BPG Group and BLUE in a JV for MENA

UAE, Dubai, 8^th September, 2010: BPG Group (Bates PanGulf LLC), one of the larger marketing solutions groups in the Middle East, today shared information on its latest joint venture. BPG BLUE - a new digital arm formed to bring the best-in-class digital marketing solutions to the MENA region. Acquiring some good wins, BPG Blue has had a great start and the company aims to increase awareness and education on the importance of digital solutions in the marketing mix.

BPG BLUE, a joint venture between BPG Group and BLUE-Interactive, combines BPG’s local market know-how with BLUE’s proven expertise in the digital domain. BLUE, a WPP Digital Company, headquartered in Singapore specializes in measurable marketing solutions by leveraging 4 broad sets of capabilities namely, Strategic Planning, Engagement Services, Infrastructure Operations and Measurement & Optimization.

Commenting on the JV, Oz Aksugur, Worldwide Chief Operating Officer, BLUE, said: “We have been looking at the MENA region for a while. Digital marketing budgets in MENA are a fraction of those in USA & Europe and offers tremendous room for growth. However key to tapping opportunity is in finding the right partner and in BPG we saw the right culture and business fit. BPG’s focus on a holistic approach to marketing solutions is consistent with our philosophy & approach to digital marketing. ”

                        

Mr Avi Bhojani, Group Chief Executive of BPG Group, said; “While the internet penetration in Middle East is around 28%, Bahrain, UAE and Qatar are on par with US (75%) and on the top at 88%, 76% and 52% respectively. This is a great reflection on what is in store for us in the digital space in the region. We are already witnessing growth in online advertising spends and growth rate is much higher than the traditional media.”

The last two years has seen dramatic changes in the adverting landscape, while the traditional print and outdoor mediums have witnessed a decline, the gainers have been Cinema, Radio, Television and Digital. Digital Marketing topping the list has witnessed 500% growth in the last two years.

Commenting on the tie-up Avi added. “Clients in the region seek world-class solutions across all elements of their business mix. They want the best and it’s in the BPG DNA to strive to deliver the best. With the addition of BLUE to the BPG portfolio, the group has enhanced the range of solutions and is poised to support the next level of growth for the group.”

BLUE has a roster of blue-chip MNC clients that include SAP, Motorola, HP, Singapore Airlines, P&G, Johnson & Johnson, Gillette, Aviva, Standard Chartered Bank and many more.