The development came as Wei Wei Chen (pictured) rejoins the agency as CEO, two and a half years after she left.
Chen declined to comment on the Mei Kao deal, but did confirm that Nitro is seeking a JV in China.
Mei Kao counts over 200 staff members in China, across its HQ in Shanghai, along with Beijing and Guilin.
Nitro does not currently possess an office in Beijing, despite its biggest client - Mars - being based in that city.
Since Chen left Nitro, the agency has suffered some setbacks. Most notably, it lost Wall’s to Lowe recently in a global alignment.
It has also lost Uni-President business in China, and saw its managing director Stephen Drummond depart for Y&R last year.
The challenge is bigger now, confirmed Chen, who spent two years at Y&R before resigning her position at the WPP agency last year.
Nitro in possible joint venture deal
SHANGHAI - Nitro China is believed to be finalising a joint venture deal with highly-rated independent shop Mei Kao.