Russia's Actis Systems Joins The Wunderman Network
Moscow, July 31, 2008 – Wunderman, a member of the WPP family, bolsters its position in Russia, an important market in Europe, with the acquisition of Actis Systems. A full-spectrum digital service offering, Actis Systems has emerged as the country’s and region’s leader in strategy, design, development and content management. This marriage marks the first of a digital design and development agency of its size and scale in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The agency will continue to operate under the Actis Systems brand.
The Moscow-based shop has completed over 700 commercial Internet projects in 26 countries for clients such as Microsoft, Canon, MTV and VimpelCom. Actis Systems employs more than 120 professionals in digital services, making it one of the largest purely digital agencies in the region.
Among its accolades, Actis Systems has been recognized for its work by both the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival and London International Awards. Actis Systems has received a myriad of national and regional prizes including 15 prizes at the Moscow International Advertising Festival, and nine prizes at the Kiev International Advertising Festival.
“The addition of Actis Systems to our network further opens the door to Russia for our clients by providing them with 10 years worth of experience in dynamic Web strategy, design and platform development resources, which are required in the modern Russian marketplace,” said Daniel Morel, chairman and CEO, Wunderman.
Wunderman will wed its existing operations in Russia with Actis Systems under the leadership of Edward Grinbukh (CEO, Actis Systems), Anya Sverdlov (managing director, Actis Systems) and under the guidance of Yuri Pashin (chairman & CEO, Young & Rubicam Brands, Russia & CIS). Combined, the two companies represent one of the largest digital network offerings in Russia and CIS, serving multinational and local clients with global experience, on-the-ground talent and executional excellence.
“Through our combined efforts we’ve strengthened our ability to serve our clients like Ford, Microsoft, Citibank, and Philip Morris by providing them with the power of Young & Rubicam Brands and the deep market knowledge of a Russian company,” said Pashin. “The Russian and CIS markets are developing very dynamically and, therefore, our response should be dynamic too.”
“Wunderman is fluent in the language of consumers—it understands how digital blends technology and creativity to create direct, personal messages that can be measured, analyzed and monetized,” said Grinbukh, one of Actis Systems original founders. “By our joining the Wunderman network and the WPP family, our clients gain access overnight to world-class analytics, creativity and customer dialogues, giving Actis Systems the most comprehensive, first-rate offering in Russia and the region.”
This is the fourth acquisition for Wunderman in 2008. In January, Wunderman added AGENDA (China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei) followed by Kassius (Paris) in June and most recently Designkitchen (Chicago) in July. The addition of Actis Systems marks the latest chapter in Wunderman’s expansion across key markets. Over the past three years, Wunderman has reinforced its size through a measured acquisition strategy of digital assets in the largest 20 markets around the world.
About Wunderman
Wunderman creates impactful conversations between our clients and their customers. For 50 years, listening has been at the core of every campaign and vital to its success. We believe strong, lifelong, profitable customer conversations result from getting the right people talking, in the right way, at the right time. We constantly look for deep customer insights and new and better ways to create these conversations.
Our global network spans more than 15 companies across 130+ offices in 55 countries. We have an enviable roster of blue chip clients and expertise across every channel and discipline. Last year, Advertising Age ranked Wunderman the #1 marketing services network in the world. In the U.S. and around the world, Wunderman consistently ranks in the Top 10 Direct and Digital agency lists. The Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival has recognized our work with the Direct Grand Prix two years in a row and Forrester Research has acknowledged the depth of our capabilities. Wunderman, part of Young & Rubicam Brands, is a member of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY).
About Actis Systems
Actis Systems is Russia’s leading digital agency, providing a full spectrum of Internet services for its clients, including consulting, creative design and interactive marketing, Web development and system integration, and Internet managed services. Since its founding as a Web design studio 10 years ago, the company has grown to employ more than 120 professionals, launched more than 700 projects in 26 countries worldwide, and achieved leading market positions in Russia and the CIS in all of our product offering areas. Our creative work has won numerous prestigious international awards, including shortlists at CyberLions and London International Awards, 15 top prizes at the Moscow International Advertising Festival, nine prizes at the Kiev International Advertising Festival and many others. On the development side, our company is ISO 9001:2000 certified for software development, implementation and support. Actis Systems is the only company in Russia that combines on-the-ground American management and know-how with top Russian design and programming talent, further adding to its leadership position in the region.