REG - WPP PLC - Acquisition

WPPAnnouncement

06/10/2022 13:30

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RNS Number : 0537C  WPP PLC  06 October 2022

 For immediate release  6 October 2022

WPP PLC ("WPP")

WPP acquires branding agency Passport to expand creative and design
offerings

WPP today announces the acquisition of Passport Brand Design
(https://www.passportbranddesign.com/) , a leading brand design agency based
in Southern California.

Founded in 2004 by Natalie Taormina and Jeremy Creighton, Passport brings
extensive brand identity, design expertise and insight into WPP and works
across a broad range of consumer categories and global markets, spanning
Australia and Asia to North America.

Passport has developed a reputation for creating highly impactful, innovative
and results-driven campaigns for clients such as Coca-Cola, Kraft and
Heineken. The agency will join VMLY&R's global network, creating exciting
new partnership opportunities for existing talent and clients and expanding
VMLY&R's presence in the West Coast region.

Passport will enhance client experiences and WPP's ability to continue
delivering client services with integrated solutions. The acquisition is part
of WPP's accelerated growth strategy and focused M&A approach to advance
its core creative capabilities in marketing, communications and design.

Eric Campbell, VMLY&R Global President, said: "Our ambitions for network
growth reflect the best-in-class range of capabilities we continually offer
our clients. This move will expand our network's brand design expertise,
which is essential in determining how brands visually show up in compelling
new ways in the world and build a connected consumer experience."

Natalie Taormina, CEO of Passport, added: "It is a great honor to join a
global team of passionate branding and business experts. Nearly twenty years
ago, we founded Passport on the mission that great creative output is a result
of a great team connection and respect. When the agency is happy, the client
is happy. VMLY&R shares this ethos, and with the strength of its global
network and WPP's vision, Passport intends to continue that mission."

Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said: "With consumer expectations at an all-time high,
defining a brand's characteristics and identity has a major impact on its
ability to succeed in today's world. Passport brings extensive experience in
delivering strategic positioning and creative execution across all touchpoints
that will greatly benefit our clients. I'm delighted to welcome its people to
WPP."

Further information

Susie Metnaoui, WPP

+44 (0)7557 591 879

susie.metnaoui@wpp.com (mailto:susie.metnaoui@wpp.com)

About WPP

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to
build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more
information, visit www.wpp.com (http://www.wpp.com) .

About VMLY&R

VMLY&R is a global brand and customer experience agency that harnesses
creativity, technology, and culture to create connected brands. Named a Leader
in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global Marketing Agencies for five
consecutive years, VMLY&R is made up of more than 13,000 employees
worldwide with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London,
São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. The agency is behind award-winning
campaigns for blue-chip client partners including Colgate-Palmolive, Danone,
Dell, Ford, Intel, New Balance, Pfizer and Wendy's. For more information,
visit www.vmlyr.com
(https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.vmlyr.com__;!!B1IJoQ!P5z0si1rsn2cu7QPilnE7DJP7a8OVfZTMzQp6AIETpEI6NJA_JEBV0og8xiArVnyAUAZE3zDlbHIKxLUjYlb35o$)
. VMLY&R is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP).

About Passport Brand Design

For nearly 20 years, Passport has partnered with those looking to challenge
their category - to create, rebrand and reinvigorate. From global brands to
start-ups, the agency fosters relationships with those who have a hunger for
bold new thinking and partnerships that can move the needle. Passport Brand
Design has worked across multiple categories, in multiple markets throughout
Australia, Asia and North America. Its team remains flush with extensive
knowledge, insight, and a global perspective.

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