Kenya's Scangroup Takes WPP Name

Kenya-based marketing services firm Scangroup Limited has prefixed its name with WPP, reflecting its majority ownership by the group, and signifying the 'shared vision and values' of the two firms.

Scangroup began as ad agency Scanad in 1982. WPP subsidiary Millward Brown formed a joint venture with successor company Scangroup as long ago as 2007, merging its Kenya office into the newly formed operation; and then expanded the partnership with the opening of a West African hub office in Accra, Ghana, in June 2010. In the meantime, WPP had taken a 27.5 stake in Scangroup in 2009 and in 2013 it increased this to a majority share of 50.1%.

WPP Scangroup describes itself as 'the largest marketing and communication group operating a multi-agency model across multiple disciplines in sub-Saharan Africa'. With services including media planning and buying, public relations, market research, experiential and digital, it is also the only marketing services company listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

WPP Scangroup CEO Bharat Thakrar says of the name change: 'The synergy from the coming together of these two great firms will significantly transform the future of marketing communications across this fascinating continent. This is aptly captured by the famous African proverb that says: If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together'.

Web site: www.wpp-scangroup.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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