FutureBrand and Landor hit Asian expansion trail

<p>HONG KONG: The Interpublic-owned FutureBrand consultancy has </p><p>acquired Melbourne's FHA Image Design in line with a decision made at </p><p>last year end to develop capabilities closer to its regional </p><p>markets. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>FutureBrand's move tracks similar build-ups implemented by its </p><p>expansion-minded WPP competitors, Enterprise IG (media March 30) and </p><p>Landor. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The Australian acquisition, to be renamed FutureBrand FHA, created the </p><p>branding for the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the Paralympic Games, said </p><p>FutureBrand managing director, Asia-Pacific, Matthew de Villiers. He </p><p>said the consultancy, which previously executed assignments out of its </p><p>New York and London offices, intended "to build complete FutureBrand </p><p>offices" where it expands. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Meanwhile, Landor president and chief operating officer Craig Branigan </p><p>said China's imminent WTO membership had encouraged the company to set </p><p>up a representative office in Shanghai. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Landor Asia-Pacific managing director Michael Ip said: "The growth has </p><p>been almost overnight. In 1998, we did minimal work in China, but in </p><p>1999 and 2000, business just shot up." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Branigan said Landor now derived a quarter of its regional revenues from </p><p>China, where it counts Kelon and Midea as clients. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>