WPP buys Passport Brand Design

Advertising giant WPP said on Thursday that it has bought Passport Brand Design, a brand design agency based in Southern California, for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2004 by Natalie Taormina and Jeremy Creighton, the business "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", it said.

WPP said 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.

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."

WPP chief executive Mark Read 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."