnicom Group's (NYSE: OMC) Ketchum, a leading global marketing and corporate communications consultancy that is part of Omnicom's Diversified Agency Services (DAS) division, has taken a majority position in its operations in Greater China.
The transaction bolsters Ketchum's communications presence in the Asia Pacific region. Ketchum first entered Greater China in 1988 through a partnership with Newscan which became Ketchum Newscan and is now known as Ketchum Greater China.
Newscan was founded in 1980 by Kenneth Chu and Betty Lo, who continue as significant equity partners and will retain their roles as CEO and president, respectively, leading the Greater China region for Ketchum. Hong Kong serves as the headquarters for Ketchum Greater China, with additional offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Taipei.
"Ketchum's increased presence in Greater China demonstrates, once again, our unyielding commitment to this critically important region and our determination to offer clients the most comprehensive range of services available," said Simon Dalby, president of DAS Asia Pacific.
As part of the transaction, the agency will expand its Greater China board of directors to include, among others, Tom Harrison, president and CEO of DAS. Harrison commented: "With Greater China firmly established as one of the fastest-growing parts of the world, it is imperative that our agencies continue to enhance their presence there to be in the best possible position to meet the growing demands of our clients. I look forward to working with Ketchum's leadership team to further our commitment in Greater China."
Within Greater China, Ketchum has recognized expertise in corporate communications, financial and investor relations, public affairs, issues and crisis management, the technology sector, brand marketing, and event management. Ketchum Greater China handles a range of clients, including a number of Ketchum's global network clients, in addition to clients that operate or are based within Greater China.
Diversified Agency Services
Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com, manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing disciplines. DAS includes more than 190 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.
About Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
SOURCE Omnicom Group Inc.
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