FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
8 February
2024
|
WPP PLC
("WPP")
WPP
invests in new German agency OH-SO Digital
WPP today announces it has acquired
a minority stake through a capital investment in OH-SO Digital, a
new digital-first agency launching on 1 March.
The agency aims to revolutionise how
brands deploy digital marketing as a key driver for growth, using
innovative creative solutions that are customer-centric and powered
by the latest tech developments. OH-SO Digital will partner with
clients to combine marketing, commerce and technology to co-create
digital products, platforms and software.
Founded by industry veteran Mattes
Schrader, the agency's founding leadership team comprises digital
experts with experience from agencies including Accenture
Interactive, Accenture Song, C3 and Diconium. OH-SO Digital will
initially launch in Hamburg and Prague, with further planned
outposts in Berlin and Munich.
The strategic investment is part of
WPP's ongoing targeted M&A strategy which focuses on the key
growth areas of commerce, experience and technology. The
partnership with OH-SO Digital will further strengthen WPP's
digital offer in Germany, complementing existing capabilities that
help clients drive growth as the needs of consumers continue to
evolve.
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said:
"We're excited to support the ambition of OH-SO
Digital to provide brands with ideas that leverage technology to
deliver transformative growth. Our long-term commitment is clear:
to position OH-SO Digital as an important growth partner for our
clients in Germany, our third largest market."
Frank-Michael "FM" Schmidt,
President of WPP in Germany, said: "We are
delighted to be expanding WPP's tech and consulting offering in
Germany with Mattes Schrader and his high-calibre management team.
Retaining the best minds, developing customised models and
supporting entrepreneurial initiatives are cornerstones of our
future strategy. With the establishment of OH-SO, we are
implementing these principles in a way that - in combination with
the excellent competences of other WPP agencies - offers a new
quality of consulting and implementation services for German and
international clients."
Mattes Schrader, Founder and CEO of
OH-SO Digital, said: "In the last decade,
digitisation hasn't boosted most companies' market shares, leaving
many trailing. At the same time, marketing decision-makers are
increasingly responsible for sales and technical platforms in
addition to communication channels. As traditional lines blur
between communication, sales, products, and services, GenAI
introduces a novel dynamic at every level. This offers an
extraordinary chance to craft radical new solutions, positioning
the marketing function as the critical growth engine."
ENDS
Further
information
+44 (0)20 7282 4600
press@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.