WPP expands Pakistan presence with strategic mergers

Pakistan competition watchdog has approved three separate merger transactions, allowing Berkeley Square Holding BV to acquire a 50% shareholding in Ogilvy & Mather Pakistan (Private) Limited, Mindshare Pakistan (Private) Limited, and Soho Square Pakistan (Private) Limited from Taher Anwar Khan, a statement stated on Wednesday.

In the case of Mindshare, Interflow Communications (Private) Limited was also involved as a seller.

Berkeley Square Holding BV, a Netherlands-based holding company, is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WPP plc, one of the world’s largest communications and advertising conglomerates, headquartered in London, U.K. WPP provides creative transformation services globally, including in Pakistan through its local subsidiaries.

Following the approvals, WPP plc will gain controlling interest in the three companies, strengthening its strategic position in Pakistan’s media and advertising sector.

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) identified the relevant markets as "Advertising Services" and "Media Services" within Pakistan. After reviewing each case, the commission concluded that the acquisitions would not create or strengthen a dominant position in the market, nor substantially lessen competition in Pakistan.

The CCP ensured that the transactions do not pose significant entry barriers or risks of market concentration that could harm competition. All approvals were granted under Section 31(1)(d)(i) of the Competition Act, 2010.