Talks with Bates are "in an advanced state", commented a WPP source, although other networks remain in the frame. A deal with Bates will give 10AM a stronger foothold in China where it services clients such as CCTV and Chinese Merchant Bank, said the source.
10AM has been courted by potential buyers for sometime, although rumoured deals with Omnicom's TBWA, and then WPP's Y&R - who are believed to have teamed up with 10AM for the Singapore Airlines creative review - have not materialised.
Bates is currently defending the Asia Pacific business of Nokia, which is reviewing globally. A partnership with 10AM would put the agency in a stronger position given 10AM’s experience with Sony Ericsson, an account with which the agency made its name.
Chief executive and executive creative director Lim Sau Hoong would not confirm WPP's involvement.
