Berkeley Square Expansion in Pakistan's Media Sector
Deal News | Jun 04, 2025 | EIN
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted approval for three significant merger transactions. Berkeley Square Holding BV, a Netherlands-based holding company and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the global communications giant WPP plc, has been authorized to acquire a 50% shareholding in Ogilvy & Mather Pakistan, Mindshare Pakistan, and Soho Square Pakistan. These acquisitions from Taher Anwar Khan, with Interflow Communications involved as a seller in the Mindshare case, will enable WPP to gain a stronger foothold in Pakistan's advertising and media services sectors. The Commission's review ensured that there would be no significant impact on competition or market concentration in Pakistan, observing that the acquisitions will not lead to the creation of a dominant position in the market.
Sectors
- Advertising Services
- Media Services
Geography
- Pakistan – The acquisitions and competition approval are focused on firms operating within Pakistan, impacting its advertising and media markets.
- Netherlands – Berkeley Square Holding BV, the acquirer, is based in the Netherlands.
- United Kingdom – WPP plc, the parent company of the acquiring firm, is headquartered in London, UK.
Industry
- Advertising Services – The article is centered around the acquisition within firms that primarily provide advertising services in Pakistan.
- Media Services – The article pertains to the acquisition of media service companies that will impact the broader media landscape in Pakistan.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley Square Holding BV | Acquirer | Company | A Netherlands-based holding company and subsidiary of WPP plc. |
| WPP plc | Parent Company of Acquirer | Company | One of the world's largest communications and advertising conglomerates headquartered in London, UK. |
| Ogilvy & Mather Pakistan (Private) Limited | Target Company | Company | A Pakistani advertising firm involved in the acquisition. |
| Mindshare Pakistan (Private) Limited | Target Company | Company | A Pakistani media and advertising firm involved in the acquisition. |
| Soho Square Pakistan (Private) Limited | Target Company | Company | A Pakistani advertising agency involved in the acquisition. |
| Taher Anwar Khan | Seller | Person | The individual selling a 50% shareholding in these Pakistani companies. |
| Interflow Communications (Private) Limited | Seller | Company | Involved in the sale of Mindshare Pakistan. |
| Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) | Regulatory Body | Government | The regulatory authority granting the merger approval under Section 31(1)(d)(i) of the Competition Act, 2010. |