WPP’s GroupM announces acquisition of M80
WPP’s GroupM announces acquisition of M80
NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 15, 2006–WPP’s GroupM today announced the acquisition of Los Angeles-based M80, a leading online word-of-mouth marketing company. M80 was established in 1998 to manage the transmission of word-of-mouth communications on-line through community activation and viral marketing. M80 identifies, empowers and activates word-of-mouth among online influencers and opinion leaders, harnessing the power of devotees to promote products and spread enthusiasm to exponentially increase a brand’s fan base. Their clients include Microsoft, SegaAmerica, Universal Music Group, Twentieth Century Fox and the NBA.
“Our acquisition of M80 reflects our commitment to the value of peer to peer communication in marketing,” said Rob Norman, CEO GroupM Interaction. “Word of mouth at internet speed and user generated content are of increasing importance and M80 are already engaged with many of our clients and delivering huge value.”
“GroupM is the world’s leading media communications investment company and its networks are second to none,” said M80 founder and CEO Dave Neupert. “Our methodology will complement GroupM’s integrated multi-platform communications programs across a number of categories and drive growth for both parties.”
About M80
M80 creates online marketing campaigns for top entertainment properties and consumer brands. M80 specializes in online word of mouth, grassroots community empowerment, viral marketing and online publicity and promotions. M80 has pioneered inventive marketing techniques, packaging a wide spectrum of services providing clients with powerful, integrated marketing solutions that deliver quantifiable ROI. M80 has been a recognized leader in online entertainment marketing since 1998. Over the past eight years M80 has executed over 1500 successful campaigns for some of the best known music artists, concert tours, feature film and television titles, video games, and consumer brands.
About GroupM
GroupM, the world’s leading full service media investment management operation, was created by WPP Group to oversee its assets in this sector. These assets include Mediaedge:cia, MindShare, MediaCom and MAXUS. The focus of GroupM is the intelligent application of volume and scale in trading, innovation and quality of services, in order to bring benefit to clients and the companies it operates.