WPP acquires leading independent agency, Design Bridge

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Brand design agency Design Bridge has been bought by British multinational advertising and public relations company WPP.

In a statement the company said: “Having taken our time to explore a number of options, we felt that the company that best shares our vision and with whom we have the greatest synergy in both clients and industry expertise is WPP.”

“We will remain a distinct and independently positioned brand within WPP group. We will continue to service our clients’ business and creative needs whilst retaining our unique culture and strategic approach.”

Since 1986 Design Bridge has grown to become one of the world’s leading international brand design agencies, starting out in London before opening new studios, first in Amsterdam, then Singapore and more recently New York. It now employs over 400 people around the world.

The growth of Design Bridge has been fuelled by its clients’ needs to creatively service their brands globally.

“Our global relationships require us to open an office in Shanghai as soon as we can and of course this will not be the last new location where Design Bridge can add value to our clients’ brands. All of this requires a huge amount of resources, time and energy.

“We have been exploring a partnership with someone who has the same commitment as us, not just to growth but also to the highest creative standards that we set ourselves.

“As a senior management team, we are all committed to the future of Design Bridge, our client relationships and the quality of our work. As a team we are enormously positive about the possibilities and the potential collaborations that becoming a part of WPP will bring to all our clients over the coming years.”

Sir William Goodenough, executive chairman, Design Bridge said: “Our next phase of growth will see Design Bridge’s unique approach to strategic brand design come alive for more clients and in more parts of the world more often. We are so excited to become a part of WPP, the most impressive creative network on the planet. It will be transformative for our teams’ and our clients’ ambitions alike.”

Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive, WPP, said: “We’ve long admired Design Bridge. We’ve watched, over many years, how they’ve consistently constructed intelligent design to serve distinguished clients. We are delighted and proud to welcome them to WPP.”

Amongst Design Bridge’s most recent packaging design work was the striking luxurious new pack for Fortnum & Mason’s core biscuit range inspired by decorative ceramics.