ASIA-PACIFIC – SINGAPORE, AUGUST9, 2013— XM Asia Pacific is set to acquire a majority share in Hong Kong digital consultancy Designercity, marking the JWT company’s third acquisition in its pursuit to extend reach in North Asia and strengthen its position as one of the region’s leading digital marketing agencies.
Founded in London in 1995 by Win Mak, Designercityspecializes in ‘Connected Experiences’, building integrated digital solutions that connect different devices – from online to mobile to kiosks. The company works closely with clients to tailor and optimize experiences on their websites, social media and e-commerce platforms. Its clients include Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Arsenal FC, Dairy Farm Group, The Peninsula, Swire Hotels and HongKong International Airport.
In 2000, Mak moved the operations in Hong Kong employing 108 digital specialists. It has unaudited revenues of HKD 43.7 million for the year ended as of March 31,2013. Designercitywas named Marketing Magazine’s “Digital Agency of the Year – Local Hero” in 2011 and “Digital Agency of the Year – Bronze” in 2013.
Paul Soon, XM Asia Pacific CEO, said: “Designercity is a powerhouse in Hong Kong, and Win is highly respected in the industry. I am excited that the Designercity family has decided to join XM Asia. We’ve solidified our position in Southeast Asia, and this marks the start of our next phase of growth, into North Asia.”
Even with XM Asia’s majority acquisition of Designercity, Mak will continue his role in the company as managing director.
“It’s hugely exciting that our technology innovation has been identified as an important element in XM’s future plans. We’re delighted to be joining XM Asia, and the WPP family, and look forward to growing with them,” he said.
Singapore and Malaysia office-based XM Asia has also bought XM Gravity in Indonesia last year and recently completed the acquisition of Thomas Idea in Thailand.
“We are committed to expanding our digital offering, and XM’s growth is a core part of JWT’s strategy. XM Asia is expanding at an impressive pace under Paul’s leadership, and this latest deal puts XM well on the path to become the region’s leading digital agency,” said JWT Asia Pacific chairmanMichael Maedel.
Recently, JWT Asia Pacific has invested heavily in expanding its digital with its acquisition of Hungama Digital Services, India’s leading digitalagency, and took a stake in Converge, in Pakistan.
