WPP increases its stake in IBOPE, Latin America’s data investment management group

wppWPP’s wholly-owned media research and analytics business, Kantar Media, is to acquire the entire issued quota capital of IBOPE Participações Ltda, which holds a majority of the capital of IBOPE Pesquisa de Midia e Participações Ltda, IBOPE Latinoamericana SA and IMI.com (collectively the “IBOPE Media Group”).  WPP has been a minority shareowner in the IBOPE Media Group since 1997.

In addition, WPP will acquire the remaining 45% stake that it does not already own in Millward Brown do Brasil Ltda,  a market research agency,  already part of Kantar.  The Group will also acquire a 49% stake in IBOPE Inteligȇncia Pesquisa e Consultoria Ltda, the best-known political and social polling brand in Latin America.

Founded in 1942 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as The Brazilian Institute of Public Opinion and Statistics, IBOPE is a provider of insight, information and data in the Brazilian and Latin American markets.  The IBOPE Media Group employs over 2,200 people in offices in 16 countries,  throughout Latin America and the United States. 

For the year ending 30 September 2013, IBOPE Media’s gross revenues were R$392 million, with gross assets of R$225 million as at the same date. Clients include media owners, investors and marketing communications agencies.  

Commenting on the deal, Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO, WPP said:  “I’m very pleased to welcome our long-standing partners at IBOPE fully into the WPP group. This acquisition further strengthens our capabilities in data investment management and at the same time in an important fast growth region. We intend to accelerate and deepen IBOPE’s investment plans in Latin America, enabling us to offer regional clients the critical data they need, both in stand-alone media research and also in ways that combine media and purchase data to even more powerful effect. “

UK, London & Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

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