Sir Martin Sorrell makes journey to Jupiter

Last week Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and CEO of WPP, the world’s largest media and communications group was in South Africa to celebrate his new partnership with local independent The Jupiter Drawing Room & Partners.

WPP’s acquisition of 49% of The Jupiter Drawing Room & Partners, The Jupiter Drawing Room (Johannesburg), The Jupiter Drawing Room (Cape Town) and through these entities equity in Black River FC and MetropolitanRepublic, was announced at the end of January 2009 in Davos Switzerland, and is subject to various conditions including SA Competition Commission approval.

Sir Martin’s visit last week coincided with the announcement that the SA Competition Commission had approved the deal.

While in Johannesburg, Sir Martin took the time to meet with Jupiter executives, staff and clients to engage them on the opportunities that manifested themselves as a result of the exciting new partnership.

These included Jupiter clients having access to the best of breed learnings as well as the possibility of The Jupiter Drawing Room receiving international creative assignments and a shared objective of helping The Jupiter Drawing Room brand expand internationally at the appropriate time.

As Sir Martin commented: “What we get out of the partnership is an investment in work that is as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world. What Jupiter will get is a partner willing to work with them on developing a strategy for The Jupiter Drawing Room not only in South Africa, not only in Africa, but throughout the world.” He also added that globally, “clients are looking for new and better ideas and we see using the talent we have in The Jupiter Drawing Room on a world stage.”

Group chairman Graham Warsop says: “WPP is one of the few global media and communications companies that has demonstrated a tangible commitment to the African continent. We could not have asked for a better partner as we move into the next chapter in the story of Jupiter.”

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