Millward Brown Buys Computerised Media Services

WPP Group PLC 15 December 1999 WPP GROUP PLC ('WPP') Millward Brown acquires Computerised Media Services Limited, UK specialists in media analysis WPP Group announces that its wholly-owned operating company, Millward Brown, has acquired Computerised Media Services Limited ('CMS'), London-based specialists in media analysis. Founded in 1993, CMS is best known for its Precis product, a sophisticated media analysis system that measures a company's media profile across editorial, advertising, broadcast media, electronic media and the internet. Clients include Allied Dunbar, Legal & General, Prudential, SmithKline Beecham, Kellogg, Nestle, Walt Disney Attractions, Blockbuster Video, DTI and Health Education Authority. The company reported revenues of £1.16 million to the year ended September 30 1998 and net assets of £223,000 at that date. Commenting on the acquisition, Millward Brown's group chief executive, Bob Meyers said: Precis is a perfect fit for us. More and more of our clients want feedback on their total communications mix, and having Precis as part of our armoury means that we now have the opportunity to measure a company's PR effectiveness as part of its overall marketing communications.' Fergus Hampton, chief executive of CMS commented: We have been working with Millward Brown on an ad hoc basis for some time and have seen the benefits to clients of incorporating feedback on their PR activities into tracking study data. So far, we've worked with Millward Brown in the UK, US and Canada. But now that we're part of Millward Brown, we have plans to take Precis global in a relatively short period of time. This acquisition continues WPP's strategy of strengthening existing networks worldwide in fast-growing sectors of marketing communications. For further information please contact: Feona McEwan at WPP London Tel: 0171 408 2204 email: fmcewan@wpp.com www.wpp.com www. millwardbrown.com Background: Millward Brown is one of the world's top 10 market research organisations. It is an acknowledged leader in understanding and evaluating brand equity and the contribution of the total communications mix to that understanding. Through the use of an integrated suite of validated research products - both qualitative and quantitative -- Millward Brown helps clients build strong brands and services capable of delivering profitable future revenue stream. The company provides research-based consultancy on both traditional and e- brands, and for both local and multi-national clients. The organisation currently has more than 40 offices in 25 countries, and regularly works in over 60. Millward Brown is part of The Kantar Group, the information and consultancy arm of WPP.

Companies

WPP (WPP)
UK 100

Latest directors dealings