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XM acquires HK digital firm Designercity as part of North Asia expansion plan

Designercity founder Win Mak

Mak: staying on as MD

WPP-owned digital agency XM has acquired a majority stake in Hong Kong digital consulting firm Designercity.

The deal marks XM’s third acquisition in 18 months.

Designercity has unaudited revenues of HKD43.7m (US$5.6m) for the year ending 31 March, 108 staff and clients including Hong Kong Tourism Board, Arsenal FC, Dairy Farm Group and The Peninsula.

The agency was founded in London in 1995 by Win Mak, who moved the agency to Hong Kong in 2000. Mak will stay on in his role as MD.

Paul Soon, CEO of XM Asia Pacific, said in a statement: “Designercity is a powerhouse in Hong Kong, and Win is highly respected in the industry. I am excited that the Designercity family has decided to join XM Asia.”

“We’ve solidified our position in Southeast Asia, and this marks the start of our next phase of growth, into North Asia,” he said.

XM Asia bought XM Gravity in Indonesia last year, and recently acquired Thomas Idea in Thailand. It also has offices in Singapore and Malaysia.

XM is aligned with WPP sibling JWT, which recently acquired India’s Hungama Digital Services and took a stake in Pakistan’s Converge.

Michael Maedel, JWT’s Asia Pacific chairman said: “We are committed to expanding our digital offering, and XM’s growth is a core part of JWT’s strategy. XM Asia is expanding at an impressive pace under Paul’s leadership, and this latest deal puts XM well on the path to become the region’s leading digital agency.”

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