WPP's Always buys Malaysian brand activation agency

Always Marketing Services, which is majority-owned by WPP operating company J. Walter Thompson, has acquired Malaysian brand activation agency ePromode Sdn Bhd for an undisclosed sum.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, the company adapts retail technologies to create engaging consumer experiences. It manages in and out-of-store brand activations, events and product roadshows, working with more than 2,000 in-store promoters, with clients such as Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson and Reckitt Benckiser.

For the year ending 31 July 2015, it had gross revenues of 26.4m Malaysian Ringgit and gross assets of MYR9.3m.

WPP said the acquisition firmly establishes Always' presence in the Malaysian market and paves the way for a broader Southeast Asia expansion.

“The acquisition also signals WPP's commitment to catering to clients' needs in Asia for activation and shopper marketing services.”

At 1011 BST, WPP shares were up 0.2% to 1,584p.