WPP share price: Company ranked No. 1 acquirer in marketing and media for 2015

WPP Plc (LON:WPP) was the most prolific acquirer in the media and marketing industry in 2015, even though the ad giant realised fewer deals than in the previous year, data from Ciesco has revealed.

The corporate advisory firm said in a recent report that WPP had announced 40 deals last year, down from 52 in 2014, when it also ranked No. 1. The advertising company’s major acquisitions last year included GroupM’s purchase of digital media buyer Essence.
According to Ciesco’s report, there were 1,105 deals in marketing technology, mobile, digital media, advertising, data and analytics and related sectors last year, which was up 7.5 percent from 2014.The analysis also showed a growing appetite for digital media assets, as well as for deals in China. WPP has been investing in both of those areas as part of its strategic push to develop its capabilities in fast-growing markets and sectors.

This year, the world’s largest ad company has already indicated that it aims to remain active in terms of M&A. In January the company announced several acquisitions and investments, including the purchase of US mobile app firm ArcTouch.
In today’s trading, WPP shares were down 1.5 percent at 1,493.00p, as of 15:11 GMT. The stock has fallen 4.5 percent since the start of the year.
The 26 analysts offering 12 month price targets for WPP have a median target of 1,657.5p, with a high estimate of 2,035p and a low estimate of 1,250p. As of January 30, 2016, the consensus forecast amongst 31 polled investment analysts covering WPP had it that the company will outperform the market. The same consensus estimate has been maintained since October 16, 2009, when the sentiment of investment analysts improved from “hold”.
As of 16:06 GMT, Tuesday, 02 February, WPP PLC ORD 10P share price is 1,490.50p.

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