WPP eyes Vietnam PR firm

HO CHI MINH CITY - WPP is holding discussions with T&A Communications, one of Vietnam's most well-established PR agencies, with a view to striking an equity deal.

The deal would build on an existing working relationship T&A has with WPP's Ogilvy PR, an arrangement that has existed since 2001.

To date, T&A has provided Ogilvy PR with local insights while Ogilvy has provided help with specialist areas such as financial and technology public relations.

A deal is expected by the end of March this year.

The 10-year old agency, founded by former journalist Nguyen Thanh Son (pictured), now the company's managing director, has 54 staff with offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

T&A's capabilities include consumer PR, events management, sports marketing and corporate social responsibility. Key clients include Canon, SAP and a number of government-linked companies.