WRG buys Hong Kong events firm

MARKETING events firm WRG Creative Communication has acquired a Hong Kong business to gain a foothold in the Chinese market.

It has bought Serious Events, an events management firm that works with luxury and fashion brands such as Chanel, Cartier, and Diageo. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Salford-based WRG, which sealed a £12m investment from private equity firm LDC last year, already has operations in London, Abu Dhabi, Doha and New York.

Chief executive Barry Day said: “We are delighted, as a result of acquiring such a highly respected agency, to be able to offer our clients and prospective clients, exceptional support with their live marketing within the fast-growing Asian marketplace and particularly within China.

“The acquisition of Serious Events is a further demonstration of our commitment to becoming the leading partner to global brands in the field of live communication.

David Rule founder of Serious Events said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the Serious Event team, as access to WRG’s expertise will better serve our clients as well as create a sophisticated presence in Asia. With the strength of WRG behind us, we will be able to accelerate our growth into China and the wider Asian market.”

The deal is the second since the LDC investment, following the August acquisition of Canyon. WRG has around 140 staff and annual sales of some £45m.