Kantar Buys Stake in Emirates Retail Specialist

Kantar Retail is to acquire a minority interest in Dubai-based retail consultancy GME, its franchise partner in the emirate since being formed in 2007.

The deal, currently subject to regulatory approvals, continues WPP's strategy of investing in key sectors and in the fast-growing Middle East markets, where the Group employs 3,500 people and generates revenues of nearly US $400 million.

GME offers retail insight and consultancy services to clients across all business sectors, and employs sixteen people. Its revenues for the year ended 31 December 2011 were approximately AED 9.5m (£1.6m). The company now becomes a full member of the Kantar Retail network.

Web site: www.wpp.com .