Aegis Group plc : Aegis Media’s Isobar extends its outreach in Russia with the acquisition of Traffic

Aegis Media, the leading global media and digital communications group, today announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire Traffic LLC ("Traffic"), a leading full-service digital agency in Russia with a strong focus on integrated digital solutions. Completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approval, which is expected to be received within the next 30 days. On completion, Traffic will be integrated into the Isobar network and renamed Traffic Isobar, to become Aegis Media's second full-service digital agency in Russia alongside AdWatch Isobar.

Founded in 2002, Traffic provides a full range of outstanding capabilities in digital strategy development, advertising creative and web production, social media marketing activations, media planning and buying, research and analytics, social media and mobile apps development and other emerging media. Led by Managing Director Alexey Kupriyanov and located in St. Petersburg and Moscow, the 180 specialists at Traffic provide digital expertise to clients such as Daimler Chrysler, Nokian Tyres, Carlsberg, Philips, NOKIA, Nestle, L'Oreal and KRKA. Post acquisition, Alexey Kupriyanov will continue to lead his team as Managing Director of Traffic Isobar and Alexander Kim will continue to be Managing Director of the Moscow office.

Aegis Media Russia continues to strengthen its full-service footprint in the region with representation from its media and digital agencies Carat, Vizeum, Ad O'Clock, Posterscope Russia, iProspect Russia, AMNET Russia, AdWatch Isobar and now Traffic Isobar. This acquisition will significantly increase Isobar's brand position within the market and provide Isobar's international expertise to more clients in Russia.

Nigel Morris, CEO, Aegis Media Americas & EMEA said: "Russia is one of the most exciting markets in the world to operate in and expand further into. We have a great existing business, a dynamic management team and with double digit increases in advertising spend predicted for 2013 and 2014, and digital spend growing at an extremely rapid rate, there is a great opportunity. The acquisition of Traffic will strengthen our position further, deepening and diversifying our capabilities. With the combined offerings of Traffic Isobar and AdWatch Isobar, Aegis Media becomes the leader in the digital marketing services ecosystem in Russia. We are delighted to welcome the excellent Traffic team to Aegis Media."

Kirill Matveev, CEO of Aegis Media Russia & CIS, member of board of Aegis Media EMEA, added: "Traffic Isobar has a high-skilled team and is a great business which has strong potential for future growth. We are delighted to be in a position, following the acquisition of Traffic - our new front-office for clients based in St. Petersburg, to expand the Isobar network to this region - new emerging digital market with talented and passionate specialists. On the ground we will be able to deliver the best integrated digital solutions and digital production capabilities for our clients on national and international basis."

Alexey Kupriyanov, General Manager of Traffic Isobar, commented: "We fully share the same passion for our business and are extremely impressed by Aegis Media's vision, Reinventing the way brands are built. We are excited to be joining the innovative and pioneering network with Isobar and to join forces as part of Aegis Media and the entire Dentsu Group. Our clients will continue to receive the exceptional services they are used to as well as benefitting from the international expertise and increased capabilities from across the network".

ENDS

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Notes to Editors:

About Aegis Media
Aegis Media is a leading, global media and digital communications specialist whose vision is to Reinvent the Way Brands are Built. Through its five global network brands of Carat, Vizeum, Isobar, iProspect and Posterscope, Aegis Media helps clients reach their consumers and achieve their goals through communications services that include digital creative execution, media planning and buying, brand tracking, social media activation and marketing analytics. Aegis Media's operations worldwide are overseen by Dentsu Aegis Network Ltd., a governance body headquartered in London. This governance body also oversees the operations of Dentsu Network, which manages all of Dentsu's other global business operations outside of Japan.
www.aemedia.com

About Isobar
Isobar is a modern communications agency network, part of Aegis Media, made up of a committed and diverse group of over 3,000 people in 36 markets. Established in 2003, Isobar is the global home for the world's finest digital pioneers and the smartest traditional marketing talent, that helps reconnect brands with their fans and customers by creating irresistible ideas combining creative, planning, technology and data. Isobar brings people and brands together, like never before.
www.isobar.com

About Traffic Isobar
Traffic Isobar is one of the largest digital agency in Russia, with more than 180 digital specialists located in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg offices. Since 2002 the agency has been developing and implementing various integrated digital campaigns providing a full range of digital services for clients, such as Daimler Chrysler, Nokian Tyres, Carlsberg, Philips, NOKIA, Nestle, L'Oreal, KRKA and others.
www.t-agency.ru