UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
¨ | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended 31 December 2007
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
OR
¨ | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company report
Commission file number 0-16350
WPP Group plc
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
United Kingdom
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
27 Farm Street, London W1J 5RJ England
(Address of principal executive offices)
Andrea Harris, Esq. Group Chief Counsel
011-44-20-7408-2204
011-44-20-7493-6819
27 Farm Street, London W1J 5RJ England
(Name, Telephone, Facsimile number and Address of
Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
|
Not applicable | Not applicable |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Ordinary Shares of 10p each
(Title of Class)
American Depositary Shares, each representing five Ordinary Shares (ADSs)
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
At December 31, 2007, the number of outstanding ordinary shares was 1,191,491,263 which includes at such date ordinary shares represented by 19,568,295 ADSs.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
YES x NO ¨
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
YES ¨ NO x
Note Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES x NO ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ¨
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board x
Other ¨
If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ¨ Item 18 ¨
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES ¨ NO x
Forward-Looking Statements
In connection with the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Reform Act), the Company as defined below may include forward-looking statements (as defined in the Reform Act) in oral or written public statements issued by or on behalf of the Company. These forward-looking statements may include, among other things, plans, objectives, projections and anticipated future economic performance based on assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. As such, actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors which may cause actual results to differ include but are not limited to: the unanticipated loss of a material client or key personnel, delays or reductions in client advertising budgets, shifts in industry rates of compensation, regulatory compliance costs or litigation, natural disasters or acts of terrorism, the Companys exposure to changes in the values of other major currencies other than the UK pound sterling (because a substantial portion of its revenues are derived and costs incurred outside of the United Kingdom) and the overall level of economic activity in the Companys major markets (which varies depending on, among other things, regional, national and international political and economic conditions and government regulations in the worlds advertising markets). In addition, you should consider the risks described in Item 3.D., captioned Risk Factors, below, which could also cause actual results to differ from forward-looking information. In light of these and other uncertainties, the forward-looking statements included in this document should not be regarded as a representation by the Company that the Companys plans and objectives will be achieved.
The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
Overview
WPP Group plc (WPP) and its subsidiaries and affiliates comprise one of the largest communication services businesses in the world. As of 31 December 2007, the Group had approximately 90,000 employees. For the year ended 31 December 2007, the Group had revenue of approximately £6.2 billion and operating profit of approximately £805 million.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms Company, Group and Registrant as used herein shall mean WPP and its subsidiaries.
A. Selected Financial Data
The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, including the notes thereto.
WPP prepared its primary financial statements under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) extant in respect of 2004 (2004 UK GAAP) for the years up to and including the year ended 31 December 2004. For periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005, all listed companies in
1
the European Union, including WPP, were required to prepare their consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards including International Accounting Standards (IFRS). WPPs date of transition to IFRS was 1 January 2004. The selected financial data under IFRS is presented for four years.
The selected income statement data for the three years ended 31 December 2007 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 2007 and 2006 are derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, which appear elsewhere in this Form 20-F. The selected financial data for prior periods is derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the Companys Annual Reports on Form 20-F.
The reporting currency of the Group is the pound sterling and the selected financial data has been prepared on this basis.
Selected Consolidated Income Statement Data under IFRS 1
Year ended 31 December | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||||
£m | £m | £m | £m | |||||||||
Revenue |
6,185.9 | 5,907.8 | 5,373.7 | 4,299.5 | ||||||||
Operating profit |
804.7 | 741.6 | 652.8 | 475.5 | ||||||||
Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent |
465.9 | 435.8 | 363.9 | 273.0 | ||||||||
Earnings per ordinary share: |
||||||||||||
Basic |
39.6 | p | 36.3 | p | 30.3 | p | 24.0 | p | ||||
Diluted |
38.0 | p | 35.2 | p | 29.7 | p | 23.4 | p | ||||
Earnings per ADS 2 : |
||||||||||||
Basic |
198.0 | p | 181.5 | p | 151.5 | p | 120.0 | p | ||||
Diluted |
190.0 | p | 176.0 | p | 148.5 | p | 117.0 | p | ||||
Cash dividends per ordinary share |
11.93 | p | 9.94 | p | 8.28 | p | 6.90 | p | ||||
Cash dividends per ADS (US dollars) 3 |
113.3 | c | 90.9 | c | 75.7 | c | 58.9 | c |
Selected Consolidated Profit and Loss Account Data under 2004 UK GAAP 1
2003
Restated 4 |
||
£m | ||
Revenue |
4,106.0 | |
Operating profit |
415.3 | |
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation |
349.9 | |
Profit attributable to ordinary share owners |
208.4 | |
Earnings per ordinary share: |
||
Basic |
18.7p | |
Diluted |
18.2p | |
Earnings per ADS 2 : |
||
Basic |
93.5p | |
Diluted |
91.0p | |
Cash dividends per ordinary share |
6.48p | |
Cash dividends per ADS (US dollars) 3 |
53.0c |
2
Selected Consolidated Income Statement Data under US GAAP
2003 | ||
£m | ||
Operating profit |
294.7 | |
Net income |
86.6 | |
Earnings per ordinary share before the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle: |
||
Basic |
7.8p | |
Diluted |
7.6p | |
Earnings per ordinary share after the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle: |
||
Basic |
7.8p | |
Diluted |
7.6p | |
Earnings per ADS before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 2 : |
||
Basic |
39.0p | |
Diluted |
38.0p | |
Earnings per ADS after the cumulative change in accounting principle 2 : |
||
Basic |
39.0p | |
Diluted |
38.0p | |
Cash dividends per ordinary share |
5.75p | |
Cash dividends per ADS (US dollars) 3 |
44.6c |
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data under IFRS 1
As of 31 December | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||
£m | £m | £m | £m | |||||
Total assets |
17,252.0 | 14,695.9 | 14,389.1 | 10,689.2 | ||||
Net assets |
4,094.8 | 3,918.4 | 3,985.8 | 3,065.7 | ||||
Capital stock |
119.2 | 124.1 | 125.3 | 118.5 | ||||
Number of shares (in millions) |
1,191.5 | 1,240.6 | 1,252.9 | 1,185.3 |
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data under 2004 UK GAAP 1
As of
31 December |
||
2003 Restated 4 | ||
£m | ||
Total assets |
10,697.5 | |
Net assets |
3,815.8 | |
Capital stock |
118.7 | |
Number of shares (in millions) |
1,187.4 |
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data under US GAAP
As of 31 December |
||
2003 | ||
£m | ||
Total assets |
10,412.3 | |
Net assets |
3,760.1 |
Notes
1 |
As permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the selected financial data under IFRS is presented for four years, and the selected financial data under 2004 UK GAAP is presented for the preceding year in a separate table for informational purposes. |
2 |
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS have been calculated using the same method as earnings per share, multiplied by a factor of five. |
3 |
The figures have been translated for convenience purposes only, using an approximate average rate for the year. This conversion should not be construed as a representation that the pound sterling amounts actually represent, or could be converted into, US dollars at the rates indicated. |
4 |
Restated on implementation of UITF 38 (Accounting for ESOP Trusts). |
3
Dividends
Dividends on the Companys ordinary shares, when paid, are paid to share owners as of a record date, which is fixed by the Company.
The table below sets forth the amounts of interim, final and total dividends paid on the Companys ordinary shares in respect of each fiscal year indicated. In the United States, the Companys ordinary shares are represented by American Depositary Shares (ADSs), which are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) or held in book-entry form. The dividends are also shown translated into US cents per ADS using the average Bloomberg Closing Mid Point rate for pounds sterling, as shown below, for each year presented.
Pence per ordinary share
|
US cents per ADS
|
|||||||||||
Year ended 31 December: | Interim | Final | Total | Interim | Final | Total | ||||||
2003 |
2.08 | 4.40 | 6.48 | 17.01 | 35.98 | 52.99 | ||||||
2004 |
2.50 | 5.28 | 7.78 | 22.91 | 48.38 | 71.29 | ||||||
2005 |
3.00 | 6.34 | 9.34 | 27.28 | 57.66 | 84.94 | ||||||
2006 |
3.60 | 7.61 | 11.21 | 33.18 | 70.13 | 103.31 | ||||||
2007 |
4.32 | 9.13 | 13.45 | 43.24 | 91.39 | 134.63 |
The 2007 interim dividend was paid on 12 November 2007 to share owners on the register at 12 October 2007. The 2007 final dividend is expected to be paid on 7 July 2008 to share owners on the register at 6 June 2008. The Annual General Meeting to approve the final dividend will be on 24 June 2008 and therefore the final dividend has not been included as a liability in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Exchange rates
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the pound sterling and the US dollar will affect the dollar equivalent of the pound sterling prices of the Companys ordinary shares on The London Stock Exchange Limited (The London Stock Exchange) and, as a result, are likely to affect the market price of the ADSs in the United States. US dollar amounts paid to holders of ADSs also depend on the sterling/US dollar exchange rate at the time of payment. The annual average of the daily Bloomberg Closing Mid Point rate for pounds sterling expressed in US dollars for each of the five years ended 31 December 2007 was:
Year ended 31 December | Average | |
2003 |
1.6356 | |
2004 |
1.8326 | |
2005 |
1.8189 | |
2006 |
1.8432 | |
2007 |
2.0019 |
The following table sets forth for each of the most recent six months, the high and low Bloomberg Closing Mid Point rates. As of 30 April 2008, the Bloomberg Closing Mid Point rate was 1.9832.
Month ended | High | Low | ||
30 November 2007 |
2.1101 | 2.0448 | ||
31 December 2007 |
2.0643 | 1.9765 | ||
31 January 2008 |
1.9888 | 1.9440 | ||
29 February 2008 |
1.9919 | 1.9424 | ||
31 March 2008 |
2.0296 | 1.9822 | ||
30 April 2008 |
1.9957 | 1.9628 |
4
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
The Company is subject to a variety of possible risks that could adversely impact its revenues, results of operations or financial condition. Some of these risks relate to the industries in which the Company operates while others are more specific to the Company. The following factors set out potential risks the Company has identified that could adversely affect it. See also the discussion of Forward-Looking Statements preceding Item 1.
The Company competes for clients in a highly competitive industry, which may reduce market shares and decrease profits.
The communications services industry is highly competitive and fragmented. The Companys principal competitors are other large multinational communications services companies, as well as regional and national advertising and/or marketing services firms and new media companies. In the communications services industry, service agreements with clients are generally terminable by the client upon 90 days notice. As such, clients may move their accounts to another agency on relatively short notice. In many cases, a WPP agency represents a client for only a portion of its advertising or marketing services needs or only in particular geographic areas, thus enabling the client continually to compare the effectiveness of the WPP agency against other agencies work. Many clients do not permit an agency working for them to represent competing accounts or product lines in the same market. A lesser number of companies will not permit any of the agencies owned by a communications service company to work on competing accounts or product lines in any market. These client conflict policies can and sometimes do prevent WPPs agencies from seeking and winning new clients and assignments. If WPPs agencies are unable to compete effectively in the markets in which they operate, WPPs market share and profits may decrease.
The Company receives a significant portion of its revenues from a limited number of large clients, and the loss of these clients could adversely impact the Companys prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.
A relatively small number of clients contribute a significant percentage of the Companys consolidated revenues. The Companys ten largest clients accounted for approximately 19% of revenues in the year ended 31 December 2007. The Companys clients generally are able to reduce advertising and marketing spending or cancel projects at any time for any reason. There can be no assurance that any of the Companys clients will continue to utilise the Companys services to the same extent, or at all, in the future. A significant reduction in advertising and marketing spending by, or the loss of one or more of, the Companys largest clients, if not replaced by new client accounts or an increase in business from existing clients, would adversely affect the Companys prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may be unable to collect balances due from any client that files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent.
The Company generally provides advertising and communications services to its clients in advance of its receipt of payment. The invoices for these services are typically payable within 30 to 60 days. In addition, the Company commits to media and production purchases on behalf of some of its clients. If one or more of its clients files for bankruptcy, or becomes insolvent or otherwise is unable to
5
pay for the services the Company provides, the Company may be unable to collect balances due to it on a timely basis or at all. In addition, in that event, media and production companies may look to the Company to pay for media purchases and production work to which it committed as an agent on behalf of these clients. The damages, costs, expenses or attorneys fees arising from the lack of payment could have an adverse effect on the Companys prospects, business, results of operations and financial condition. The reputation of the Companys agencies may also be negatively affected.
The Company is dependent on its employees.
The advertising and marketing services industries are highly dependent on the talent, creative abilities and technical skills of the personnel of the service providers and the relationships their personnel have with clients. The Company believes that its operating companies have established reputations in the industry that attract talented personnel. However, the Company, like all service providers, is vulnerable to adverse consequences from the loss of key employees due to competition among providers of advertising and marketing services for talented personnel.
The Company is exposed to the risks of doing business internationally.
The Company operates in 106 countries throughout the world. The Companys international operations are subject to a number of risks inherent in operating in different countries. These include, but are not limited to risks regarding:
|
currency exchange rate fluctuations; |
|
restrictions on repatriation of earnings; |
|
conflicts between the intent of various terms of the Companys client service contracts with global clients and possible interpretations of those terms based on local laws and business practices or changes therein; and |
|
changes in a specific countrys or regions political or economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets. |
The occurrence of any of these events or conditions could adversely affect the Companys ability to increase or maintain its operations in various countries.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect the Companys consolidated results of operations.
The Companys reporting currency is pounds sterling. However, the Companys significant international operations give rise to an exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates, since most of its revenues from countries other than the UK are denominated in currencies other than pounds sterling, including US dollars and Euros. Changes in exchange rates cause fluctuations in the Companys revenues when measured in pounds sterling.
The Company may have difficulty repatriating the earnings of its subsidiaries.
Any payment of dividends, distributions, loans or advances to the Company by its subsidiaries could be subject to restrictions on, or taxation of, dividends or repatriation of earnings under applicable local law, monetary transfer restrictions and foreign currency exchange regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Companys subsidiaries operate. If the Company is unable to repatriate the earnings of its subsidiaries it could have an adverse impact on the Companys ability to redeploy earnings in other jurisdictions where they could be used more profitably.
The Company is subject to recessionary economic cycles.
The Companys business is affected by recessionary economic cycles. Recessionary economic cycles may adversely affect the businesses of the Companys clients, which can have the effect of
6
reducing the amount of services they purchase from the Companys agencies and thus can materially adversely affect the Companys consolidated results of operations.
The Company may be unsuccessful in evaluating material risks involved in completed and future acquisitions.
The Company regularly reviews potential acquisitions of businesses that are complementary to its businesses. As part of the review the Company conducts business, legal and financial due diligence with the goal of identifying and evaluating material risks involved in any particular transaction. Despite the Companys efforts, it may be unsuccessful in ascertaining or evaluating all such risks. As a result, it might not realise the intended advantages of any given acquisition. If the Company fails to realise the expected benefits from one or more acquisitions, the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
The Company may be unsuccessful in integrating any acquired operations with its existing businesses.
The Company may experience difficulties in integrating operations acquired from other companies. These difficulties include the diversion of managements attention from other business concerns and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired operations. Acquisitions also frequently involve significant costs related to integrating information technology, accounting and management services, rationalising personnel levels and implementing internal controls. If the Company experiences difficulties in integrating one or more acquisitions, the Companys business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets recorded on the Companys balance sheet with respect to acquired companies may become impaired.
The Company has a significant amount of goodwill and other acquired intangible assets recorded on its balance sheet with respect to acquired companies. The Company annually tests the carrying value of goodwill for impairment. The estimates and assumptions about results of operations and cash flows made in connection with impairment testing could differ from future actual results of operations and cash flows. In addition, future events could cause the Company to conclude that the asset values associated with a given operation have become impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material impact on the Companys financial condition and results of operations.
The Company may use ordinary shares, incur indebtedness, expend cash or use any combination of ordinary shares, indebtedness and cash for all or part of the consideration to be paid in future acquisitions that would result in additional goodwill being recorded on the Companys balance sheet.
The Company may be subject to certain regulations that could restrict the Companys activities.
From time to time, governments, government agencies and industry self-regulatory bodies in the United States, European Union and other countries in which the Company operates have adopted statutes, regulations and rulings that directly or indirectly affect the form, content and scheduling of advertising, public relations and public affairs, and market research, or otherwise affect the activities of the Company and its clients. For further discussion of such regulations, see the discussion in the Government Regulation section under Item 4B. Although the Company does not expect any existing or proposed regulations to materially adversely impact the Companys business, the Company is unable to estimate the effect on its future operations of the application of existing statutes or regulations or the extent or nature of future regulatory action.
7
The Company may be exposed to liabilities from allegations that certain of its clients advertising claims may be false or misleading or that its clients products may be defective.
The Company may be, or may be joined as, a defendant in litigation brought against its clients by third parties, its clients competitors, governmental or regulatory authorities or consumers. These actions could involve claims alleging, among other things, that:
|
advertising claims made with respect to the Companys clients products or services are false, deceptive, misleading, or offensive; |
|
the Companys clients products are defective or injurious and may be harmful to others; or |
|
marketing, communications or advertising materials created for the Companys clients infringe on the proprietary rights of third parties since client-agency contracts generally provide that the agency agrees to indemnify the client against claims for infringement of intellectual property rights. |
The damages, costs, expenses or attorneys fees arising from any of these claims could have an adverse effect on the Companys prospects, business, results of operations and financial condition to the extent that we are not adequately insured against such risks or indemnified by the Companys clients. In any case, the reputation of the Companys agencies may be negatively affected by such allegations.
Civil liabilities or judgments against the Company or its directors or officers based on U.S. federal or state securities laws may not be enforceable in the U.S. or in England.
The Company is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. Some of the Companys directors and officers reside outside of the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of the directly owned assets of the Company are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for investors to effect service of process within the United States against the Company or its directors and officers or to enforce against them any of the judgments, including those obtained in original actions or in actions to enforce judgments of the U.S. courts, predicated upon the civil liability
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
The Company operates through a number of established global, multinational and national advertising and marketing services companies that are organised into four business segments. Our largest segment is Advertising and Media Investment Management where we operate the well-known advertising networks Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, JWT, Y&R, Grey Worldwide, Bates 141 and the Voluntarily United Group of Creative Agencies (United Group), as well as Media Investment Management companies such as MediaCom, Mediaedge:cia and MindShare. Our other segments are Information, Insight and Consultancy (where our operations are conducted through the Kantar Group), Public Relations and Public Affairs (where we operate through well-known companies such as Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & Wolfe, Hill & Knowlton, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and GCI Group) and Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications, (where our operations are conducted by B to D Group, Fitch, CommonHealth, Wunderman, Sudler & Hennessey, OgilvyOne Worldwide, Ogilvy Healthworld, 141 Worldwide, G2, OgilvyAction, 24/7 Real Media Inc and other companies).
The Companys ordinary shares are admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and trade on The London Stock Exchange and American Depositary Shares (which are evidenced by ADRs or held in book-entry form) representing deposited ordinary shares are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ). At 30 April 2008 the Company had a market capitalisation of £7.3 billion.
The Companys executive office is located at 27 Farm Street, London W1J 5RJ, England, Tel: (44) 20-7408-2204 and its registered office is located at Pennypot Industrial Estate, Hythe, Kent CT21 6PE, England.
8
A. History and Development of the Company
On or about 25 October 2005, the company originally named WPP Group plc and now known as WPP 2005 Limited (Old WPP), completed a reorganisation of its capital and corporate structure through a scheme of arrangement pursuant to Section 425 of the UK Companies Act of 1985 (the Companies Act 1985), resulting in the formation of the Company as the new parent company of Old WPP. On 26 October 2005, the Company effected a reduction of capital, reducing the nominal value of each of its ordinary shares by 465p from 475p to 10p. This reduction of capital created distributable reserves of £5,843,422,695. Pursuant to Rule 12g-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), the Company succeeded to Old WPPs registration and periodic reporting obligations under the Exchange Act. On completion of the reorganisation, each shareholder of Old WPP received an ordinary share of the Company in place of every Old WPP ordinary share held prior to the reorganisation. Citibank, N.A., depositary for the ADSs representing Old WPP ordinary shares, canceled Old WPP ADSs held in book-entry form and issued ADSs representing ordinary shares of the Company to the holders. Holders of certificated ADSs, or ADRs, of Old WPP were entitled to receive Company ADSs upon surrender of the Old WPP ADRs to the Depositary. Each Old WPP ADS represented five ordinary shares of Old WPP and each Company ADS represents five ordinary shares of the Company.
Old WPP was incorporated and registered in England and Wales in 1971 and is a private limited company under the Companies Act 1985, and until 1985 operated as a manufacturer and distributor of wire and plastic products. In 1985, new investors acquired a significant interest in WPP and changed the strategic direction of the Company from being a wire and plastics manufacturer and distributor to being a multinational communications services organisation. Since then, the Company has grown both organically and by the acquisition of companies, most significantly the acquisitions of JWT Group, Inc. in 1987, The Ogilvy Group, Inc. in 1989, Young & Rubicam Inc. (Young & Rubicam or Young & Rubicam Brands, as the group is now known) in 2000, Tempus Group plc (Tempus) in 2001, Cordiant Communications Group plc (Cordiant) in 2003, Grey Global Group, Inc. (Grey) in 2005 and 24/7 Real Media Inc (TFSM) in 2007.
In July 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of TFSM. WPP paid £316.5 million in an all cash tender offer for TFSM. TFSM is a leading company in the global digital marketing industry. TFSMs digital media business, technology licensing and search marketing services strengthen WPPs position in digital marketing services.
The Company spent £744.4 million, £252.5 million and £719.9 million for acquisitions and investments in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, including payments in respect of loan note redemptions and earnout consideration resulting from acquisitions in prior years. For the same periods, cash spent on purchases of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets was £170.8 million, £184.5 million and £171.3 million, respectively, and cash spent on share repurchases and cancellations was £415.4 million, £257.7 million and £152.3 million respectively.
9
B. Business Overview
In 2007, revenues increased by 4.7% to £6.2 billion as compared to 2006. On a like-for-like basis, under which current year actual results on a constant currency basis (which include acquisitions from the relevant date of completion) are compared with prior year results, adjusted to include the results of acquisitions for the commensurate period in the prior year, revenues were up by 5.0%. See Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and Prospects for the Groups view on reviewing its businesses on a like-for-like and constant currency basis. Reported profit before interest and tax increased in 2007 by 8.1% to £846.1 million, including the effects of £44.1 million and £35.5 million of goodwill impairment charges taken on subsidiaries in 2007 and 2006, respectively, and £1.7 million and £8.8 million, respectively, of goodwill write-downs relating to utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses. Profit before tax in 2007 was up 5.5% to £719.4 million as compared to 2006 and diluted earnings per share increased by 8.0% to 38.0p.
The Companys business comprises the provision of communications services on a national, multinational and global basis. It operates from over 2,000 offices in 106 countries. The Company organises its businesses in the following areas: Advertising and Media Investment Management; Information, Insight and Consultancy; Public Relations and Public Affairs; and Branding and Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications (including direct, digital, promotion and relationship marketing).
Approximately 46% of the Companys reported revenues in 2007 were from Advertising and Media Investment Management, with the remaining 54% of its revenues being derived from the business segments of Information, Insight and Consultancy; Public Relations and Public Affairs; and Branding and Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications.
The following table shows, for the last three fiscal years, reported revenue attributable to each business segment in which the Company operates.
Revenue | 2007 |
% of Total in 2007 |
2006 |
% of Total in 2006 |
2005 |
% of Total in 2005 |
||||||
(£m) | (£m) | (£m) | ||||||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management |
2,871.3 | 46.4 | 2,806.9 | 47.5 | 2,606.4 | 48.5 | ||||||
Information, Insight and Consultancy |
905.4 | 14.6 | 892.9 | 15.1 | 810.4 | 15.1 | ||||||
Public Relations and Public Affairs |
641.4 | 10.4 | 595.7 | 10.1 | 534.4 | 9.9 | ||||||
Branding and Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications |
1,767.8 | 28.6 | 1,612.3 | 27.3 | 1,422.5 | 26.5 | ||||||
TOTAL |
6,185.9 | 100.0 | 5,907.8 | 100.0 | 5,373.7 | 100.0 |
The pattern of revenue growth also differed regionally. The following table shows, for the last three fiscal years, reported revenue attributable to each geographic area in which the Company operates and demonstrates the Companys regional diversity.
Revenue | 2007 |
% of Total in 2007 |
2006 |
% of Total in 2006 |
2005 |
% of Total in 2005 |
||||||
(£m) | (£m) | (£m) | ||||||||||
North America |
2,266.7 | 36.6 | 2,291.1 | 38.8 | 2,106.9 | 39.2 | ||||||
United Kingdom |
890.3 | 14.4 | 856.3 | 14.5 | 808.1 | 15.0 | ||||||
Continental Europe |
1,657.4 | 26.8 | 1,532.9 | 25.9 | 1,410.3 | 26.3 | ||||||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and Middle East |
1,371.5 | 22.2 | 1,227.5 | 20.8 | 1,048.4 | 19.5 | ||||||
TOTAL |
6,185.9 | 100.0 | 5,907.8 | 100.0 | 5,373.7 | 100.0 |
10
The Companys principal activities within each of its business segments are described below.
Advertising and Media Investment Management
Advertising
The principal functions of an advertising agency are the planning and creation of marketing and branding campaigns and the design and production of advertisements for all types of media such as television, cable, the internet, radio, magazines, newspapers and outdoor locations such as billboards.
The Companys principal advertising agencies include Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, JWT, Y&R, Grey Worldwide, the Voluntarily United Group of Creative Agencies and Bates 141. The Company also owns interests in ADK (22.9%); GIIR, Inc (29.0%); Singleton, Ogilvy & Mather in Australia (33.3%) and DYR Tokyo (49%).
Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide. Ogilvy & Mather is a full-service multinational advertising agency. Ogilvy & Mather was formed in 1948 and is headquartered in New York. Its strategy includes an integrated service offering known as 360 Degree Brand Stewardship ® , a business platform that enables Ogilvy & Mather to integrate its growing range of disciplines which now include OgilvyAction, Ogilvys brand activation company, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and Ogilvy Healthword. Ogilvy also brought digital and direct media back into their operations in 2005 as Neo@Ogilvy.
JWT . JWT, one of the worlds first advertising agencies, was founded in 1864 and is a full service multinational advertising agency headquartered in New York. JWTs relationships with a number of its major clients have been in existence for many years, exhibiting, management believes, an ability to adapt to meet the clients and markets new demands.
Y&R. Y&R, a full-service multinational advertising agency network headquartered in New York, was formed in 1923 and is now part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary model under Young & Rubicam Brands. Y&Rs clients also benefit from Y&Rs continued investments in its proprietary brand management tool, BrandAsset ® Valuator .
Grey Worldwide. Grey commenced operations in 1917 and was incorporated in 1925 as Grey Advertising Inc. Grey has offices in approximately 90 countries and was acquired by WPP in March 2005.
The Voluntarily United Group of Creative Agencies . In late 2005, WPPs Red Cell network was split in two parts, with nine of the former Red Cell offices forming the Voluntarily United Group of Creative Agencies. The group now includes Senora Rushmore United, Madrid; Berlin Cameron United, New York; Cole & Weber United, Seattle; WM United, Buenos Aires; United London; 1861 United, Milan; LDV United, Antwerp; BTS United, Oslo; and Les Ouvriers du Paradis United, Paris.
Bates 141 is an Asia-dedicated advertising and brand activation network. In 2007 several acquisitions were made to broaden the companys geographic coverage in key disciplines.
Media Investment Management
GroupM is WPPs global media investment management operation, serving as the parent company to agencies including MediaCom, Mediaedge:cia and MindShare. With its agencies, GroupM has capabilities in business science, consumer insight, communications and media planning implementation, interactions, content development, and sports and entertainment marketing. The primary purpose of GroupM is to maximise the performance of WPPs media agencies, operating not
11
only as a parent company but as a collaborator on performance-enhancing activities, such as trading, content creation, sports, digital, finance, tool development and other business-critical capabilities, in order to leverage the combination of GroupMs care and talent resources.
MediaCom . MediaCom became part of GroupM following the Grey acquisition in March 2005 and, as a part of the WPP family, was able to work together with sister media agencies, beginning to develop synergies in a number of relevant professional areas.
Mediaedge:cia . Mediaedge:cia was formed following the Groups acquisition of Tempus in 2001 with the merger of its core brand CIA with The MediaEdge. In addition to its media planning and implementation capability, Mediaedge:cia has established and is growing its operations in interaction (digital, direct & search), entertainment marketing, sports, sponsorship and event marketing, cause-related marketing, content development, return on investment (ROI) and consumer insights, and is now developing a retail marketing practice.
MindShare . MindShare was originally formed from the merger of the media departments of JWT and Ogilvy & Mather. MindShare has recently made significant investments in developing strategic resources, especially in the areas of communications planning, content, insights, digital and ROI, with its ambition moving from being marketing partners for their clients to being their business partners.
Information, Insight and Consultancy
To help optimise its worldwide research offering to clients, the Companys separate global research and strategic marketing consultancy businesses, which are described below, are managed on a centralised basis under the umbrella of the Kantar Group. The principal interests comprising the Kantar Group are:
Research International. RI, a large custom research company, specialises in a wide range of business sectors and areas of marketplace information including strategic market studies, brand positioning and equity research, customer satisfaction surveys, product development, international research and advanced modeling.
Millward Brown. MB is one of the worlds leading companies in advertising research, including pre-testing, tracking and sales modeling, and offers a full range of services to help clients market their brands more effectively.
IMRB International. IMRB is a leading market research business in India.
Kantar Media Research. In 2008, KMR brought together Kantars media audience research measurement assets to respond to client requirements in a new media environment. Products and services in the KMR portfolio include TGI, KMR Software, IntelliQuest CIMS, MARS Pharma and MARS Medical, as well as TV ratings businesses and media solutions through its equity interests in the following principal subsidiaries and investments:
AGBNielsen Media Research . AGBNielsen, a joint venture formed with Nielsen Media Research International, is a leading provider of television audience measurement systems worldwide.
BMRB International. BMRB is one of Europes largest and fastest growing full-service market research agencies. BMRB offers innovative research solutions through its network and partnerships with agencies worldwide.
IBOPE Media Information (the Company holds 31% of the total share capital) . IBOPE is one of Latin Americas leading media research businesses, which services national and multinational clients throughout the region in measurement and analysis of television ratings and advertising expenditures.
12
Lightspeed Research. Lightspeed provides online consumer panel access for tracking and ad hoc studies. Lightspeed also offers online proprietary panel products and solutions for such specialty consumer panels as healthcare, financial services, expectant and new mothers, automotive and family.
Public Relations and Public Affairs
Public Relations and Public Affairs companies advise clients who are seeking to communicate with consumers, governments and/or the business and financial communities. Public Relations and Public Affairs activities include national and international corporate, financial and marketing communications, crisis management, reputation management, public affairs and government lobbying. The Companys global networks in this area included Burson-Marsteller, Hill & Knowlton, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Cohn & Wolfe and GCI Group.
Burson-Marsteller. B-M, founded in 1953 and part of Young & Rubicam Brands, specialises in corporate and marketing communications, business-to-business services, crisis management, employee relations and government relations. The B-M network includes the businesses of Marsteller, a full service multimedia agency, and public affairs companies BKSH and Penn, Schoen & Berland.
Hill & Knowlton. H&K, founded in 1927, is a worldwide public relations and public affairs firm headquartered in New York. H&K provides national and multinational clients with a wide range of communications services including corporate and financial public relations, marketing communications, internal communication, change management, crisis communications and public affairs counseling. The Hill & Knowlton network also includes the businesses of Blanc & Otus, H&Ks stand-alone technology company, and Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates.
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. Part of the Ogilvy & Mather worldwide network, OPR is a leading public relations and public affairs firm based in New York with practice areas in marketing, health and medical, corporate public affairs and technology and social marketing. The firm has offices in key financial, governmental and media centres as well as relationships with affiliates worldwide.
Cohn & Wolfe. C&W, a Young & Rubicam Brands company, is an international public relations agency established in 1970. It offers marketing-related public relations for its clients and provides its clients with business results and marketing communications solutions.
GCI Group . GCI Group, Greys global public relations firm and part of Grey Group has expertise in five practices: Consumer marketing, corporate, digital media, healthcare and technology.
Branding and Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications
The Companys activities in this business area include branding and identity; healthcare communications; direct digital, promotional and interactive marketing; and other specialist communications services including custom media, demographic and sector marketing, sports marketing, and media and film production services.
Branding and Identity
B to D Group. This branding and design entity, formed in 2005, consists of Landor Associates (a Young & Rubicam Brands company), The Brand Union (formerly Enterprise IG), VBAT, Addison Corporate Marketing, Lambie-Nairn and The Partners (a Young & Rubicam Brands company). The mission of the B to D Group is to maximise and leverage the strengths of each individual company in order to offer clients and prospects the most complete and compelling branding and design solutions. As part of the Group, the companies have access to new clients and untapped markets, as well as resources such as advanced knowledge sharing systems and financial tools. Employee exchange further enables the companies to share top-level strategic thinking, creativity and cultural knowledge.
13
Fitch. Fitch is a leading brand and design consultancy, operating across the three main geographical areas (Europe, the United States and Asia Pacific) for multinational clients and for those regional clients standing to benefit from a globally informed interdisciplinary approach.
BDG McColl. BDG McColl, Edinburghbased architects and interior designers, specialise in the design of commercial buildings and interiors.
BDGworkfutures. BDG workfutures is an international design consultancy focusing on strategy and design for working environments, working with corporate clients and within the Government sector.
Healthcare Communications
The Company has extensive expertise in healthcare communications, including the global networks of CommonHealth, Sudler & Hennessey (a Young & Rubicam Brands company), Ogilvy Healthworld (part of the Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide network) and GHG (part of Grey Group).
Direct, Digital, Promotion and Relationship Marketing
The Company has a number of operating businesses in this category, including:
|
A. Eicoff & Co which specialises in targeted cable and broadcast television advertising. |
|
Bridge Worldwide , acquired in 2005, which brings strong capabilities in the interactive and relationship marketing space. |
|
EWA which specialises in data and relationship management services. |
|
G2 , part of Grey Group, unifies all of the specialised marketing communications services into a global network providing services in branding and design, data consulting, direct communications, interactive marketing, and promotion, trade and shopper marketing. |
|
Headcount Worldwide Field Marketing which offers field marketing and brand development services, supported by strong customer relationship skills. |
|
KnowledgeBase Marketing (KBM), a Young & Rubicam Brands company, which provides information-based marketing solutions to businesses in targeted high-growth industries. KBMs capabilities include data warehousing, data mining, information services and data analysis. |
|
Mando Brand Assurance is a UK-based global promotional risk management company, underwriting marketing activity for major international brands. |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide , part of the Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide network, which is a direct marketing group, offering online marketing consulting and also traditional direct marketing communications such as direct response advertising techniques. |
|
RMG Connect is a global operation which consolidates all of JWTs customer relationship marketing offerings. |
|
V ML , headquartered in Kansas City and part of Young & Rubicam Brands, which specialises in digital and interactive services. |
|
Wunderman , part of Young & Rubicam Brands, an integrated marketing solutions company that delivers customer relationship management services to its clients. Since 2005, Wunderman has acquired several digital companies, including Aqua Online, AGENDA, Blast Radius and ZAAZ, to enhance its offer to clients. |
|
Ogilvy Action , part of the Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide network, is a global marketing services network whose offers include shopper & trade marketing, experiential marketing, digital, retail design and sports & entertainment sponsorship. |
14
Specialist Communications
Custom media
|
Forward is a full service custom media specialist, whose services include magazines, catalogues, magalogues, mini-zines, e-zines, web content and direct mail. |
|
Spafax creates entertainment and communication experiences for customers and travellers both onboard and on the ground, specialising in inflight entertainment, revenue generation, publishing and technical solutions. |
Corporate/B2B
|
Ogilvy Primary Contact is a UK-based provider of business-to-business, financial and corporate advertising. |
Demographic marketing
|
The Bravo Group, MosaicaMD, Kang & Lee and WINGLATINO create multicultural marketing and communications programmes targeted to the fast-growing US Hispanic, African-American and Asian communities. Their multidisciplinary services include advertising, promotion and event marketing, public relations, research and direct marketing. The Bravo Group, MosaicaMD and Kang & Lee are part of Young & Rubicam Brands. WINGLATINO is part of Grey Group. |
Event/face-to-face marketing
|
MJM is a full-service communications company for live events, meetings, exhibits, trade shows, brand theatre and training, serving clients around the world. |
Foodservice marketing
|
The Food Group specialises in targeted food advertising, marketing, and culinary and technology solutions. In 2007, the company added a new division, Nutrition and Culinary Consultants (NCC) which provides strategic, science-based guidance to the food, beverage and wellness industries. |
Youth marketing
|
The Geppetto Group assists clients in communicating their products and services to the youth market (children and teenagers) and implementing creative branding solutions. |
Real estate marketing
|
Pace is one of the largest specialists in the real estate communications market in the United States, offering comprehensive services in the marketing of both commercial and residential property to developers, builders and real estate agents. |
Technology marketing
|
Banner Corporation is a European marketing communications firm specialising in the technology sector. Banner is part of Young & Rubicam Brands. |
Sports marketing
|
Global Sportnet is an international sports and entertainment marketing agency specialising in the marketing of exclusive and worldwide broadcasting and marketing rights to European football matches and the sponsorship consultancy of blue-chip clients across various sports. They also launched the Performance joint venture with MindShare to create a dedicated sports and entertainment sponsorship consultancy. |
15
|
PRISM Group , on a global basis, offers sports marketing and consultancy, event management, public relations and communication design. |
Media & production services
|
Metro Group provides a diverse range of technical and creative services, including multimedia, film, video and asset archiving, equipment sales and post-production systems to clients in the UK. |
|
The Farm Group , headquartered in the UK, is a film and video production services company. |
WPP Digital
|
WPP Digital makes acquisitions and strategic investments in companies that improve the Groups digital offer and its understanding of the digital space and provides access for WPP companies and their clients to a portfolio of digital experts. WPP Digital comprises a number of full-service interactive agencies, including Schematic, BLUE and Quasar, technology-led digital marketing company 24/7 Real Media Inc, as well as investments in businesses providing creative services, analytics, mobile marketing, in-game advertising, video and social networking services. |
Manufacturing
The original business of the Group remains as the manufacturing division, which operates through subsidiaries of Wire and Plastic Products Limited. The division produces a wide range of products for commercial, industrial and retail applications.
WPP Group plc
WPP, the parent company, develops the professional and financial strategy of the Group, promotes operating efficiencies, coordinates cross referrals of clients among the Group companies and monitors the financial performance of its operating companies. The principal activity of the Group is the provision of communications services worldwide. WPP acts only as the parent company and does not trade. The parent company complements the operating companies in three distinct ways:
|
First, the parent company relieves them of much administrative work. Financial matters (such as planning, budgeting, reporting, control, treasury, tax, mergers, acquisitions, investor relations, legal affairs and internal audit) are co-ordinated centrally. |
|
Secondly, the parent company encourages and enables operating companies of different disciplines to work together, both for the benefit of clients and for the job satisfaction of our people. The parent company also plays an across-the-Group role in the following functions: the management of talent, including recruitment and training; in property management; in procurement, information technology; and in knowledge sharing and practice development. |
|
And, finally, WPP itself can function as the 21 st century equivalent of the full-service agency. For some clients, predominantly those with a vast geographical spread and a need for marketing services ranging from advertising through design and website construction to research and internal communications, WPP can act as a portal to provide a single point of contact and accountability. |
The parent company operates with a limited group of approximately 300 people at the centres in London, New York and Hong Kong.
16
WPP Strategy
The Group has three strategic priorities:
|
First, in the short term, having weathered the internet bust successfully, to build on the solid base we have established and prepare for any deterioration in the real economy, which we believe will be more severe in 2009, following the recent financial crisis. |
|
Second, in the medium term, to build upon the successful base we have established with the acquisition of Young & Rubicam Brands and Grey. At Grey, the new management structure is now in place and whatever integration targeted, now completed. Grey Advertising still needs to improve rates of revenue growth and GHG needs to overcome the impact of FDA non-approvals on products that clients have assigned to them. At Young & Rubicam Brands, our plans are also largely implemented, the one remaining task being to continue to strengthen the Y&R advertising agency. |
|
Third, in the long term or over the next five to ten years, to increase the combined geographic share of revenues of Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe, from around 25% to one-third; to increase the share of revenues of marketing services from around 54% to two-thirds; and to increase the share of more measurable marketing services such as Information, Insight & Consultancy, and direct, interactive, internet and other digital media from around 40% of our revenues to 50%. |
Corporate Responsibility
The significance of corporate responsibility (CR) to the Companys business is continuing to increase. We focus our efforts on the issues we have identified as being most material (relevant and significant) to WPP. We consider five corporate responsibility issues to be of significance to WPP:
|
The social and environmental impact of our work for clients. |
|
The impact of our work, including marketing ethics, compliance with marketing standards, protection of consumer privacy, social and cause-related marketing. |
|
Employment, including diversity and equal opportunities, business ethics, employee development, remuneration, communication and health and safety. In 2007, WPP invested £38.6 million in training and wellbeing across the Group. |
|
Social investment, including pro bono work, donations to charity and employee volunteering. In 2007, our total social investment was worth £16.3 million, equivalent to 0.3% of revenue (2% of reported profit before tax). This includes £12.8 million in pro bono work (based on the fees the benefiting organisations would have paid for our work) and £3.5 million in donations. |
|
Climate change, including the emissions from energy used in our offices and during business travel. We have set a target to reduce our CO 2 emissions by 20% by 2010. In 2007 WPP was carbon neutral. |
Clients
The Group services over 340 of the Fortune Global 500 companies, over one-half of the NASDAQ 100 and over 30 of the Fortune e-50. Over 600 clients are served in three distinct disciplines. More than 370 clients are served in four disciplines and these clients account for 58% of Group revenues. The Group also works with over 270 clients in six or more countries. The Companys ten largest clients in 2007, measured by revenues, were BAT, Ford, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft Food, Microsoft, Nestlé, Proctor & Gamble and Unilever. Together, these clients accounted for approximately 19% of the Companys revenues in 2007. No client of the Company represented more than 6% of the Companys aggregate revenues in 2007. The Groups companies have maintained long-standing relationships with many of its clients, with an average length of relationship for the top 10 clients of approximately 50 years.
17
Acquisitions
Total initial cash consideration spent on acquisitions and investments, less cash and cash equivalents acquired, was £587.9 million in 2007. WPP or its operating companies acquired, made an investment in or increased their existing equity stake in a number of companies in 2007, identified below:
18
These Days |
Belgium |
|
Blast Radius |
Canada |
|
141 1 |
Chile |
|
China Broadband 1 |
China |
|
Quisma |
Germany |
|
OOT |
Italy |
|
Lee & Jang |
Korea |
|
O&M Interactive 1 |
Mexico |
|
GSCS |
Middle East |
|
Aqua Online |
South Africa |
|
Monday |
Thailand |
|
WPP Digital |
||
24/7 Real Media Inc |
USA |
|
Johannes Leonardo |
USA |
|
Media Rights Capital |
USA |
|
Schematic |
USA |
|
Spot Runner 1 |
USA |
|
VideoEgg |
USA |
|
Visible Technologies |
USA |
|
Visible World 1 |
USA |
|
Iconmobile |
Germany |
|
Quasar |
India |
|
Blue Interactive |
Singapore |
Notes
1 |
Increased stake |
In the first quarter of 2008, the Group has made acquisitions, investments or increased equity interests in Advertising and Media Investment Management in China, the UK, the Netherlands, Guatemala and the Middle East; in Information, Insight & Consultancy in China and the US; in Specialist Communications in India and Germany, and in Public Relations and Public Affairs in China.
Government Regulation
From time to time, governments, government agencies and industry self-regulatory bodies in the United States, European Union and other countries in which the Company operates have adopted statutes, regulations, and rulings which directly or indirectly affect the form, content, and scheduling of advertising, public relations and public affairs, and market research, or otherwise affect the activities of the Company and its clients. Some of the foregoing relate to privacy and data protection and general considerations such as truthfulness, substantiation and interpretation of claims made, comparative advertising, relative responsibilities of clients and advertising, public relations and public affairs firms, and registration of public relations and public affairs firms representation of foreign governments.
In addition, there is an increasing tendency towards expansion of specific rules, prohibitions, media restrictions, labeling disclosures and warning requirements with respect to advertising for certain products, such as over-the-counter drugs and pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, food and certain alcoholic beverages, and to certain groups, such as children.
19
Proposals have been made for the adoption of additional laws and regulations that could further restrict the activities of advertising, public relations and public affairs, and market research firms and their clients. Though the Company does not expect any existing or proposed regulations to materially adversely impact the Companys business, the Company is unable to estimate the effect on its future operations of the application of existing statutes or regulations or the extent or nature of future regulatory action.
20
C. Organizational Structure
The Companys business comprises the provision of communications services on a national, multinational and global basis. It operates from over 2,000 offices in 106 countries. The Company organises its businesses in the following areas: Advertising and Media Investment Management; Information, Insight and Consultancy; Public Relations and Public Affairs; and Branding and Identity, Healthcare, and Specialist Communications (including direct, digital promotion and relationship marketing). A listing of the Group brands operating within these business segments as at April 2008 is set forth below.
Advertising |
Media Investment Management |
|
ADK 1 |
Group M: | |
Bates 141 |
MAXUS | |
BrandBuzz 5 |
MediaCom | |
CHI & Partners 1 |
Mediaedge:cia | |
DaVinci |
MindShare | |
Dentsu Y&R 1, 2, 5 |
Outrider | |
Diamond Ogilvy |
BrandAmp 2 | |
Grey 8 |
Other media agencies | |
HS Ad 1 |
Kinetic Worldwide 2 | |
JWT |
KR Media 1 | |
Johannes Leonardo 1,4 |
||
Marsteller Advertising 5 |
||
Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide |
||
Santo |
||
Soho Square |
||
TAPSA |
||
The Voluntarily United Group of Creative Agencies |
||
Y&R 5 |
Information, Insight & Consultancy |
Public Relations & Public Affairs |
|
The Kantar Group: |
BKSH 5 | |
Added Value Group |
Blanc & Otus | |
BMRB International |
Buchanan Communications | |
BPRI |
Burson-Marsteller 5 | |
Cannondale Associates |
Chime Communications PLC 1 | |
Center Partners |
Clarion Communications | |
Glendinning |
Cohn & Wolfe 5 | |
Henley Centre HeadlightVision Yankelovich |
Dewey Square Group | |
IMRB International |
Finsbury | |
Japan Kantar Research |
GCI Group 8 | |
Kantar Operations |
Hill & Knowlton | |
KMR Group |
Ogilvy Government Relations | |
AGBNielsen Media Research 2 |
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide | |
IBOPE Media Information 1 |
The PBN Company 1 | |
Marktest 1 |
Penn, Schoen & Berland 5 | |
Mediafax |
Public Strategies | |
Lightspeed Research |
Quinn Gillespie | |
Management Ventures |
Robinson Lerer & Montgomery 5 | |
Mattson Jack Group |
Timmons and Company | |
Millward Brown |
Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates | |
Research International |
||
RMS Instore |
||
Ziment Group |
||
Other marketing consultancies: |
||
Everystone ohal |
21
Branding & Identity Addison Corporate Marketing 7 BDGMcColl BDGworkfutures Coley Porter Bell Dovetail FITCH Lambie-Nairn 7 Landor Associates 5, 7 The Brand Union 7 The Partners 7 VBAT 7 Warwicks
Healthcare Communications CommonHealth Feinstein Kean Healthcare GHG 8 Ogilvy Healthworld Sudler & Hennessey 5
Direct, Digital, Promotion & Relationship Marketing A. Eicoff & Co AGENDA 5, 6 AquaOnline 5, 6 Blast Radius 5, 6 Bridge Worldwide Brierley & Partners 1 Dialogue Marketing Digit EWA FullSIX 3 GT 5 Grass Roots 1 G2 8 -G2 Branding & Design -G2 Interactive -G2 Direct & Digital -G2 Promotional Marketing Headcount Worldwide Field Marketing High Co 1 KnowledgeBase Marketing 5 Mando Brand Assurance Maxx Marketing OgilvyAction OgilvyOne Worldwide OOT 3 Plano.Trio RMG Connect RTC Relationship Marketing 5 Studiocom 5 These Days 5, 6 VML 5 Wunderman 5 ZAAZ 5, 6 141 Worldwide |
Specialist Communications Corporate/B2B Brouillard Ogilvy Primary Contact Custom media Forward Spafax Demographic marketing The Bravo Group 5 Kang & Lee 5 MosaicaMD UniWorld 1 WINGLATINO 8 Employer branding/recruitment JWT Inside Event/face-to-face marketing MJM FITCH Live Foodservice marketing The Food Group Sports marketing Global Sportnet OgilvyAction Sports & Entertainment Performance PRISM Group Entertainment marketing Alliance 8 Youth marketing The Geppetto Group G Whiz 8 Real estate marketing Pace Technology marketing Banner Corporation 5 Media & production services Clockwork Capital 1 The Farm Group Imagina 3 Metro Group
WPP Digital BLUE 4 24/7 Real Media 4 Quasar 4 Schematic 4 syzygy 1, 4
WPP Digital Partner Companies iconmobile 1 JumpTap 3 LiveWorld 3 Media Rights Capital 3 NuConomy 3 Spot Runner 3 VideoEgg 3 Visible Technologies 1 Visible World 3 WildTangent 3
WPP Knowledge Communities The Channel The Store |
Notes
1 |
Associate |
2 |
Joint venture |
3 |
Investment |
4 |
WPP Digital |
5 |
A Young & Rubicam Brands Company |
6 |
Part of Wunderman network (Y&R Brands) |
7 |
A member of B to D Group |
8 |
A Grey Group Company |
As at April 2008
22
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
The majority of the Companys properties are leased, although certain properties which are used mainly for office space are owned in the United States (including the 370,000 net square foot Young & Rubicam headquarters office building located at 285 Madison Avenue in New York), Latin America (principally in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru), Europe (Spain) and in Asia (India) and manufacturing facilities are owned in the United Kingdom. Principal leased properties, which are accounted for as operating leases, include office space at the following locations:
Location | Use |
Approximate
square footage |
||
Worldwide Plaza, New York, NY |
Ogilvy & Mather, 141, OPR | 634,300 | ||
636 Eleventh Avenue, New York, NY 1 |
Ogilvy & Mather | 564,000 | ||
777 Third Avenue, New York, NY |
Grey Global Group | 438,300 | ||
200 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 1 |
Grey Global Group | 369,000 | ||
498 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY |
MindShare | 358,000 | ||
500/550 Town Center Drive, Dearborn, MI |
TeamDetroit, JWT, O&M, Y&R, Prism, Burrows, MJM | 282,900 | ||
466 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY |
JWT | 270,300 | ||
230 Park Ave South, New York, NY |
Burson-Marsteller, Landor, Sudler & Hennessey |
265,800 | ||
446 Interpace Pkwy, Parisppany, NJ |
CommonHealth | 166,400 | ||
350 North Orleans, Chicago, IL |
Ogilvy & Mather, OgilvyAction, MindShare, OPR, WOW, MBI, MEC, Maxus, Mediacom, G2 | 162,300 | ||
Darmstadter Landstrasse, Frankfurt, Germany |
Ogilvy & Mather / MindShare | 150,481 | ||
58 Jinbao Street, Beijing, China |
Ogilvy, Group M, Oracle Added Value | 145,200 | ||
114 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY |
Grey Global Group | 132,800 | ||
825 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY |
Mediaedge:cia | 129,600 | ||
303 Second Street, San Francisco, CA |
Y&R Advertising, Wunderman, Hill & Knowlton, Blanc & Otus, Mindshare, Mediaedge:cia, Burson Marsteller, Grey Global Group, Bravo, Fitch, JWT | 134,500 | ||
233 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL |
Y&R Advertising, Wunderman, Burson-Marsteller, Landor |
122,100 | ||
989 Changle Road, Shanghai, China |
Ogilvy, JWT, Group M, Hill & Knowlton | 120,900 | ||
160 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON |
JWT, H&K, Mindshare, Mediaedge | 106,200 | ||
10 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London, UK |
Ogilvy & Mather | 103,854 | ||
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL |
JWT, Hill & Knowlton, Research International, Chicago Focus | 101,500 | ||
27-8 Chamwon-dong Seocho-ku, Seoul, South Korea |
Diamond Ad Ltd. | 100,300 |
Notes
1 |
To be occupied in 2009. |
The Company considers its properties, owned or leased, to be in good condition and generally suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are used. See also Item 5Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. As of 31 December 2007, the fixed asset value (cost less depreciation) representing properties, both owned and leased, as reflected in the Companys consolidated financial statements was approximately £244.3 million.
23
The task of improving property utilisation continues to be a priority for the Group, with a portfolio of approximately 19 million square feet worldwide. In December 2002, establishment cost as a percentage of revenue was 8.4%, with a goal of reducing this ratio to 7.0% in the medium term. At the end of 2004 the establishment cost to revenue ratio reduced to 7.6% and by December 2005 this ratio improved further to 7.2%, driven by better utilisation and higher revenues. In 2006 and 2007 further improvements were made and this ratio reduced slightly to 6.9%.
See note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a schedule by years of future minimum rental payments to be made and future sublease rental payments to be received, as of 31 December 2007, under non-cancelable operating leases of the Company.
ITEM | 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
Not applicable.
24
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
Introduction
The Companys reporting currency is the UK pound sterling. However, the Companys significant international operations give rise to an exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group seeks to mitigate the effect of these structural currency exposures by borrowing in the same currencies as the operating (or functional) currencies of its main operating units. The majority of the Groups debt is therefore denominated in US dollars and euros, as these are the predominant currencies of revenues.
To neutralise foreign exchange impact and to better illustrate the underlying change in revenue and profit from one year to the next, the Company has adopted the practice of discussing results in both reportable currency (local currency results translated into pounds sterling at the prevailing foreign exchange rate) and constant currency (current and prior year local currency results translated into US dollars at a budget, or constant, foreign exchange rate).
See Item 11 of this report for Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
A. Operating Results
Overview
The Company is one of the worlds most comprehensive marketing communications groups. It operates through a large number of established national, multinational and global advertising and marketing services companies. The Company offers services in four reporting segments:
|
Advertising and Media Investment Management, |
|
Information, Insight and Consultancy, |
|
Public Relations and Public Affairs, and |
|
Branding and Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications. |
In 2007, 46% of the Companys consolidated revenues were derived from Advertising and Media Investment Management, with the remaining 54% of its revenues being derived from the marketing services segments.
The Group has established the following financial and strategic objectives:
1. | To continue to raise operating margins (based on profit before interest and taxation, gains on disposal of investments, goodwill impairment and goodwill write-downs relating to utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses, amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets, and share of exceptional gains of associates) to the levels of the best performing competition. This performance measure is used by management to assess the performance of the business. Our operating margin measured on this basis increased 0.5 margin points to a record 15.0% in 2007 from 14.5% in 2006, in line with our objective. |
2. | To continue to increase flexibility in the cost structure by increasing our percentage of variable staff costs. Management believes this will afford the Company greater flexibility in the event revenue growth weakens. Peak flexibility historically was in 2000, at 6.6% of revenues in variable staff costs. Now at 7.4% in 2007, 7.7% in 2006 and 7.6% in 2005, the Group has seen new peaks in flexibility. |
25
3. | To improve total share owner return by maximising the return on investment on the Companys free cash flow across the alternatives of capital expenditure, mergers and acquisitions, and dividends or share buy-backs. |
4. | To continue to enhance the contribution of the parent company, beyond that of a financial holding company, to add value both to its clients and its people; and, further to focus on the companys role as a global corporate citizen by demonstrating leadership in corporate and social responsibility. |
5. | To place greater emphasis on revenue growth through our practice development activities, aimed at helping us position our portfolio in the faster-growing functional and geographic areas. |
6. | To improve further the quality of our creative output by increasing training and development programs, by recruiting external talent, by celebrating and rewarding outstanding creative success both tangibly and intangibly, by acquiring strong creative companies, and by encouraging, monitoring and promoting our companies achievements in winning creative awards. |
The following discussion is based on the Companys audited Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this report. The Groups consolidated financial statements have been prepared under IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards, incorporating International Accounting Standards).
The financial worlds sub-prime and insurance monoline credit crisis had little or no impact on the Groups financial performance in 2007. Despite the lack of any maxi-quadrennial or mini-quadrennial events, the Groups business model continued to deliver. All geographical and functional segments showed growth. Three geographical growth speeds remain though fastest growth in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe; a surprisingly steady speed in the United States; and a slower speed in Western Europe excluding Spain.
2007 also marked continued client focus on top-line growth, as corporate profitability, margins and liquidity continued to improve significantly. Corporate profitability remains at historically high levels on both sides of the Atlantic. This resulted in continued high levels of new business activity.
Network television price inflation and declining audiences, fragmentation of traditional media and rapid development of new technologies continued to drive experimentation by our clients in new media and non-traditional alternatives. 1998 was really the first year when WPPs marketing services activities represented over 50% of Group revenue. By 2004, these activities represented almost 54% of Group revenue. In 2005, they represented 52%, as Media Investment Management was again the fastest growing part of our business, following major success in winning media planning and buying consolidations, and reflected the first time inclusion of Grey Worldwide and MediaCom.
In 2006, the underlying relative strength of below-the-line services re-asserted itself, as marketing services grew to 52.5% of revenues. In 2007, they grew further to 53.8%. In addition, in 2007, our broadly-defined internet-related revenue was almost $2.8 billion or 23% of our worldwide reported revenue and our narrowly-defined internet-related revenue was almost $1.5 billion or 12% of our worldwide reported revenue. These are both more than the 10% for on-line medias share of total advertising spend both in the United States and worldwide. The new media continue to build their share of client spending.
Segment performance
As discussed earlier, management reviews the Groups businesses in constant currency to better illustrate the underlying trends from one year to the next. Further, management reviews the Groups businesses on a like-for-like basis, in which current year actual results on a constant currency basis
26
(which include acquisitions from the relevant date of completion) are compared with prior year, constant currency actual results adjusted to include the results of acquisitions for the commensurate period in the prior year. Management believes that discussing like-for-like revenues provides a better understanding of the Companys revenue performance and trends because it allows for more meaningful comparisons of current period revenue to that of prior periods. The following table reconciles reported revenue growth for 2007 and 2006 to like-for-like revenue growth for the same periods.
£m | ||||||
2005 Reportable Revenue |
5,374 | |||||
Impact of exchange rate changes |
(54 | ) | (1.0 | )% | ||
Changes in scope of consolidation |
285 | 5.3 | % | |||
2005 Revenue at comparable exchange rates and scope of consolidation |
5,605 | |||||
Like-for-like growth |
303 | 5.4 | % | |||
2006 Reportable Revenue |
5,908 | |||||
Impact of exchange rate changes |
(189 | ) | (3.2 | )% | ||
Changes in scope of consolidation |
170 | 2.9 | % | |||
2006 Revenue at comparable exchange rates and scope of consolidation |
5,889 | |||||
Like-for-like growth |
297 | 5.0 | % | |||
2007 Reportable Revenue |
6,186 |
To supplement the reportable currency segment information presented in note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the table below gives details of revenue growth by region and business segment on a reported, constant currency, and like-for-like basis.
Reported
Revenue growth %+/(-) |
Constant Currency
growth %+/(-) |
Like-for-Like
Revenue Growth %+/(-) |
||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
North America |
-1.1 | +8.7 | +7.6 | +10.3 | +3.8 | +4.6 | ||||||
United Kingdom |
+4.0 | +6.0 | +4.0 | +6.0 | +2.1 | +1.8 | ||||||
Continental Europe |
+8.1 | +8.7 | +7.0 | +9.0 | +3.9 | +5.1 | ||||||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East |
+11.7 | +17.1 | +13.7 | +18.3 | +10.9 | +9.6 | ||||||
Total Group |
+4.7 | +9.9 | +8.2 | +10.9 | +5.0 | +5.4 | ||||||
Reported
Revenue growth %+/(-) |
Constant Currency
growth %+/(-) |
Like-for-Like
Revenue Growth %+/(-) |
||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management |
+2.3 | +7.7 | +5.1 | +8.5 | +4.5 | +4.3 | ||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy |
+1.4 | +10.2 | +4.5 | +11.2 | +2.7 | +4.1 | ||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs |
+7.7 | +11.5 | +12.6 | +12.4 | +8.2 | +5.9 | ||||||
Branding and Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications |
+9.6 | +13.3 | +14.1 | +14.6 | +6.1 | +7.8 | ||||||
Total Group |
+4.7 | +9.9 | +8.2 | +10.9 | +5.0 | +5.4 |
27
The US continued to grow, with like-for-like revenue growth of almost 4%, Latin America remained one of the fastest growing regions, as it has been over the last three years, accelerating in the second half to almost 14%.
Asia Pacific remained strong across the region, with Mainland China and India growing fastest, with like-for-like revenue growth rates of over 31% and almost 23% respectively.
Continental Europe, although relatively more difficult, improved significantly in the second half, with like-for-like growth of almost 5%. In the final quarter, like-for-like growth was over 6%. In the UK, 2% like-for-like growth in the second half was broadly similar to the first half. As seen in the first half, but even more pronounced in the second half, rates of growth in Europe continued to be two-paced, with Western Continental Europe softer and Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the other CIS countries, in particular, more buoyant.
Of the big five Western European markets, Spain remained a stronger growth market (though there are now real estate bubble worries), although Germany and Italy began to show some renewed signs of life.
The faster-growing markets of Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe accounted for over 24% of revenues in 2007, against the target of one-third over the next 5-10 years.
Performance of the Groups businesses is reviewed by management based on profit before interest and taxation, gains on disposal of investments, goodwill impairment and goodwill write-downs relating to utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses, amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets, and share of exceptional gains of associates. A table showing these amounts by segment for each of the three years ended 31 December 2007 is presented in note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Related performance margins by region and business segment are shown below.
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||
North America |
17.3% | 17.0% | 16.6% | |||
United Kingdom |
12.0% | 11.4% | 10.5% | |||
Continental Europe |
13.5% | 12.7% | 12.5% | |||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East |
15.0% | 14.5% | 13.7% | |||
Advertising and Media Investment Management |
16.3% | 15.8% | 15.5% | |||
Information, Insight & Consultancy |
11.5% | 11.1% | 10.3% | |||
Public Relations & Public Affairs |
16.6% | 15.0% | 14.1% | |||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications |
14.2% | 14.1% | 13.6% |
2007 compared with 2006
Revenues Reported revenues were up 4.7% in 2007 to £6,185.9 million from £5,907.8 million in 2006. On a constant currency basis, revenue was up 8.2% and gross margin up 7.8%, with all regions showing revenue growth, as detailed in the table above. In 2007, acquisitions contributed £132.2 million to revenue. Acquisitions completed in 2006 did not make a material contribution to revenue. On a like-for-like basis revenues were up 5.0% and gross margin was up 5.1%. Like-for-like revenues were up 5.3% in the first half of 2007 and 4.8% in the second half, continuing the strong growth of 5.4% in 2006, with the fourth quarter of 2007 up 4.9%.
28
Operating costs Reported operating costs increased by 3.6%. Reported operating costs including direct costs (but excluding goodwill impairment and other goodwill write-downs, amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles and investment gains and write-downs) rose in 2007 by 4.2% and by 7.9% in constant currency (over 4.6 % on a like-for-like basis) from the previous year.
Staff costs excluding incentives (which include the costs of share based payments) in 2007 were up 4.6%. Charges for incentive payments (including the cost of share-based compensation) totaled £230.7 million in 2007 (£246.9 million in 2006), down 6.6%, which represents 20.6% (compared with 23.1%, in 2006) of operating profit before bonuses, income from associates, investment gains and write-downs, goodwill impairment and other goodwill write-downs, and amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets. Before these incentive payments, operating margins remained strong at 18.7%. The reported staff cost to revenue ratio improved 0.5 margin points to 58.3% compared with 58.8% in 2006.
Part of the Groups strategy is to continue to increase variable staff costs (freelance, consultants and charges for incentive payments, including share option charges) as a proportion of total staff costs and revenue, as this provides flexibility to deal with volatility in revenues and recessions or slow downs. Variable staff costs as a proportion of total staff costs was 12.7% in 2007, a marginal change of 0.3 percentage points from 13.0% in 2006.
Establishment costs as a proportion of revenues continued to improve slightly from 7.1% in 2006 to 6.9% in 2007, driven by better property utilisation and higher revenues.
Goodwill impairment charges of £44.1 million and £35.5 million were recorded in the years ended 31 December 2007 and 2006, respectively. The impairment charges relate to certain under performing businesses in the Group. In certain markets, the impact of current local economic conditions and trading circumstances on these businesses was sufficiently severe to indicate impairment to the carrying value of goodwill. Goodwill write-downs in relation to the utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses of £1.7 million and £8.8 million were taken in 2007 and 2006, respectively. These write-downs were due to the better than expected performance of certain acquisitions in the year, which enabled the utilisation of pre-acquisition tax attributes that previously could not be recognised at the time of acquisition due to insufficient evidence that they were recoverable. Additionally, in 2007 and 2006, an impairment charge on acquired intangible assets was recorded for £1.5 million, resulting from certain client relationships which were lost during the years concerned.
Operating profit Reported operating profit was up 8.5% to £804.7 million in 2007 from £741.6 million in 2006. Reported operating margins increased from 12.6% to 13.0%. Reported operating income, including income from associates, was £846.1 million in 2007, up 8.1% from £782.7 million in 2006. Reported operating margins, including income from associates, were 13.7% and 13.2% in 2007 and 2006, respectively. While margins improved overall they were negatively impacted by 1.4% in 2007 and 1.5% in 2006 due to goodwill impairment and other goodwill write-downs, and amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles taken on subsidiaries in each year. The impact of profits on disposal of equity investments was immaterial in both 2007 and 2006. Operating margins, including income from associates, increased to 15.0% in 2007 from 14.5% in 2006 before investment gains, goodwill impairment and other goodwill write-downs, and amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets and share of exceptional gains of associates. For 2007, the post-acquisition contribution of all acquisitions to the Groups operating profit was £14.7 million. For 2006, the post-acquisition contribution of acquisitions to the Groups operating profit was not material.
The Group has released £16.8 million in 2007 to operating profit relating to excess provisions and other balances established in respect of acquisitions completed prior to 2006 and £10.6 million in 2006 related to acquisitions completed prior to 2005. Further details of the Groups approach to acquisition accounting is given in Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
29
Finance income/costs Finance income increased to £139.4 million in 2007 from £111.0 million in 2006 mainly due to higher interest rates on higher cash balances. Finance costs increased to £266.1 million in 2007 from £211.7 million in 2006, reflecting higher interest rates on variable interest rate debt. Therefore, net finance costs increased by £26 million, largely reflecting the higher interest rates, the impact of the cash cost of the acquisition of 24/7 Real Media Inc in July 2007, partly offset by the impact of improved liquidity as a result of a reduction in average working capital.
Taxes The Companys tax rate on reported profits in 2007 was 28.4% compared to 29.2% in 2006. This decrease reflects the continuing positive impact of the Groups tax planning initiatives.
Profit for the year Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent was £465.9 million in 2007 against £435.8 million in 2006. The increase was driven by improved results of operations during the year, partially offset by increased net finance costs.
2006 compared with 2005
Revenues Reported revenues were up 9.9% in 2006 to £5,907.8 million from £5,373.7 million in 2005. On a constant currency basis, revenue was up 10.9% and gross margin up 10.3%, with all regions showing revenue growth, as detailed in the table above. Acquisitions completed in 2006 did not make a material contribution to revenue. In 2005, acquisitions contributed £757.4 million to revenue including £695.0 million from the acquisition of Grey. On a like-for-like basis revenues were up 5.4% and gross margin was up 5.7%. Like-for-like revenues were up 5.0% in the first half of 2006 and 5.7% in the second half, continuing the strong growth of 5.5% in 2005, with the fourth quarter of 2006 accelerating to 7.2%. The fourth quarter was the Companys first $3 billion revenue quarter.
Operating costs Reported operating costs increased by 8.7%. Reported operating costs including direct costs (but excluding goodwill impairment and other goodwill write-downs, amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles and investment gains and write-downs) rose in 2006 by 9.3%, and by 10.1% in constant currency (over 4.3% on a like-for-like basis) from the previous year.
Staff costs excluding incentives (which include the costs of share based payments) in 2006 were up 9.1%. Charges for incentive payments (including the cost of share-based compensation) totaled £246.9 million in 2006 (£227.6 million in 2005), an increase of 8.4%, which represents 23.1% (compared with 24.0% in 2005) of operating profit before bonuses, investment gains and write-downs, goodwill impairment and other goodwill write-downs, and amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets. Before these incentive payments, operating margins increased 0.4 margin points in 2006 to 18.7% from 18.3% in 2005. The reported staff cost to revenue ratio improved 0.5 margin points to 58.8% compared with 59.3% in 2005.
Part of the Groups strategy is to continue to increase variable staff costs (freelance, consultants and charges for incentive payments, including share option charges) as a proportion of total staff costs and revenue, as this provides flexibility to deal with volatility in revenues. There was a slight deterioration in variable staff costs as a proportion of total staff costs in 2005. This ratio decreased to 12.8% in 2005 (including 1.0 percentage point attributable to share-based compensation), but in 2006 the ratio strengthened again to 13.0%.
Establishment costs as a proportion of revenues continued to improve slightly from 7.2% in 2005 to 7.1% in 2006, driven by better property utilisation and higher revenues.
Goodwill impairment charges of £35.5 million and £46.0 million were recorded in the years ended 31 December 2006 and 2005, respectively. The impairment charges relate to certain under-performing businesses in the Group. In certain markets, the impact of current local economic conditions and trading circumstances on these businesses was sufficiently severe to indicate impairment to the
30
carrying value of goodwill. Goodwill write-downs in relation to the utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses of £8.8 million and £1.1 million were taken in 2006 and 2005, respectively. These write-downs were due to the better than expected performance of certain acquisitions in the year, which enabled the utilisation of pre-acquisition tax attributes that previously could not be recognised at the time of acquisition due to insufficient evidence that they were recoverable. Additionally, in 2006, an impairment charge on acquired intangible assets was recorded for £1.5 million resulting from certain client relationships which were lost during the year. In 2005 no such impairment arose.
Operating profit Reported operating profit was up over 13.6% to £741.6 million in 2006 from £652.8 million in 2005. Reported operating margins increased from 12.1% to 12.6%. Reported operating income, including income from associates, was £782.7 million in 2006, up 14.0% from £686.7 million in 2005. Reported operating margins, including income from associates, were 13.2% and 12.8% in 2006 and 2005, respectively. While margins improved overall they were negatively impacted by 1.5% in 2006 and 1.3% in 2005 due to goodwill impairment and other goodwill write-downs, and amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles taken on subsidiaries in each year. Margins were positively impacted by 0.1% in 2006 and 2005 by profits on disposal of equity investments. Additionally, in 2006, margins were positively impacted by 0.1% due to share of exceptional gains of associates. Therefore, operating margins, including income from associates, increased to 14.5% in 2006 from 14.0% in 2005 before investment gains, goodwill impairment and other goodwill write-downs, and amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets and share of exceptional gains of associates. For 2006, the post-acquisition contribution of acquisitions to the Groups operating profit was not material. For 2005, the post-acquisition contribution of Grey to the Groups 2005 operating profit was £68.6 million, and the contribution of other acquisitions completed during the year was £6.0 million in the aggregate.
The Group has released £10.6 million in 2006 to operating profit relating to excess provisions and other balances established in respect of acquisitions completed prior to 2005 and £10.1 million in 2005 related to acquisitions completed prior to 2004. Further details of the Groups approach to acquisition accounting is given in Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Finance income/costs Finance income increased to £111.0 million in 2006 from £87.6 million in 2005 mainly due to higher interest rates on higher cash balances. Finance costs increased to £211.7 million in 2006 from £182.3 million in 2005, reflecting higher interest rates on variable interest rate debt. Therefore, net finance costs increased by £6.0 million, largely reflecting the higher interest rates, offset by the impact of improved liquidity as a result of a reduction in average working capital.
Taxes The Companys tax rate on reported profits in 2006 was 29.2% compared to 32.8% in 2005. This decrease reflects the continuing positive impact of the Groups tax planning initiatives, particularly in relation to Grey, which had a tax rate on acquisition in excess of 45%.
Profit for the year
Profit for the year attributable to
equity holders of the parent was £435.8 million in 2006 against £363.9 million in 2005. The increase was driven by improved results of operations completed during the year, partially offset by increased non-cash depreciation
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
General The primary sources of funds for the Group are cash generated from operations and funds available under its credit facility and US commercial paper program. The primary uses of cash funds in recent years have been for debt service and repayment, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases and cancellations and dividends. For a breakdown of the Companys sources and uses of cash see the Consolidated Cash Flow Statements included as part of the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18 of this Report.
31
The Company spent £744.4 million and £252.5 million for acquisitions and investments in 2007 and 2006, respectively, including payments on loan note redemptions and earnout consideration resulting from acquisitions in prior years. For the same periods, cash spent on purchases of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets was £170.8 million and £184.5 million, respectively, and cash spent on share repurchases and buy-backs was £415.4 million and £257.7 million, respectively.
As we expect that necessary capital expenditure, spent mainly on information technology and property, will remain approximately equal to the depreciation charge in the long-term, the Company has concentrated on examining potential acquisitions and on returning excess capital to share owners in the form of dividends and/or share buy-backs. Consistent with the objective, announced in 2006, of increasing the share buy-back programme to 4-5% of the Groups share capital in 2007 and 2008, in 2007, 59.19 million ordinary shares (of which 57.19 million were cancelled), or 4.7% of our share capital, were repurchased at a total cost of £415.4 million and average price of £7.03 per share.
The Board has decided to increase the final dividend by 20% to 9.13p per share, taking the full-year dividend to 13.45p per share for 2007.
The Groups liquidity is affected primarily by the working capital flows associated with its media buying activities on behalf of clients. The working capital movements relate primarily to the Groups billings. Billings comprise the gross amounts billed to clients in respect of commission-based/fee-based income together with the total of other fees earned. In 2007, billings were £31.666 billion, or 5.1 times the revenue of the Group. The inflows and outflows associated with media buying activity therefore represent significant cash flow within each month of the year and are forecast and re-forecast on a regular basis throughout the year by the Groups treasury staff so as to ensure that there is continuing coverage of peak requirements through committed borrowing facilities from the Groups bankers and other sources.
Liquidity risk management The Group manages liquidity risk by ensuring continuity and flexibility of funding even in difficult market conditions. Undrawn committed borrowing facilities are maintained in excess of peak net borrowing levels and debt maturities are closely monitored. Targets for average net debt are set on an annual basis and, to assist in meeting this, working capital targets are set for all the Groups major operations. See the discussions below for the Groups view on the use of net debt to measure net debt levels.
US commercial paper program The Group has a $1.4 billion US Commercial Paper Program using the Revolving Credit Facility as a backstop. The Groups borrowings under this program are notes issued in US dollars and swapped into other currencies as required. The average commercial paper outstanding since the launch of the program was $476 million at an average interest rate of 5.4%. There was no US Commercial Paper outstanding at 31 December 2007.
USA bonds At December 31, 2007, the Group had in issue $100 million of 6.875% bonds due July 2008 and $650 million of 5.875% bonds due June 2014.
Eurobonds In November of 2007, the Group issued 500 million of 5.25% bonds due January 2015. At December 31, 2007 the Group also had in issue 600m of 4.375% bonds due December 2013 and 650 million of 6.0% bonds due June 2008. In May 2008, the Group issued 750 million of 6.625% bonds due in 2016.
Sterling bond In April 2007, the Group issued £400 million of 6% bonds due April 2017. In November 2007 the Group issued £200 million of 6.375% bonds due November 2020.
32
Revolving credit facilities The Group has a $1.6 billion seven-year Revolving Credit Facility due August 2012. The Groups borrowings under this facility, which are drawn down predominantly in US dollars, Canadian dollars and pounds sterling, averaged $377 million in 2007 at an average interest rate of 5.95% inclusive of margin. The Group had available undrawn committed facilities of £759 million at 31 December 2007 (£817 million at 31 December 2006).
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are governed by certain financial covenants based on the results and financial position of the Group, including requirements that (i) the interest coverage ratio for each financial period equal or exceed 5.0 to 1 and (ii) the ratio of borrowed funds to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation at 30 June and 31 December in each year shall not exceed 3.5 to 1, both covenants as defined in the relevant agreement. The Group is in compliance with both covenants.
Convertible bonds During 2007, the Group redeemed £450 million of 2% convertible bonds on their due date of April 2007.
In March 2005, with the purchase of Grey Global Group Inc, the Group acquired $150 million of 5% convertible debentures due 2033. Each debenture holder has the right to require Grey and WPP (as co-obligor) to repurchase as of each of 28 October 2008, 2010 and 2013 all or a portion of the holders then outstanding debentures at par ($1,000 per debenture) plus the amount of accrued and unpaid interest. WPP has the unrestricted right to call the bond at par from 2013. Each $1,000 of principal amount is initially convertible into 11.820362 WPP ADSs and $499.31 of cash and is convertible at the option of the holder at any time. The effective interest rate on the liability component is 4.5%.
Hedging of financial instruments The Groups policy on interest rate and foreign exchange rate management sets out the instruments and methods available to hedge interest and currency risk exposures and the control procedures in place to ensure effectiveness. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risk and interest rate movements. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
As at 31 December 2007, the Groups net debt was £1,286 million, up £471 million from £815 million in 2006. Net debt averaged £1,458 million in 2007, against £1,153 million in 2006 (up £305 million at 2007 exchange rates).
Cash flow strengthened as a result of improved working capital management and cash flow from operations. In 2007, operating profit before investment gains and write-downs, goodwill impairment and other goodwill write-downs, amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets and non-cash based incentive compensation was £950 million, capital expenditure £171 million, depreciation £144 million, tax paid £151 million, interest and similar charges paid £106 million and other net cash inflows of £32 million. Free cash flow available for debt repayment, acquisitions, share buy-backs and dividends was therefore £698 million. This free cash flow was partially absorbed by £675 million in net acquisition payments and investments, share repurchases and cancellations of £415 million and dividends of £139 million. This resulted in a net outflow of £531 million.
The Group bases its internal cash flow objectives on free cash flow. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes free cash flow is meaningful to investors because it is the measure of our funds available for acquisition-related payments, dividends to shareowners, share repurchases and debt repayment. The purpose of presenting free cash flow is to indicate the ongoing cash generation within the control of the Group after taking account of the necessary cash expenditures of maintaining the capital and operating structure of the Group (in the form of payments of interest, corporate taxation and capital expenditure). Net working capital movements are excluded
33
from this measure since these are principally associated with our media buying activities on behalf of clients and are not necessarily within the control of the Group. This computation may not be comparable to that of similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
A tabular reconciliation of free cash flow is shown below.
2007 £m |
2006 £m |
2005 £m |
|||||||
Net cash inflow from operating activities |
891.3 | 661.4 | 837.5 | ||||||
Plus: |
|||||||||
Issue of shares |
34.8 | 70.9 | 20.3 | ||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
8.3 | 22.4 | 6.7 | ||||||
Less: |
|||||||||
Movements in working capital and provisions |
(25.4 | ) | 171.1 | (107.6 | ) | ||||
Gains/(losses) on sale of property, plant and equipment |
(1.0 | ) | 3.7 | (1.1 | ) | ||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
(151.1 | ) | (167.8 | ) | (160.5 | ) | |||
Purchase of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
(19.7 | ) | (16.7 | ) | (10.8 | ) | |||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
(38.9 | ) | (28.8 | ) | (24.0 | ) | |||
Free cash flow |
698.3 | 716.2 | 560.5 |
Because of the seasonal swings in our working capital generally, and those resulting from our media buying activities on behalf of our clients in particular, together with the fact that we choose for commercial reasons to locate the debt of the Group in particular countries and leave cash resources in others, though our cash resources could be used to repay the debt concerned, management believes that net debt, also a non-GAAP financial measure, is an appropriate and meaningful measure of the debt levels within the Group. We similarly believe average net debt to be a more accurate reflection of the amount of debt the Group has supporting its activities through the year.
The following table is an analysis of net debt.
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
£m | £m | £m | |||||||
Debt financing |
(3,325.9 | ) | (2,478.3 | ) | (1,919.2 | ) | |||
Cash and short-term deposits |
2,040.2 | 1,663.7 | 1,115.2 | ||||||
Net debt |
(1,285.7 | ) | (814.6 | ) | (804.0 | ) |
As at 31 December 2007, the Companys credit rating was BBB+ (S&P) and Baa2 (Moodys). These ratings have been at this level since 2003.
We believe that cash provided by operations and funds available under our credit facility and US commercial paper programme will be sufficient to meet the Groups anticipated cash requirements based upon our current forecast funding requirement and our ability to access capital and bank markets to refinance maturing debt.
Following approval by share owners at an Extraordinary General Meeting on 26 September 2005, and after obtaining Court approval, the Groups corporate structure was changed in October 2005. This primarily involved the introduction of a new parent undertaking in the UK. This reorganisation resulted in the creation of more than £5 billion of additional distributable reserves, which the Board considered necessary to cater for likely requirements for dividends and share repurchases in the medium to long term.
34
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
Not applicable.
D. Trend Information
The discussion below includes forward-looking statements regarding plans, objectives, projections and anticipated future performance based on assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. As such, actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. See Forward-Looking Statements elsewhere in this annual report.
Despite the recent financial crisis, the world economy continued to grow in 2007, after the recovery in both 2003 and 2004, driven by the United States, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and the other CIS countries. As a result, the Company performed at record levels in 2007. In addition, Africa showed significant signs of growth, no doubt stimulated by Chinese interest and investment and is increasingly becoming a continent of opportunity. The FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010 will have a significant impact in focusing further attention on the African continent.
Whilst like-for-like revenues have grown beyond market expectations, like-for-like average headcount has grown less. Following this productivity improvement, the Groups margins at the post-incentive level have improved. In addition, given improved levels of operating profit and margin, incentive pools and variable staff costs are now at around the highest levels. This should improve operational gearing and flexibility in 2008.
The budgets for 2008 have been prepared on a prudent basis, largely excluding new business, particularly in Advertising and Media Investment Management. They indicate improvements in like-for-like revenues at higher levels than at this time in 2007 (which were around 4.0% to 4.5%), with balanced growth in the first and second half of the year. They also indicate marketing services revenues growing faster than Advertising and Media Investment Management. In the first quarter of 2008 like for like revenues were up 4.8%.
In the first quarter of 2008, reported revenues rose by 14.1% to £1.558 billion from the first quarter of 2007. Revenues in constant currency were up 9.0%, reflecting the strength of the Euro overcoming the weakness of the US dollar against the pound sterling. On a like-for-like basis, excluding the impact of acquisitions and currency fluctuations, revenue growth was 4.8%, continuing the growth rates seen throughout 2007 and before. Net debt at 31 March 2008 was £2,152 million, compared to £1,410 million at 31 March 2007 (at constant exchange rates). Average net debt in the first quarter of 2008 was £1,669 million compared to £1,083 million in the corresponding period in 2007, at 2008 exchange rates. In the 12 months to 31 March 2008, the Groups free cash flow was £874 million. See Item 5BOperating and Financial Review and ProspectsLiquidity and Capital Resources above for the Groups view on basing its internal cash flow objectives on free cash flow. Over the same period, the Groups expenditure on capital, acquisitions, share repurchases and dividends was £1,423 million.
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Not applicable.
35
F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The following summarises the Companys estimated contractual obligations at 31 December 2007, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash flows in the future periods. Certain obligations presented below held by one subsidiary of the Company may be guaranteed by another subsidiary in the ordinary course of business.
Payments due in | ||||||||||||||
(£m) | Total | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
Beyond
2012 |
|||||||
Contractual obligations: |
||||||||||||||
Long-term debt 1 |
||||||||||||||
Eurobonds |
1,287.0 | 478.0 | | | | | 809.0 | |||||||
Sterling bonds |
600.0 | | | | | | 600.0 | |||||||
USA bonds |
378.2 | 50.4 | | | | | 327.8 | |||||||
Grey convertible bonds 2 |
75.7 | 75.7 | | | | | | |||||||
Other |
0.3 | 0.3 | | | | | | |||||||
Subtotal |
2,341.2 | 604.4 | | | | | 1,736.8 | |||||||
Interest payable |
786.6 | 114.9 | 94.6 | 94.6 | 94.6 | 94.6 | 293.3 | |||||||
Operating leases |
1,359.2 | 217.2 | 175.1 | 154.6 | 123.8 | 106.2 | 582.3 | |||||||
Capital commitments 3 |
24.1 | 20.2 | 3.9 | | | | | |||||||
Investment commitments 3 |
34.7 | 26.9 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 3.2 | | |||||||
Estimated obligations under acquisition earnouts |
319.0 | 57.3 | 62.8 | 85.4 | 65.0 | 48.5 | | |||||||
Total |
4,864.8 | 1,040.9 | 337.9 | 336.8 | 284.3 | 252.5 | 2,612.4 |
Notes
1 |
In addition to long-term debt, the Company had short-term overdrafts at 31 December 2007 of £977.9 million. |
2 |
The Grey convertible bonds are due for payment in 2033 but have been presented above as due in 2008 because each bond holder has the right to require Grey and WPP (as co-obligor) to repurchase as of each of 28 October 2008, 2010 and 2013 all or a portion of the holders then outstanding bonds at par plus accrued interest. |
3 |
Capital commitments include commitments contracted, but not provided for in respect of property, plant and equipment. Investment commitments include commitments contracted, but not provided for in respect of interests in associates and other investments. |
The Company expects to make annual contributions to its funded defined benefit schemes, as determined in line with local conditions and practices. Certain contributions in respect of unfunded schemes are paid as they fall due. In 2006 the Group implemented a funding strategy under which we expect to fully eliminate the deficit for funded schemes by 31 December 2010. Employer contributions in 2007 were £47.0 million (2006: £48.6 million) and are expected to be £39.4 million in 2008. Projections for years after 2008 are subject to a number of factors, including future asset performance and changes in assumptions which mean the Company is unable to make sufficiently reliable estimations of future contributions.
Capital Structure
At 31 December 2007, the Companys capital base was comprised of 1,191,491,263 ordinary shares of 10 pence each.
Property Costs
The task of improving property utilisation continues to be a priority for the Group with a portfolio of approximately 19 million square feet worldwide.
36
Inflation
As in 2006, in managements opinion the effect of inflation has not had a material impact on the Companys results for the year or financial position as at 31 December 2007.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Companys financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. A summary of the Groups principal accounting policies are described in the first section of notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, entitled Accounting Policies. The Company believes certain of these accounting policies are particularly critical to understanding the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Therefore, we have prepared the following supplemental discussion of critical accounting policies, which should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
Goodwill and other intangibles
The Company has a significant amount of goodwill and other intangible assets. In accordance with the guidance provided by IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, the Company initially tests the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually as at 30 June of each year, and then updates the review as at 31 December or whenever there is an indication of impairment.
Under IFRS, an impairment charge is required for both goodwill and other indefinite lived assets when the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, defined as the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Our approach in determining the recoverable amount utilises a discounted cash flow methodology, which necessarily involves making numerous estimates and assumptions regarding revenue growth, operating margins, tax rates, appropriate discount rates and working capital requirements. These estimates will likely differ from future actual results of operations and cash flows, and it is possible that these differences could be material. In addition, judgments are applied in determining the level of cash-generating unit we identify for impairment testing and the criteria we use to determine which assets should be aggregated. A difference in testing levels could affect whether an impairment is recorded and the extent of impairment loss. Changes in our business activities or structure may also result in changes to the level of testing in future periods. Further, future events could cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that the asset values associated with a given operation have become impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material impact on the Companys financial condition and results of operations.
In 2007, the Group acquired 24/7 Real Media, Inc. for consideration of approximately £330 million. 24/7 significantly enhances the Groups digital capability and will make a major contribution to winning new business for the Group, primarily our Advertising and Media Investment Management businesses. For this reason, goodwill relating to 24/7 was reviewed for impairment against the net present value of future cash flows of this segment as the appropriate cash-generating unit.
Historically our impairment losses have resulted from a specific event, condition or circumstance in one of our companies, such as the loss of a significant client. As a result, changes in the assumptions
37
used in our impairment model have not had a significant effect on the impairment charges recognised. The carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets will continue to be reviewed at least annually for impairment and adjusted to the recoverable amount if required.
The most significant assumptions employed by the Company in determining recoverable amounts are as follows:
|
Future cashflows derived from each cash-generating unit are based on a projection period of up to five years. These projections utilise the latest budget information available for each cash-generating unit covering one or more twelve month periods from the balance sheet date. These budgets have been prepared by management, largely excluding new business, particularly in advertising and media investment management. No improvements in operating margins or working capital are assumed. |
|
After the projection period, steady or declining growth has been assumed at rates not exceeding long-term average growth rates for the industry for each cash-generating unit, again with no improvements in operating margins being assumed. An annual growth rate of 3.0% and a pre-tax discount rate of 11.0% have been assumed. |
Future anticipated payments to vendors in respect of contingent consideration (earnouts) are based on the directors best estimates of future obligations, which are dependent on the future performance of the interests acquired and assume the operating companies improve profits in line with directors estimates. A summary of earnout related obligations included in creditors is shown in note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. WPP has also entered into option agreements that allow the Groups equity partners to require the Group to purchase the minority interest. These agreements are treated as derivatives over equity instruments and are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value and the valuation is remeasured at year end. Under IFRS, fair value is based on the present value of expected cash outflows. Actual performance may differ from the assumptions used resulting in amounts ultimately paid out with respect to these earnout and option agreements at more or less than the recorded liabilities.
Acquisition accounting
The Group accounts for acquisitions in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations. IFRS 3 requires the acquirees identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities (other than non-current assets or disposal groups held for sale) to be recognised at fair value at acquisition date. In assessing fair value at acquisition date, management make their best estimate of the likely outcome where the fair value of an asset or liability may be contingent on a future event. In certain instances, the underlying transaction giving rise to an estimate may not be resolved until some years after the acquisition date. IFRS 3 requires the release to profit of any acquisition reserves which subsequently become excess in the same way as any excess costs over those provided at acquisition date are charged to profit. At each period end management assess provisions and other balances established in respect of acquistions for their continued probability of occurrence and amend the relevant value accordingly through the income statement or as an adjustment to goodwill as appropriate under IFRS 3. In 2007, operating profit includes credits totaling £16.8 million (2006: £10.6 million, 2005: £10.1 million) relating to the release of excess provisions and other balances established in respect of acquisitions completed prior to 2006.
Revenue recognition
Advertising and media investment management arrangements may include incentive-based revenue. Incentive-based revenue typically comprises both quantitative and qualitative elements; on the element related to quantitative targets, revenue is recognised when the quantitative targets have been achieved; on the element related to qualitative targets, revenue is recognised when the incentive is received/receivable.
38
In applying the proportional performance method of revenue recognition for both market research and other long-term contracts, management is required to make significant judgments, estimates and assumptions. In assessing contract performance, both input and output criteria are reviewed. Costs incurred are used as an objective input measure of performance. The primary input of all work performed under these arrangements is labor. As a result of the relationship between labor and cost, there is normally a direct relationship between costs incurred and the proportion of the contract performed to date. Costs incurred as a proportion of expected total costs is used as an initial proportional performance measure. The indicative proportional performance measure is subsequently validated against other more subjective criteria (i.e. relevant output measures) such as the percentage of interviews completed, percentage of reports delivered to a client and the achievement of any project milestones stipulated in the contract. In the event of divergence between the objective and more subjective measures, the more subjective measure takes precedence since these are output measures.
Since project costs can vary from initial estimates, the reliance on total project cost estimate represents an uncertainty inherent in the revenue recognition process. Individual project budgets are reviewed regularly with project leaders to ensure that cost estimates are based upon up to date and as accurate information as possible, and take into account any relevant historic performance experience. Also, the majority of contracted services subject to proportional performance method revenue recognition are in relation to short term projects, averaging approximately 3 months. Due to this close and frequent monitoring of budgeted costs and the preponderance of short term projects, the impact of variances between actual and budgeted project costs has historically been minimal. The Companys combined bad debt and work in process write-offs in the business segments where the proportional performance method of revenue recognition is applied was less than 1% of revenues in each of the three years ended December 31, 2007. The Company does not believe that the effect of these uncertainties, taken as a whole, will significantly impact their results of operations in the future.
Pension costs
Pension costs are accounted for in accordance with IAS 19, Employee Benefits under IFRS. Pension costs are assessed in accordance with the advice of local independent qualified actuaries. The latest full actuarial valuations for the various schemes were carried out as at various dates in the last three years. These valuations have generally been updated by the local independent qualified actuaries to 31 December 2007.
The Group has a policy of closing defined benefit schemes to new members which has been effected in respect of a significant number of the schemes. As a result, these schemes generally have an ageing membership population. In accordance with IAS 19, the actuarial calculations have been carried out using the projected unit method. In these circumstances, use of this method implies that the contribution rate implicit in the current service cost will increase in future years.
The Groups pension deficit was £133.6 million as at 31 December 2007, compared to £186.6 million as at 31 December 2006. The pension deficit decrease is primarily due to increases in discount rates in the US, UK and Europe.
Establishing the expected long-term rates of investment returns on pension assets is a judgmental matter. Management considers the types of investment classes in which our pension plan assets are invested and the expected compound return we can reasonably expect the portfolio to earn over time, which reflects forward-looking economic assumptions.
Most of the Groups pension scheme assets are held by its schemes in the UK and North America. In the UK, the forecasted weighted average return on assets increased from 5.6% as at 31 December
39
2006 to 5.8% as at 31 December 2007, and in North America, the forecasted weighted average return decreased from 6.8% to 6.7%, broadly in line with the yields available in both markets.
Management reviews the expected long-term rates of return on an annual basis and revises them as appropriate.
Also, we periodically commission detailed asset and liability studies performed by third-party professional investment advisors and actuaries, which generate probability-adjusted expected future returns on those assets. These studies also project our estimated future pension payments and evaluate the efficiency of the allocation of our pension plan assets into various investment categories.
At 31 December 2007, the life expectancies underlying the value of the accrued liabilities for the main defined benefit pension plans operated by the Group were as follows:
Years life expectancy after age 65 |
All
Plans |
North
America |
UK | Europe |
Asia
Pacific |
|||||
Current pensioners male |
19.6 | 19.0 | 20.5 | 18.3 | 19.3 | |||||
Current pensioners female |
22.2 | 21.0 | 23.3 | 21.7 | 24.7 | |||||
Future pensioners (current age 45) male |
20.5 | 19.0 | 21.9 | 20.6 | 21.4 | |||||
Future pensioners (current age 45) female |
23.2 | 21.0 | 24.8 | 23.8 | 28.2 |
For a 0.25% increase or decrease in the discount rate at 31 December 2007, the 2008 pension expense would be broadly unchanged as the change in service cost and interest cost are similar. The effect on the year-end 2007 pension deficit would be a decrease or increase, respectively, of approximately £20.0 million.
Contributions to funded schemes are determined in line with local conditions and practices. Certain contributions in respect of unfunded schemes are paid as they fall due. In 2006 the Group implemented a funding strategy under which our objective is to fully eliminate the deficit for funded schemes by 31 December 2010.
Deferred taxes
We record deferred tax assets and liabilities using tax rates enacted, or substantively enacted, at the balance sheet date for the effect of temporary differences between book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Currently we have deferred tax assets resulting from operating loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, all of which could reduce taxable income in the future. Based on available evidence, both positive and negative, we determine whether it is probable that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realised. The main factors that we consider include:
|
future earnings potential determined through the use of internal forecasts; |
|
cumulative losses in recent years; |
|
the various jurisdictions in which the potential deferred tax assets arise; |
|
history of loss carryforwards and other tax assets expiring; |
|
the carryforward period associated with the deferred tax assets; and |
|
the nature of the income that can be used to realise the deferred tax asset. |
40
If it is our belief that it is probable that some portion of these assets will not be realised, then no asset is recognised in relation to the portion not considered to be realisable. Gross unrecognised assets under IFRS were £2,851.0 million in 2007.
If market conditions improve and future results of operations exceed our current expectations, our existing recognised deferred tax assets may be adjusted, resulting in future tax benefits. Alternatively, if market conditions deteriorate further or future results of operations are less than expected, future assessments may result in a determination that some or all of the deferred tax assets are not realisable. As a result, we may need to reverse all or a portion of the deferred tax assets, which may have a significant effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
New IFRS Accounting Pronouncements
The following Standards and Interpretations which have not been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective:
IFRIC 11 IFRS 2: Group and Treasury Share Transactions;
IFRIC 12 Service Concession Arrangements;
IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty;
IFRIC 14 The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction;
IFRS 8 Operating Segments;
IAS 1 (revised) Presentation of Financial Statements; and
IAS 23 (revised) Borrowing Costs.
The Group does not consider that these Standards and Interpretations will have a significant impact on the financial statements of the Group except for additional disclosures when the relevant standards come into effect for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2008.
In addition, IFRS 3 (revised) Business Combinations and IAS 27 (revised) Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements become effective for the Group in the year ended 31 December 2010. The revisions to these standards will apply to business combinations completed after 1 January 2010. The main changes under the revised standards are: all acquisition-related costs must be recognised as an expense in the period; contingent consideration payable is to be measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any subsequent movements in the fair value of such consideration as a result of post-acquisition events (such as changes in estimates of earnout consideration) must be recognised as a gain or loss in the income statement; equity interests held prior to control being obtained must be re-measured to fair value at the acquisition date, with any gain or loss recognised in the income statement; increases in ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a change of control are treated as transactions among equity holders and are reported within equity. No gain or loss is recognised on such transactions and goodwill is not re-measured.
The revisions to the standards apply prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the first annual financial reporting period beginning on or after 1 January 2009. Consequently, the impact that these revised standards will have on the financial statements of the Group will depend on the circumstances of business combinations occurring on or after 1 January 2010.
41
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and Senior Management
The directors and executive officers of the Company as of 15 May 2008 are as follows:
Philip Lader, age 62: Non-executive chairman. Philip Lader was appointed chairman in 2001. The US Ambassador to the Court of St Jamess from 1997 to 2001, he previously served in several senior executive roles in the US Government, including as a Member of the Presidents Cabinet and as White House Deputy Chief of Staff. Before entering government service, he was executive vice president of the company managing the late Sir James Goldsmiths US holdings and president of both a prominent American real estate company and universities in the US and Australia. A lawyer, he is also a Senior Advisor to Morgan Stanley, a member of the council of Lloyds (insurance market) a director of RAND, Marathon Oil, Rusal, AES Corporation and Songbird Estates plc (Canary Wharf), a trustee of the Smithsonian Museum of American History and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Sir Martin Sorrell, age 63: Chief executive. Sir Martin Sorrell joined WPP in 1986 as a director, becoming Group chief executive in the same year. He is a non-executive director of Formula One.
Paul Richardson, age 50: Finance director. Paul Richardson became Group finance director of WPP in 1996 after four years with the Company as director of treasury. He is responsible for the Groups worldwide functions in finance, information technology, procurement, property, treasury, taxation, internal audit and corporate responsibility. He is also the Country Manager for Italy. Previously he spent six years with the central financial team of Hanson PLC. He is a chartered accountant and fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers. He is a non-executive director of Chime Communications PLC and STW Communications Group Limited in Australia, both of which are companies associated with the Group.
Mark Read, age 41: Strategy director. Mark Read was appointed a director in March 2005. He has been WPPs director of strategy since 2002 and is also CEO of WPP Digital. He is a member of the Supervisory Board of HighCo and a director of CHI & Partners. He worked at WPP between 1989 and 1995 in both parent company and operating company roles. Prior to rejoining WPP in 2002, he was a principal at the consultancy firm of Booz-Allen & Hamilton and founded and developed the company WebRewards in the UK.
Colin Day, age 53: Non-executive director. Colin Day was appointed a director in July 2005. He is group finance director of Reckitt Benckiser plc, having been appointed to its board in September 2000. Prior to joining Reckitt Benckiser he was group finance director of Aegis Group plc and previously held a number of senior finance positions with ABB Group plc and De La Rue Group plc. He was a non-executive director of Imperial Tobacco plc until February 2007 and of easyJet plc until September 2005.
Esther Dyson, age 56: Non-executive director. Esther Dyson was appointed a director in 1999. In 2004 she sold her company, EDventure Holdings, to CNET Networks, the US-based interactive media company. She left CNET at the end of 2006 and now operates as an independent investor and entrepreneur, again under the name of EDventure. She has been highly influential for the past 25 years on the basis of her insights into online/information technology markets and social impact worldwide, including the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe and Asia. An active investor as well as an analyst/observer, she recently participated in the sale of Flickr to Yahoo! and of Medstory to Microsoft. She sits on the boards of non-listed start-ups including 23andMe (US), Boxbe (US), Eventful.com (US), Meetup Inc. (US), NewspaperDirect (Canada), CVO Group (Hungary) and Yandex (Russia). She is also an active investor in new-space and aviation start-ups including Space Adventures, XCOR Aerospace, Icon Aircraft and Airship Ventures (all based in the US) and co-hosts the annual Flight School workshop for air and space entrepreneurs. She sat on the consumer advisory
42
board of Orbitz until its sale to Cendant. She is also active in public affairs and was founding chairman of ICANN, the domain name policy agency, from 1998 to 2000. She currently sits on the board of the Sunlight Foundation, which advocates transparency in government and (among other things) is pushing US legislators to publish their daily diaries.
Orit Gadiesh, age 57: Non-executive director. Orit Gadiesh was appointed a director in April 2004. She is chairman of Bain & Company, Inc. and a world-renowned expert on management and corporate strategy. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and was a Baker Scholar. She is a member of the International Advisory Board at Haute Ecole Commerciale in France. She is a member of the Foundation Board for the World Economic Forum, and on the Board of Directors of The Peres Institute for Peace. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a trustee for Eisenhower Fellowships and a member of the Business Committee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
David H. Komansky, age 68: Non-executive director. David Komansky was appointed a director in January 2003. He was chairman of the Board of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., serving until his retirement on 28 April 2003. He served as chief executive officer from 1996 to 2002, having begun his career at Merrill Lynch in 1968. Among many professional affiliations, he serves as a director of Black Rock, Inc. and as a member of the International Advisory Board of the British American Business Council. Active in many civic and charitable organisations, he serves on the Board of the New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Christopher Mackenzie, age 53: Non-executive director. Christopher Mackenzie was appointed a director in 2000. He is chairman and chief executive of the Equilibrium Group, a London-based investor group and chairman of Borets, the Russian Oil services group. He is also a board member of the Abdul Latif Jameel Group and KazMunaiGas Exploration & Production JSC. He served as the chief executive of Brunswick Capital in Russia, the president and chief executive officer of Trizec Properties and as the president of GE Capital Europe.
Stanley (Bud) Morten, age 64: Non-executive director. Bud Morten was appointed a director in 1991. He is a consultant and private investor. He is currently the Independent Consultant to Citigroup/Smith Barney with responsibility for its independent research requirements. Previously he was the chief operating officer of Punk, Ziegel & Co, a New York investment banking firm with a focus on the healthcare and technology industries. Before that he was the managing director of the equity division of Wertheim Schroder & Co, Inc. in New York. He is a former non-executive director of Register.com, which was sold to a private equity firm in November 2005 and is no longer a public company. He is also a non-executive director of The Motley Fool, Inc., which is a private company.
Koichiro Naganuma, age 63: Non-executive director. Koichiro Naganuma was appointed a director in February 2004. He is president and group chief executive officer of Asatsu-DK, also known as ADK. Joining the agency in 1981, he began his career with the account service of global clients in the agency. His mandate thereafter expanded to the total operation of the group. He replaced ADK Chairman Masao Inagaki on the Board who retired upon the appointment of Mr Naganuma. ADK is Japans third largest advertising and communications company, and ninth largest in the world.
Lubna Olayan, age 52: Non-executive director. Lubna Olayan was appointed a director in March 2005. Ms Olayan is the deputy chairman and chief executive officer of the Olayan Financing Company, a subsidiary and the holding entity for the Olayan Groups operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Ms Olayan is a Board Member of Saudi Hollandi Bank, a publicly listed company in Saudi Arabia. She is on the International Advisory Board of the Council on Foreign Relations, a member of the Board of Directors of INSEAD and a member of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University. Ms Olayan joined the International Advisory Boards of Rolls-Royce in October 2006 and of Citi in 2007.
43
John Quelch, age 56: Non-executive director. John Quelch was appointed a director in 1988. He is Senior Associate Dean and Lincoln Filene Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. Between 1998 and 2001 he was Dean of the London Business School. He also serves as chairman of the Massachusetts Port Authority. Professor Quelchs writings focus on global business practice in emerging as well as developed markets, international marketing and the role of the multinational corporation and the nation state. He is a non-executive director of Gentiva Health Services Inc., Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. and Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. He served previously on the boards of Blue Circle Industries plc, easyJet plc, Pentland Group plc and Reebok International Limited.
Jeffrey A. Rosen, age 60: Non-executive director. Jeffrey Rosen was appointed a director in December 2004. He is a deputy chairman and managing director of Lazard. He has over 30 years experience in international investment banking and corporate finance. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and is President of the Board of Trustees of the International Center of Photography in New York.
Timothy (Tim) Shriver, Age 48: Non-executive director. Tim Shriver was appointed a director in August 2007. He is Chairman of Special Olympics serving over 2 million Special Olympic athletes and their families in 170 countries. In recent years, he has produced films for Disney, Dream Works and Fox Searchlight and more recently, has begun writing a column for The Washington Post /Newsweek.com. He co-founded the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and currently chairs the CASEL Board. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and is also a non-executive director of the National Center for Learning & Citizenship, Malaria No More and Neogenix. He serves on the advisory committee of Main Street Advisors and Leeds Equity.
Paul Spencer, age 58: Non-executive director. Paul Spencer was appointed a director in April 2004. He is a financier with 20 years experience in the financial management of a number of blue chip companies, including British Leyland PLC, Rolls-Royce PLC, Hanson PLC and Royal & Sun Alliance PLC. He served as UK chief executive of Royal & Sun Alliance PLC between 1999 and 2002. He is the chairman of State Street Managed Pension Funds Ltd. He is also chairman of the Association of Corporate Treasurers Advisory Board, NS&I (National Savings), the UK government-owned retail savings institution, and Sovereign Reversions Group plc. He is also a non-executive director of Resolution Life Group plc and Nipponkoa.
The board of directors has determined that all of the non-executive directors are independent under NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4200.
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
As a matter of policy the Company requires all directors to submit themselves for re-election by an ordinary resolution of share owners at least every three years or every year in the case of those directors who held office for more than nine years.
44
B. Compensation
Review of compensation
The committees work during 2007 included:
|
a review of the total compensation packages of the Groups most senior executives relative to marketplace benchmarks to ensure competitiveness; |
|
a review of the total compensation package of the Groups chief executive officer; |
|
approving for submission to share owner approval at the EGM in December 2007, the request from the Groups chief executive officer to defer receipt of certain awards that would otherwise have vested in 2008; |
|
a review of the implications of significant changes in US tax regulations on compensation and adjusting the terms of several of the Groups share incentive plans to avoid our US employees being subject to a 20-point increment in tax rates; |
|
reviewing the total compensation packages of WPPs executive directors to evaluate their appropriateness in various circumstances, including termination of employment; |
|
the approval of bonuses, payable in cash and in shares for senior executives throughout the Group; and |
|
looking ahead to the final year (2008) of Renewed LEAP (Renewed Leadership Equity Acquisition Plan) and considering what changes, if any, should be made in the long-term incentive plan that will replace it in 2009. |
Executive remuneration
Key elements of short-and long-term remuneration
Objective |
Participation |
Performance
|
Conditions |
Change of Control |
||||||
Short term | ||||||||||
Base salary 1 | To maintain package competitiveness at all levels within the Group. | All employees. | n/a | Salary levels are determined by taking a number of relevant factors into account, including individual and business unit performance, level of experience, scope of responsibility and the competitiveness of total remuneration. | n/a | |||||
Cash bonus | To incentivise delivery of value at all levels within the Group. | Approximately 10% of employees are eligible to receive a performance bonus. | 1 year | Achievement of challenging performance goals (financial and non- financial) at the individual and business unit level. | Not applicable in relation to the cash bonuses of executive directors. |
45
Objective |
Participation |
Performance
|
Conditions |
Change of Control |
||||||
Performance share awards 2 | To incentivise delivery of value and to align with interests of share owners. | Key operating company executives. | 1 year | Achievement of challenging performance goals (financial and non- financial) at operating company level. Further two-year retention period. | See note for Restricted Stock Plan. | |||||
Executive share awards 2 | To incentivise delivery of value and to align with interests of share owners. | Key parent company executives and executive directors. | 1 year | Achievement of challenging individual annual bonus objectives. Further two- year retention period. | See note for Restricted Stock Plan. | |||||
Long term | ||||||||||
Worldwide Ownership Plan 3 | To develop a stronger ownership culture. | Employees with at least two years employment. Not offered to those participating in other share programs or to executive directors. | n/a | 3-year vesting period |
Options may be exercised within one month (or a longer period if the Compensation Committee permits) of the Compensation Committees notification of the change of control. The number of shares or ADSs is pro-rated down in accordance with the change of control date. The Compensation Committee may determine that outstanding awards are unaffected by the change of control. |
|||||
Renewed LEAP | To incentivise long-term performance by comparing WPPs TSR 4 against the TSR of key comparators and to maximise alignment with share owner interests through a high level of personal financial commitment. | Participation offered only to those key executives (currently no more than 20 people) whose contributions transcend their day-to-day role, including executive directors. | 5 years | Relative TSR performance against a group of key communication services comparator companies, subject to a fairness review by the Compensation Committee. |
On a change of control, the Investment Period for all outstanding awards ends, the number of vesting shares are determined at that date and any other rights cease. The number of shares that vest may be reduced to prevent adverse US tax provisions applying. The Compensation Committee may determine that outstanding awards are exchanged for equivalent awards. |
46
Objective |
Participation |
Performance
|
Conditions |
Change of Control |
||||||
Restricted
Stock Plan |
To encourage a share ownership culture and long-term retention as well as supporting recruitment. | Directors and senior executives of the operating companies and senior executives of the parent company. | n/a |
Typically 3-year retention period. |
The vesting period for all outstanding awards is deemed to end. The Compensation Committee may determine that outstanding awards are exchanged for equivalent awards or that outstanding awards are unaffected by the change of control. |
|||||
Executive
Stock Option Plan |
To provide a tool to promote retention and recruitment. | Occasional use only to deal with special situations. | 3 years | Conditions are determined at the time of grant of the award. |
Options may be exercised within one month (or a longer period if the Compensation Committee permits) of the Compensation Committees notification of the change of control. The number of shares or ADSs is pro-rated down in accordance with the change of control date. The Compensation Committee may determine that outstanding awards are unaffected by the change of control. |
Notes
1 |
Base salary is the only pensionable element of remuneration. |
2 |
Awards are granted under the Restricted Stock Plan. |
3 |
Since its first adoption in 1997, grants have been made annually under the Worldwide Ownership Plan (WWOP) and as at 31 December 2007 options under this plan had been granted to approximately 64,000 employees for over 30 million ordinary shares of the Company. |
4 |
Total Shareholder Return (TSR) is the return on investment that share owners receive over time and takes into account the share price appreciation/depreciation and dividends received. |
The principal elements of WPP executive remuneration currently comprise the following:
|
base salaries (fixed); |
|
annual incentives (variable); and |
|
share plans (variable). |
Pension contributions, life assurance, health and disability, and other benefits are also provided.
Base salary
The Compensation Committee believes that base salary is only one element of compensation and therefore should only be reviewed in the context of the total compensation being provided to an executive.
47
Sir Martin Sorrells base salary was increased from £840,000 to £1,000,000 on 1 January 2007. This is the first increase to Sir Martins base salary since September 1999.
With effect from 1 July 2007, Paul Richardsons base salary was increased from £450,000 to £500,000. Paul Richardsons base salary was last increased in May 2003.
Annual cash incentives
The annual cash bonus is paid under plans established for each operating company as well as the parent company. Challenging performance goals are established and these must be achieved before any bonus becomes payable. Each executives annual incentive opportunity is defined at a target level for the full achievement of objectives. Awards in excess of the target level may be paid up to a prescribed maximum for superior performance.
In the case of the Group chief executive and other parent company directors, the annual cash bonus is based on Group and individual performance:
|
one-third is based on Group financial results; |
|
one-third is based on individual strategic objectives determined prospectively by the committee at the commencement of each year; and |
|
one-third is based on the achievement by the individual director of key business objectives assessed by the committee at the end of each year. |
Where appropriate, performance objectives relating to environmental, social and governance issues are measured in the second and third sections above.
The table below shows how the objectives for the Group chief executive are aligned with the overall objectives of WPP, as outlined on pages 25 and 26.
Performance measure |
Relevance
to WPP objective |
Performance in 2007 | ||||
1/3 |
Group financial results: Absolute financial performance. |
Objectives 1, 2 & 5 |
Margin improvement in line with target (headline PBIT margin up 0.5%) and operating profit growth above target (Reported operating profit up 8.5%). | |||
1/3 |
Strategic objectives: relative financial performance of WPP against its peer group. |
Objectives 1, 2, 3 & 5 |
Strong relative performance in both TSR and margin improvement. | |||
1/3 |
Key business objectives (amongst others): Development of the Group in fast-growing geographies and practice areas, attracting and retaining talent and enhancing creative reputation. |
Objectives 4, 5 & 6 |
Continued leadership in key growth markets (e.g., BRIC), practice areas (e.g., media investment management), technologies (e.g., digital media) and client service initiatives (e.g., super-agency global solutions); strong talent management; growing creative acclaim. |
48
As a percentage of base salary, the target, maximum and actual bonuses for 2007 paid to executive directors were as follows:
Target | Maximum | Actual | ||||
Sir Martin Sorrell |
100 | 200 | 165 | |||
Paul Richardson |
80 | 120 | 96 | |||
Mark Read |
50 | 75 | 70 |
In some countries an opportunity exists to defer part of the annual bonus for four years in the form of WPP shares. At the end of the deferral period a 25% match is applied to the original shares, subject to continuous employment.
Share plans
Following the policy review in 2005, the committee continues to believe that share plans approved by share owners later that year remain appropriate in terms of grant levels, performance criteria and vesting schedules. None of WPPs share awards are pensionable and, other than the stock option awards, all will be satisfied out of one of the Companys ESOPs or WPP shares held in treasury.
Renewed Leadership Equity Acquisition Plan (Renewed LEAP)
2007 was the fourth year of operation for Renewed LEAP and awards were once again granted to the Groups key executives.
Under Renewed LEAP, which was approved by share owners in 2004, participants have to commit to acquire and retain WPP shares (investment shares) in order to have the opportunity to earn additional WPP shares (matching shares) The number of matching shares that a participant can receive at the end of the investment and performance period depends on the Companys TSR performance measured over five years (four years in the case of awards made in 2004).
Because relative TSR may not always reflect the true performance of the Company, the Compensation Committee is required to perform a fairness review on the basis of which it may, in exceptional circumstances, decide to vary the number of matching shares that will vest. Factors the committee considers in its fairness review of any awards include, amongst others, various measures of the Groups financial performance (such as growth in revenues and in earnings per share) and any evidence of distortions in the share price of either WPP or the peer group (such as bid price premia).
For awards made in respect of LEAP programs commencing in 2005, 2006 and 2007 the vesting schedule is as follows:
Rank compared to peer group* | Number of matching shares | |
1 |
5 | |
2 |
5 | |
3 |
4.5 | |
4 |
3.5 | |
5 |
2.5 | |
Median |
1.5 | |
Below median |
0 |
Notes
* | For actual performance between these positions the match is calculated on a pro rata basis. |
49
The comparator companies for the awards made in 2007 were: Aegis, Arbitron, Dentsu, Gfk, Havas, Interpublic, Ipsos,
Vesting of the 2004-2007 LEAP Award
For awards made in respect of the LEAP program commencing in 2004 the vesting schedule was as follows:
Rank compared to peer group* | Number of matching shares | |
1 |
4 | |
2 |
4 | |
3 |
3.6 | |
4 |
2.8 | |
5 |
2 | |
6 |
1.6 | |
Median |
1.2 | |
Below median |
0 |
Notes
* | For actual performance between these positions the match is calculated on a pro rata basis. |
TSR results indicated a vesting level of 3.27 matching shares reflecting a ranking between third and fourth place against the peer group of 13 companies. The committee then undertook its fairness review, the purpose of which was to ensure that the TSR ranking accurately reflected the true underlying performance of the Company and took into account any exceptional circumstances deemed relevant by the committee.
The committee compared WPPs financial performance to that of the peer group. It was noted that over the investment and performance period, WPP ranked first on margin improvement, and between third and fifth on other key measures such as growth in EBITDA, EBITA, EPS and Revenue. The committee was therefore comfortable that the TSR ranking was consistent with WPPs relative competitive performance over the period.
However, the committee noted two exceptional circumstances that materially affected the TSR performance of WPP relative to that of its peers.
First, based on the advice of WPPs broker, the committee concluded that the ending share prices of two of WPPs comparator companies (Aegis and Ipsos) contained an element of bid premium. The committee concluded that including these premia did not reflect the underlying performance of these companies and therefore adjusted the TSR data accordingly. Removing the bid premia had no effect on WPPs ranking, but increased the vesting percentage by moving its TSR closer to that of the company ranked above it.
Second, it was also noted that there had been relatively large currency swings over the performance period that dampened the TSR performance of comparator stocks denominated in US dollars or Japanese yen. The committee determined that this currency factor, which was outside management control, had materially affected WPPs relative TSR ranking and vesting percentage.
The fairness review took both of these factors into account, each of which had a different impact on the results. The committees judgement was to make an overall net reduction of 0.67 in the number of matching shares vesting from 3.27 to 2.60. This implies a ranking between fourth and fifth place
50
against the peer group of 13 companies; the committee felt this was a fair reflection of WPPs true relative underlying performance over the period in question. As a result the number of ordinary matching shares that actually vested (including additional shares from reinvested dividends) along with the number at median and maximum, are shown in the following table.
Median** | Maximum** | Actual | ||||
Sir Martin Sorrell* |
1,238,899 | 4,129,664 | 2,823,786 | |||
Paul Richardson |
37,168 | 123,892 | 84,715 |
Notes
* | Sir Martin deferred receipt of the shares until November 2011. |
** | Not including additional shares from reinvested dividends. |
Performance Share Awards (PSA) / Executive Share Awards (ESA)
Approximately 1,000 executives in the operating companies are eligible to receive PSAs. The size of each award depends on the extent to which annual performance targets are met. These awards are granted under the WPP Restricted Stock Plan but funded from the incentive pools at each operating company ensuring a significant proportion of these pools are delivered in shares. The ESA is the equivalent award at the parent company.
As a percentage of base salary, the target, maximum and actual awards for 2007 to executive directors were as follows:
Target | Maximum | Actual | ||||
Sir Martin Sorrell | 67 | 100 | 88 | |||
Paul Richardson | 100 | 133 | 113 | |||
Mark Read | 67 | 100 | 93 |
Leaders and Partners programs
To further align the interests of our key executives in the operating companies with the interests of share owners annual awards of restricted stock are granted under either the WPP Leaders or the WPP Partners programs. In both cases grants of restricted stock are made to participants which vest three years after grant provided the participant is still employed within the WPP Group. Some executives at parent company participate in these programs but no awards are made to executive directors.
Other share awards
In order to attract or retain key talent it is sometimes necessary to make special grants of shares, usually from the Restricted Stock Plan or occasionally from the Executive Stock Option Plan. No such awards were made to executive directors in 2007.
Retirement benefits.
All pension benefits for the Companys executive directors are currently on a defined contribution basis and only base salary is pensionable under any Company retirement plan. Details of pension contributions for the period under review in respect of executive directors are set under Directors Remuneration below.
The form and level of Company-sponsored retirement programs vary depending on historical practices and local market considerations. The level of retirement benefits is regularly considered when reviewing total executive remuneration levels.
51
Directors remuneration and interests
The following information on directors remuneration and interests is presented in accordance with UK reporting requirements.
Non-executive directors
The shareholdings of non-executive directors are set out in Item 6E. Non-executive directors do not participate in the Companys pension plans, share option or other incentive plans, but may receive a part of their fees in ordinary shares of the Company and may participate in the Companys deferred compensation program. The Board considers that the non-executive directors remuneration conforms with the requirements of the Combined Code.
The fees payable to non-executive directors represent compensation in connection with Board and Board committee meetings, and where appropriate for devoting additional time and expertise for the benefit of the Group in a wider capacity.
Directors remuneration
For the fiscal year ended 31 December 2007 the aggregate compensation paid by WPP and its subsidiaries to all directors and officers of WPP as a group for services in all capacities was £7,798,341. Such compensation was primarily paid by WPP and its subsidiaries in the form of salaries, performance-related bonuses and a deferred share award. The sum of £588,000 was set aside and paid in the last fiscal year to provide pension benefits for directors and officers of WPP.
The compensation of all executive directors is determined by the Compensation Committee which is comprised wholly of non-executive directors whom the Company considers to be independent. The Compensation Committee is advised by independent remuneration consultants as well as by Group executives as described under Remit of Compensation Committee below. The compensation of the chairman and non-executive directors is determined by the Board which is similarly advised.
Remuneration of the directors who were directors during the year ended 31 December 2007 is set out in the table below. All amounts shown constitute the total amounts which the respective director received during 2007 and for the annual bonus and awards of ESAs in respect of 2007 but received in 2008. No compensation payments for loss of office have been made during 2007 to any individuals who have been directors of the Company.
52
Salary and
fees |
Other
benefits 1 |
Short-term
Incentive plans (annual bonus) 2 |
Value of
ESA 8 |
Total
annual remuneration |
Pension
contributions |
|||||||||||||||||||||
2007
|
2006
|
2007
|
2006
|
2007
|
2006
|
2007
|
2006
|
2007
|
2006
|
2007
|
2006
|
|||||||||||||||
Location | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||||||||||
Chairman | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
P Lader 3,9 | USA | 313 | 213 | | | | | | | 313 | 213 | | | |||||||||||||
Executive directors |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sir Martin Sorrell 3, 4, 11, 12, 13 | UK | 1,003 | 832 | 35 | 34 | 1,650 | 1,613 | 885 | 815 | 3,573 | 3,294 | 400 | 337 | |||||||||||||
M Read | UK | 275 | 225 | 1 | 1 | 191 | 180 | 255 | 240 | 722 | 646 | 27 | 23 | |||||||||||||
P W G Richardson 3, 5 | USA | 469 | 447 | 82 | 98 | 481 | 501 | 567 | 566 | 1,599 | 1,612 | 95 | 90 | |||||||||||||
Non-executive directors |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
C Day | UK | 62 | 50 | | | | | | | 62 | 50 | | | |||||||||||||
E Dyson 3 | USA | 68 | 56 | | | | | | | 68 | 56 | | | |||||||||||||
O Gadiesh 3 | USA | 60 | 50 | | | | | | | 60 | 50 | | | |||||||||||||
D Komansky 3 | USA | 65 | 51 | | | | | | | 65 | 51 | | | |||||||||||||
C Mackenzie | UK | 68 | 54 | | | | | | | 68 | 54 | | | |||||||||||||
S W Morten 3 | USA | 75 | 63 | | | | | | | 75 | 63 | | | |||||||||||||
K Naganuma 10 | Japan | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||
L Olayan | KSA | 60 | 50 | | | | | | | 60 | 50 | | | |||||||||||||
J A Quelch 3,7 | USA | 70 | 87 | 64 | 52 | | | | | 134 | 139 | | | |||||||||||||
J Rosen 3 | USA | 75 | 60 | | | | | | | 75 | 60 | | | |||||||||||||
T Shriver 3, 6 | USA | 24 | | | | | | | | 24 | | | | |||||||||||||
P Spencer | UK | 70 | 60 | | | | | | | 70 | 60 | | | |||||||||||||
Total remuneration | 2,757 | 2,298 | 182 | 185 | 2,322 | 2,294 | 1,707 | 1,621 | 6,968 | 6,398 | 522 | 450 |
Notes
1 |
Other benefits include items such as healthcare, life assurance and allowances for cars and housing. |
2 |
Bonus entitlement for the year (paid in the following year). |
3 |
For 2007 all amounts payable in US dollars have been converted into pounds sterling at $2.0019 to £1 ($1.8432 for 2006). The amounts paid to Sir Martin Sorrell and Paul Richardson were paid part in US dollars and part in pounds sterling. |
4 |
The amount of salary and fees comprise the aggregate of salary paid under the UK Agreement and the salary paid under the US Agreement. |
5 |
Neither Paul Richardson nor the Company received any payment from Chime Communications PLC or STW Communications Group Limited in respect of his non-executive directorships in those companies. |
6 |
Timothy Shriver was appointed to the Board on 8 August 2007. |
7 |
In addition to fees paid to John Quelch in 2007 as a non-executive director of the Company additional fees were received by him of £10,016 (£37,000 in 2006) for consulting services. |
8 |
Shares under these awards are deferred for two years. |
9 |
The chairmans fee was increased with effect from 1 January 2007. This was the first increase since February 2001. |
10 |
Mr Naganuma received no remuneration from the Company given his executive position with Asatsu DK. |
11 |
During 2007 an amount of approximately £6,000 was paid to Sir Martin Sorrell in respect of tax liabilities incurred by him on expenditure on various items considered by the UK Tax authorities as benefits in kind but which the committee consider to be essential to his ability to deliver his services successfully to the Group (£193,000 in 2006). |
12 |
Payments of amounts equal to the dividends that would be payable (totalling £731,806) were made to Sir Martin Sorrell in respect of the shares reflected in the UK and US Deferred Stock Units Awards Agreements (which are the agreements that now compromise the awards granted under the Capital Investment Plan in 1995) during 2007 (£597,410 during 2006). |
13 |
The Company has agreed to contribute to the expenses of maintaining an apartment in New York recently purchased by Sir Martin Sorrell, in lieu of his contractual right to be provided with accommodation whilst working there, as he is required to spend a considerable amount of time in New York due to the size of the Companys business in the US. The Company has not made any payments to date. The committee will review the position regarding these expenses on a regular basis. |
53
Other long-term incentive plan awards
Long-term incentive plan awards granted to directors comprise the PSP and Renewed LEAP. The operation of the PSP and Renewed LEAP are described elsewhere in Item 6.
Performance Share Plan awards to directors up to and including 31 December 2007 1,2,3
Grant date |
Share
price on grant date |
At
01.01.07 (no. of shares) |
Granted
(no. of
|
Performance
period ends |
Vested
06.03.07 (no. of shares) |
Share
price on vesting date |
At
31.12.07 (no. of shares) |
Value
received from vested awards |
Percentage
of maximum vesting potential |
||||||||||||||||
M Read |
30.04.04 | £ | 5.56 | 6,646 | (2,858 | ) | 31.12.06 | 3,788 | £ | 7.407 | | £28,058 | 57 | % | |||||||||||
P W G Richardson |
30.04.04 | £ | 5.56 | 92,025 | (39,571 | ) | 31.12.06 | 52,454 | £ | 7.407 | | £ | 388,527 | 57 | % | ||||||||||
Sir Martin Sorrell |
30.04.04 | £ | 5.56 | 171,779 | (73,865 | ) | 31.12.06 | 97,914 | £ | 7.407 | | £ | 725,249 | 57 | % |
Notes
1 |
No awards have been made under PSP since 2004. |
2 |
The comparator group for this award was as follows (for companies which subsequently delisted, the date of delisting is shown in brackets): Aegis Communications, Arbitron, Dentsu, Digitas, Grey Global Group (delisted March 2005), Gfk, Havas Advertising, Ipsos, Omnicom, Publicis, Taylor Nelson Sofres, Interpublic and VNU. Details of the treatment of delisted companies for the purposes of TSR calculation are set out in note 1 to the table on Renewed LEAP below. |
3 |
The performance condition relates WPPs Total Shareholder Return (TSR) compared to the TSR results for a comparator group of communications services companies. No vesting takes place if the WPP TSR is below the median TSR result for the comparator group and the full vesting occurs if WPP TSR is at least equal to the second highest result within the comparator group. Between these levels awards vest on a sliding scale according to TSR performance. |
Renewed Leadership Equity Acquisition Plan 1
At median level of performance
|
At maximum level of performance
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Grant/
award date |
Share
price on grant date |
Performance period |
Share
units |
Number of
matching units at 01.01.07 |
Granted/
(lapsed) units |
Number of
matching units at 31.12.07 |
Number of
matching units at 01.01.07 |
Granted/
(lapsed) units |
Number of
matching units at 31.12.07 |
||||||||||||||
M Read |
15.12.05 | £ | 6.175 | 01.01.05 | 31.12.09 | Ords | 15,255 | | 15,255 | 50,850 | | 50,850 | |||||||||||
15.11.06 | £ | 6.84 | 01.01.06 | 31.12.10 | Ords | 24,788 | | 24,788 | 82,625 | | 82,625 | ||||||||||||
11.12.07 | £ | 6.23 | 01.01.07 | 31.12.11 | Ords | | 22,311 | 22,311 | | 74,370 | 74,370 | ||||||||||||
P W G Richardson |
28.10.04 | £ | 5.535 | 01.01.04 | 31.12.07 | Ords | 37,168 | | 37,168 | 123,892 | | 123,892 | |||||||||||
15.12.05 | £ | 6.175 | 01.01.05 | 31.12.09 | Ords | 122,037 | | 122,037 | 406,790 | | 406,790 | ||||||||||||
15.11.06 | £ | 6.84 | 01.01.06 | 31.12.10 | Ords | 99,153 | | 99,153 | 330,510 | | 330,510 | ||||||||||||
11.12.07 | £ | 6.23 | 01.01.07 | 31.12.11 | Ords | | 89,246 | 89,246 | | 297,485 | 297,485 | ||||||||||||
Sir Martin Sorrell |
28.10.04 | £ | 5.535 | 01.01.04 | 31.12.07 | Ords | 1,238,899 | | 1,238,899 | 4,129,664 | | 4,129,664 | |||||||||||
15.12.05 | £ | 6.175 | 01.01.05 | 31.12.09 | Ords | 305,091 | | 305,091 | 1,016,970 | | 1,016,970 | ||||||||||||
15.11.06 | £ | 6.84 | 01.01.06 | 31.12.10 | Ords | 234,804 | | 234,804 | 782,680 | | 782,680 | ||||||||||||
11.12.07 | £ | 6.23 | 01.01.07 | 31.12.11 | Ords | | 223,113 | 223,113 | | 743,710 | 743,710 |
Notes
1 |
All awards shown in the above table, are dependent on WPPs TSR performance against a comparator group over the relevant performance period and maintenance of a participants holding of Investment Shares and continued employment throughout the Investment Period. The comparator group for the awards made in 2004 comprises of Aegis, Arbitron, Dentsu, Digitas, Gfk, Grey Advertising, Havas Advertising, Interpublic, Ipsos, Omnicom Group, Publicis, Taylor Nelson Sofres, and VNU. The comparator group for the awards made in 2005 remained the same with the exception of the removal of Digitas and Grey Advertising. The comparator group for the awards made in 2006 and 2007 was the same as for the awards in 2005 with the exception of the removal of VNU. Where a company delists during the performance period, the committee deems this to be a disposal and the proceeds are treated as being reinvested in an index that tracks the TSR of the remaining companies. |
54
C. Board Practices
Information regarding the expiration of the current term of each director and the period during which such director has served is set forth in Item 6A.
Compensation Committee
During 2007, the Compensation Committee comprised the following members, who took decisions in respect of the year: Jeffrey Rosen (chairman of the committee), P Lader, Esther Dyson, and C Mackenzie (retired on 26 June 2007).
During 2007 the Compensation Committee held eight formal meetings and had many informal discussions. Committee meetings are frequently attended, in whole or in part, by the Group chief executive, the chief talent officer, the director of compensation and benefits and the Company Secretary.
Remit of Compensation Committee
Under its terms of reference (which are reviewed regularly) the committee is responsible for:
|
reviewing and approving the remuneration and terms of employment (including any termination arrangements) of executive directors and senior executives of the Company and of directors and senior executives of the operating companies; |
|
reviewing the Groups incentive policies and compensation plans; |
|
monitoring the vesting of awards under all incentive plans; |
|
reviewing systems implemented throughout the Group to deal with matters such as employee harassment and discrimination; and |
|
appointing and reviewing the performance of external advisors to the committee and to the Company in relation to executive remuneration and human resource activities. |
No current member of the committee has any personal financial interest (other than as a share owner) in the matters to be decided by the committee, potential conflicts of interest arising from cross-directorships or day-to-day involvement in running the Groups businesses. The terms of reference for the Compensation Committee are available on the Companys website (www.wppinvestor.com) and will be on display as set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. These terms of reference are regularly reviewed.
The Compensation Committee regularly consults with Group executives, particularly the Group chief executive (who was not present when matters relating to his own compensation contracts were discussed and decided), the chief talent officer, and the director of compensation and benefits. During the year, the committee received material assistance from Towers Perrin. Advice was also received from Hammonds solicitors on a number of legal, tax and governance issues relating to compensation and benefits. Hammonds provide legal advice on a range of matters to the Group. See further discussion in the Directors remuneration section of Item 6.
The committee receives advice on the following:
|
analysis of competitive compensation practices and determination of competitive positioning; |
|
base salary levels; |
|
annual and long-term incentive plans and awards; including awards made under Renewed LEAP; |
55
|
the policy for employees relating to WPP share ownership; |
|
pensions and executive benefits; |
|
changes in accounting, taxation, legal and regulatory practices; |
|
governance issues relating to compensation and the role of the committee; and |
|
policies for preventing employee harassment and discrimination. |
Principles of remuneration
All executive compensation at WPP is governed by three guiding principles:
|
competitiveness; |
|
performance; and |
|
alignment to share owner interests. |
Competitiveness
Compensation packages for Group executives are reviewed on a regular basis (on average every 24 months). When reviewing an executives package the committee usually consults with the Group chief executive and the Group chief talent officer.
In making its assessments, the committee considers individual and business unit performance, level of experience and scope of responsibility. It also takes into account the overall package, including both fixed and variable elements, and considers both the on-target and maximum levels of remuneration. The competitiveness of this total package is then reviewed in relation to the most appropriate benchmarks.
For example, for the Group chief executive three separate benchmarks for remuneration opportunities are used:
|
the most senior executive position in the Companys closest industry comparators; |
|
the CEO position in companies of comparable size and complexity in the UK; and |
|
the CEO position in public companies of comparable size and complexity in the US. |
A similar approach is taken for the other senior executives, including executive directors. The Compensation Committee considers data from the latest industry surveys covering the senior positions in WPPs operating companies. WPP participates in the leading global surveys of executive remuneration in the advertising, market research, healthcare, interactive, direct marketing, public relations and public affairs sectors. In addition, for heads of operating companies the committee considers public disclosures for similar positions in listed companies of comparable size and complexity in the relevant sector.
Performance
All remuneration packages for senior executives, including executive directors, have a significant element which is variable and dependent on performance.
Alignment to share owner interests
WPP is committed to aligning executive performance and reward with share owner interests. This is achieved by providing significant opportunities for executives to acquire WPP shares, by using
56
performance measures that are linked to the creation of share owner value and by operating share ownership goals for the most senior executives. Many of our incentive plans pay out wholly or partially in WPP shares. At least half of the compensation package of the executive directors was delivered in shares during 2007.
Total Shareholder Return (TSR) relative to a group of key comparators is the measure for determining long-term performance-based rewards for Group executive directors.
WPP has encouraged share ownership for its most senior executives, including executive directors, for many years. For executive directors this is achieved through participation in Renewed LEAP. Other WPP Leaders (approximately 200 people) are incentivised to own 40,000 WPP ordinary shares each.
The committee also considers the extent of any dilution of share owner value through the issue of new shares to satisfy incentive awards. The dilution, as at 24 April 2008, was well below the 10% level acceptable to the ABI (Association of British Insurers). It is intended that Renewed LEAP awards, the Performance Share Awards, the Executive Share Awards and Restricted Stock Plan awards will all be satisfied with purchased shares held in the employee share ownership plans (ESOPs) or in Treasury.
Policy on directors service contracts, notice periods and termination payments
The Companys policy on the duration of directors service contracts is that no executive directors have fixed term contracts and the notice period for each is shown below. None of the contracts of parent company executive directors contain liquidated damages provisions. There were no payments in 2007 in respect of termination of employment of any executive director.
Executive Director |
Contract/effective date |
Notice period |
||
Sir Martin Sorrell |
1 April 2005 | At will | ||
Paul Richardson |
1 January 2005 | 12 months | ||
Mark Read |
9 September 2002 | 6 months |
Non-executive director* |
Contract date |
|
Philip Lader |
26 February 2001 | |
Colin Day |
25 July 2005 | |
Esther Dyson |
29 June 1999 | |
Orit Gadiesh |
28 April 2004 | |
David Komansky |
28 January 2003 | |
Bud Morten |
2 December 1991 | |
Lubna Olayan |
18 March 2005 | |
John Quelch |
10 July 1991 | |
Koichiro Naganuma |
23 January 2004 | |
Christopher Mackenzie |
14 March 2000 | |
Jeffrey Rosen |
20 December 2004 | |
Tim Shriver |
6 August 2007 | |
Paul Spencer |
28 April 2004 |
* | The notice period applicable to all non-executive directors is two months. |
57
Audit committee
As of 31 December 2007, the Audit committee comprised Paul Spencer, Bud Morten, Jeffrey Rosen and Colin Day.
Meetings of the Audit committee, of which there were 9 during 2007, were also attended (by invitation for all or part of any meeting) by the external auditors, the Companys chairman, the Group finance director, the director of internal audit, the Group chief counsel and the Company Secretary.
During 2007, the committee and its members were formally assessed by the chairman of the Company for their technical suitability to be members of the committee and also for the committees overall effectiveness.
The committee has once again continued to oversee compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) for 2007, through regular status reports submitted by the internal and external auditors.
The committee received and reviewed regular reports on both our Right to Speak helpline, which is made available to employees to enable them to communicate confidentially on matters of concern, and the actions taken in response to those calls.
Other work carried out by the committee in 2007 under its terms of reference included:
|
monitoring the integrity of the Companys financial statements and reviewing significant financial reporting judgments; |
|
reviewing internal financial control and internal audit activities; |
|
assisting the Board in meeting its responsibilities in respect of the review and reporting on the systems and key elements of risk management as they affect the Group; |
|
the review and appointment of the external auditors and approval of their remuneration and terms of engagement; |
|
monitoring the external auditors independence, objectivity and effectiveness; WPPs policy regarding non-audit services that may be provided by the auditors, prohibits certain categories of work in line with relevant guidance on independence, such as ethical standards issued by the Auditory Practices Board and SOX. Other categories of work may be provided by the auditors if it is appropriate for them to do so. The provision of such services and associated fees are pre-approved by the committee, or for certain categories of work are delegated to the director of internal audit for pre-approval. All fees are summarised periodically for the committee in order to assess the aggregate value of non-audit fees against audit fees. The value of fees for 2007 is shown in note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements; |
|
monitoring the accounting and legal reporting requirements, including all relevant regulations of the UK Listing Authority, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and NASDAQ with which the Company must comply; |
|
in conjunction with Paul Richardson, the director responsible for corporate responsibility in 2007, ensuring systems are in place to monitor social, environmental and ethical issues which may affect the Group (other than issues which fall within the remit of the Compensation Committee) and receiving reports on new initiatives being implemented by the Group to reduce carbon emissions; and |
|
maintaining established procedures for the confidential receipt and treatment of concerns raised by employees. |
58
The committees terms of reference, which are reviewed with the Board annually, are available for inspection on the Companys website at www.wpp.com and are on display prior to and at all general meetings of the Company. Following this years review there have been a number of changes made to the remit. Many of these for regulatory, legal and best practice updates. The Board has extended the remit of the committee to review on its behalf acquisition and investment matters and debt financing.
Auditors
In 2002, the Group appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as auditors to the Company following a thorough review of services offered by a number of the leading international accountancy firms.
NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and Home Country Practices
In general, under NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4350, foreign private issuers such as WPP are permitted to follow home country corporate governance practices instead of certain provisions of Rule 4350 without having to seek individual exemptions from NASDAQ. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow a home country practice instead of any such provisions of Rule 4350 must submit in advance to NASDAQ a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuers home country certifying that the issuers practices are not prohibited by the home countrys laws. The Companys independent United Kingdom counsel has certified to NASDAQ that the Companys corporate governance practices are not prohibited by the laws of England and Wales.
The requirements of Rule 4350 and the corporate governance practices that the Company follows in lieu thereof are described below:
|
Rule 4350(f) requires that the quorum for any meeting of stockholders must not be less than 33 1 / 3 % of the outstanding shares of a companys common voting stock. The Companys Articles of Association provide that the necessary quorum for a general share owner meeting is a minimum of two persons entitled to vote on the business to be transacted, each being a share owner or a proxy for a share owner or a duly authorized representative of a corporate share owner. |
|
Rule 4350(i) requires that issuers obtain stockholder approval before a stock option or purchase plan is established or materially amended or other equity compensation arrangement is made pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees or consultants of the issuer, subject to certain exceptions. The Company seeks share owner approval for the adoption or amendment of stock plans or stock purchase plans only as required by the Articles of Association of the Company, the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority (the Listing Rules) and the laws of England and Wales. Subject to the exceptions permitted in the Listing Rules, this involves seeking share owner approval to any such plan that falls into either of the following categories (as defined in the Listing Rules): |
(a) | an employees share scheme if the scheme involves or may involve the issue of new shares or the transfer of treasury shares; and |
(b) | a long-term incentive scheme in which one or more directors of the Company is eligible to participate and to material amendments of that scheme to the extent required by the schemes rules. In this context, it should be noted that the provisions of the rules relating to whether amendments to the scheme rules must be approved by share owners must themselves be drafted to ensure compliance with the Listing Rules. |
59
D. Employees
The assets of communications services businesses are primarily its employees, and the Company is highly dependent on the talent, creative abilities and technical skills of its personnel and the relationships its personnel have with clients. The Company believes that its operating companies have established reputations in the industry that attract talented personnel. However, the Company, like all communications services businesses, is vulnerable to adverse consequences from the loss of key employees due to the competition among these businesses for talented personnel. On 31 December 2007 the Group had 90,182 employees located in approximately 2,000 offices in 106 countries compared with 79,352 and 74,631 as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Including all employees of associated undertakings, this figure is approximately 111,000 (2006: 98,000, 2005: 92,000). As at March 31 2008, the Group had approximately 93,000 employees and approximately 114,000 employees including associate undertakings. The average number of employees in 2007 was 84,848 compared with 77,686 and 70,936 in 2006 and 2005, respectively, including acquisitions. Their geographical distribution was as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||
North America |
23,294 | 22,477 | 21,261 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
United Kingdom |
8,543 | 8,484 | 8,007 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
Continental Europe |
21,367 | 19,935 | 18,644 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and Middle East |
31,644 | 26,790 | 23,024 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
84,848 | 77,686 | 70,936 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||
Their operating sector distribution was as follows: |
||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management |
42,948 | 41,030 | 38,084 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
Information, Insight & Consultancy |
11,524 | 10,869 | 10,089 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
Public Relations & Public Affairs |
7,167 | 6,616 | 5,901 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications |
23,209 | 19,171 | 16,862 | |||
|
|
|
|
|||
84,848 | 77,686 | 70,936 | ||||
|
|
|
|
60
E. Share Ownership
Directors Interests
Ordinary Shares
Directors interests in the Companys share capital, all of which were beneficial, were as follows 1 :
At 1 Jan
2007 or
|
Shares
through
incentive plan
awards in
|
Movement
2007
inc.
|
At 31 Dec 2007
or earlier
resignation |
Shares
through
incentive plan
awards in
|
Other
31 Dec
|
At 24 April
2008 |
|||||||||||||||
Vested | (sold) | Vested | (sold) | ||||||||||||||||||
C Day | 5,240 | | | | 5,240 | | | | 5,240 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
E Dyson | 35,000 | | | | 35,000 | | | | 35,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
O Gadiesh | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
D Komansky | 10,000 | | | | 10,000 | | | | 10,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
P Lader | 11,950 | | | | 11,950 | | | | 11,950 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
C Mackenzie | 30,000 | | | | 30,000 | | | | 30,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
S W Morten | 20,000 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 20,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
K Naganuma 5 | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
L Olayan | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
J A Quelch | 12,000 | | | | 12,000 | | | | 12,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
M Read 3,6 | 23,070 | 8,746 | (3,594 | ) | 220 | 28,442 | 53,886 | (22,138 | ) | | 60,190 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
P W G Richardson 3,6 | 188,176 | 52,454 | (26,280 | ) | | 214,350 | 154,249 | (77,280 | ) | | 291,319 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
J Rosen | 5,000 | | | 7,000 | 12,000 | | | | 12,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
T Shriver 4 | | | | | | | | 5,000 | 5,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
P Spencer | 10,000 | | | | 10,000 | | | | 10,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Sir Martin Sorrell 3,6,7,8,9 | 13,644,401 | 97,914 | | (134,228 | ) | 13,608,087 | 2,947,094 | | | 16,555,181 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes
1 |
Save as disclosed above and in the Report of the Compensation Committee, no director had any interest in any contract of significance with the Group during the year. |
2 |
Further details of long-term incentive plans are given in Item 6. |
3 |
Each executive director has a technical interest as an employee and potential beneficiary in shares in the Company held under the ESOPs. As at 31 December 2007, the Companys ESOPs held in total 43,889,384 shares in the Company (51,134,155 in 2006). |
4 |
Timothy Shriver was appointed to the Board in August 2007. |
5 |
K Naganuma is a director of Asatsu-DK, which at 24 April 2008 had interests in 31,295,646 shares representing 2.65% of the issued share capital of the Company. |
6 |
Interests include investment shares committed to the 2005, 2006 and 2007 awards under Renewed LEAP but do not include matching shares from these plans, if any. |
7 |
Sir Martin Sorrell gifted 134,228 shares to the JMMRJ Sorrell Foundation, a charity providing benefits for educational institutions, cancer research and other charitable purposes. |
8 |
Includes 2,823,786 shares pursuant to the vesting of LEAP 2004-2007, the receipt of which has been deferred until November 2011. |
9 |
Includes 3,636,950 shares which originally formed part of the Capital Investment Plan (an award in respect of 4,691,392 shares in total, some of which have been received by Sir Martin Sorrell) and now comprise the UK and US Deferred Stock Units Awards Agreements. |
61
Option Awards held by executive directors in the year ended 31 December 2007
Grant/
Award Date |
Exercise
price |
At
1 Jan 2007 (no. of shares) |
Granted
(lapsed) 2007 (no. of shares) |
Exercised
2007 (no. of shares) |
Share
price on exercise |
Value
on exercise |
At 31
Dec 2007 (no. of shares) |
Share
price 31 Dec 2007 1 |
Percent-
age of maximum vesting potential |
|||||||||||
M Read 2 |
Nov 2003 | £5.595 | 10,615 | | | | | 10,615 | £6.470 | 100% | ||||||||||
Oct 2004 | £5.535 | 9,879 | | | | | 9,879 | £6.470 | 100% |
Notes
1 |
Share price 12-month high/low: £5.765/£7.875. |
2 |
All option awards were granted prior to becoming an executive director. |
ESA and Restricted Stock Awards held by executive directors in the year ended 31 December 2007 1,2
Award date |
No. of shares
originally awarded |
Dividend
shares 6 |
Total
shares vesting |
Vesting date |
Share price
on vesting |
Value on
vesting |
|||||||||
Sir Martin Sorrell |
24.02.06 | 3 | 119,505 | 06.03.08 | | | |||||||||
23.02.07 | 3 | 104,587 | 02.03.09 | ||||||||||||
P W G Richardson |
24.02.06 | 3 | 67,390 | 06.03.08 | | | |||||||||
08.05.07 | 3 | 75,441 | 02.03.09 | | | ||||||||||
M Read |
06.03.05 | 4 | 19,262 | 06.03.08 | | | |||||||||
10.03.05 | 4 | 4,816 | 142 | 4,958 | 10.03.07 | £7.641 | £37,886 | ||||||||
24.02.06 | 3 | 32,684 | 06.03.08 | | | ||||||||||
16.03.06 | 5 | 3,601 | 16.03.10 | | | ||||||||||
23.02.07 | 3 | 30,798 | 02.03.09 | | | ||||||||||
27.04.07 | 5 | 9,526 | 16.03.11 | | |
Notes
1 |
These awards which are made on satisfaction of previous performance conditions are subject to continuous employment until the vesting date. |
2 |
Grants made in relation to 2007 ESA award were made on 3 March 2008. |
3 |
Grant made in relation to ESA awards. |
4 |
Grants prior to becoming a Board Member. |
5 |
Grant made in relation to the Annual Bonus Deferral Program. |
6 |
Additional shares granted in lieu of dividends during the vesting period. |
62
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders
Control of registrant
As of the dates shown below, the Company is aware of the following interests of 3% or more in the issued ordinary share capital of the Company:
Months Ending 30 April | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||
Massachusetts Financial Services
|
5.0 | % | 60,800,602 | 4.8 | % | 58,865,231 | * | * | |||||||
Invesco plc |
5.0 | % | 60,270,835 | * | * | 3.1 | % | 38,148,881 | |||||||
Legal & General |
4.4 | % | 55,108,806 | 4.4 | % | 55,108,806 | 4.2 | % | 51,683,257 | ||||||
WPP ESOPs |
3.7 | % | 43,889,384 | 4.2 | % | 51,134,155 | 4.1 | % | 50,597,811 |
* | No interests in the issued ordinary share capital of the Company in excess of 3.0% have been notified to the Company. |
The disclosed interests of all of the above refer to the respective combined holdings of those entities and to interests associated with them. The Company has not been notified of any other holdings of ordinary share capital of 3% or more. None of these shareholders has voting rights that are different from those of the holders of the Companys ordinary shares generally. As far as WPP is aware, it is neither directly nor indirectly owned or controlled by one or more corporations or by any government, or by any other natural or legal persons severally or jointly.
The number of outstanding ordinary shares at 31 December 2007 was 1,191,491,263 which includes the underlying ordinary shares represented by 19,568,295 ADSs. 229 share owners of record of WPP ordinary shares were US residents at 31 December 2007.
The geographic distribution of our share ownership as of 31 December 2007 is presented below:
United Kingdom |
39% | |
United States |
32% | |
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East, Canada and Continental
|
29% | |
Total |
100% |
B. Related Party Transactions
From time to time the Group enters into transactions with its associated undertakings. These transactions were not material in 2007, 2006 and 2005.
In the year ended 31 December 2007, the Group paid costs of £0.5 million (2006: £0.3 million) in connection with an action for the misuse of private information and an action for libel, in which Sir Martin Sorrell was a claimant. These costs were authorised by the Board as an integral part of broader legal actions, some of which are ongoing, to protect the commercial interests of the Group. The total amount incurred of £0.8 million was disclosed in the Companys 2006 Annual Report and Form 20-F and has not increased.
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
63
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See Item 18.
Outstanding legal proceedings
The Company has claims against others and there are claims against the Company in a variety of matters arising from the conduct of its business. In the opinion of the management of the Company, the ultimate liability, if any, that is likely to result from these matters would not have a material effect on the Companys financial position, or on the results of operations.
Dividend distribution policy
The Group continues to increase dividends. The profit before tax for the year was £719.4 million (2006: £682.0 million, 2005: £592.0 million). The directors of the Company recommended a final dividend of 9.13p (2006: 7.61p, 2005: 6.34p) per share to be paid on 7 July 2008 to share owners on the register at 6 June 2008 which, together with the interim ordinary dividend of 4.32p (2006: 3.60p, 2005: 3.00p) per share paid on 12 November 2007, makes a total of 13.45p for the year (2006: 11.21p, 2005: 9.34p), an increase of 20%.
ADS holders are eligible for all stock dividends or other entitlements accruing on the underlying WPP Group plc shares and receive all cash dividends in US dollars. These are normally paid twice a year. Dividend cheques are mailed directly to the ADS holder on the payment date if ADSs are registered with WPPs US depositary, Citibank N.A. Dividends on ADSs that are registered with brokers are sent to the brokers, who forward them to ADS holders.
B. Significant changes
None.
64
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. Offer and Listing Details
Share price history
The Companys ordinary shares have been traded on The London Stock Exchange since 1971.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low middle-market quotations for the Companys ordinary shares on The London Stock Exchange, based on its Daily Official List.
£ per
Ordinary Share |
||||
High | Low | |||
2003 |
5.96 | 3.20 | ||
|
|
|
||
2004 |
6.43 | 4.70 | ||
|
|
|
||
2005 |
6.31 | 5.35 | ||
|
|
|
||
2006 |
||||
First Quarter |
6.99 | 6.18 | ||
|
|
|
||
Second Quarter |
7.07 | 6.21 | ||
|
|
|
||
Third Quarter |
6.67 | 6.09 | ||
|
|
|
||
Fourth Quarter |
6.93 | 6.52 | ||
|
|
|
||
2007 |
||||
First Quarter |
7.88 | 6.92 | ||
|
|
|
||
Second Quarter |
7.83 | 7.25 | ||
|
|
|
||
Third Quarter |
7.50 | 6.34 | ||
|
|
|
||
December |
6.47 | 6.00 | ||
|
|
|
||
Fourth Quarter |
7.12 | 5.77 | ||
|
|
|
||
2008 |
||||
January |
6.33 | 5.56 | ||
|
|
|
||
February |
6.36 | 5.77 | ||
|
|
|
||
March |
6.15 | 5.63 | ||
|
|
|
||
First Quarter |
6.36 | 5.56 | ||
|
|
|
||
April |
6.38 | 5.93 | ||
|
|
|
||
May |
6.48 | 6.05 | ||
|
|
|
65
The ordinary shares have traded in the United States since 29 December 1987 in the form of ADSs, which are evidenced by ADRs or held in book entry form. The Depositary for the ADSs is Citibank, N.A. in New York. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low sales prices of the ADSs as reported by NASDAQ.
US dollars per ADS | ||||
High | Low | |||
2003 |
49.93 | 26.74 | ||
2004 |
59.50 | 42.39 | ||
2005 |
60.05 | 47.34 | ||
2006 |
||||
First Quarter |
60.88 | 53.72 | ||
Second Quarter |
64.71 | 56.56 | ||
Third Quarter |
62.20 | 55.65 | ||
Fourth Quarter |
67.90 | 60.49 | ||
2007 |
||||
First Quarter |
77.93 | 66.76 | ||
Second Quarter |
76.16 | 71.20 | ||
Third Quarter |
76.28 | 64.21 | ||
December |
64.29 | 61.06 | ||
Fourth Quarter |
72.46 | 59.47 | ||
2008 |
||||
January |
62.43 | 56.69 | ||
February |
63.08 | 56.87 | ||
March |
61.55 | 56.66 | ||
First Quarter |
63.08 | 56.66 | ||
April |
63.19 | 58.82 | ||
May |
62.88 | 59.59 |
The Depositary held 97,841,475 ordinary shares as at 31 December 2007, approximately 8.21% of the outstanding ordinary shares, represented by 19,568,295 outstanding ADSs.
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
See the discussion under Share Price History in Item 9.A.
D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
66
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
WPP is a public limited company incorporated under the name WPP Group plc in England and Wales with registered number 05537577.
The following summarises certain provisions of our memorandum and articles of association and applicable English law. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Companies Act 1985 and our memorandum and articles of association. A copy of our articles of association in the form adopted on 16 August 2005 is filed as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 20-F.
Objects and Purposes
Clause 4 of the Companys memorandum of association provides that the Companys principal objects are to carry on the business or businesses of media advertising, market research, public relations, sales promotion and specialist communications and to develop concepts for advertising, marketing, research, sales promotion and similar operations. The Companys memorandum grants it a range of corporate capabilities to effect these objects.
Directors
Interested Transactions. Subject to any restrictions under the Companies Act 1985, and provided the director has disclosed the nature and extent of the interest to the board, the director may:
|
have any kind of interest in a contract with or involving the company or another company in which WPP has an interest; |
|
have any kind of interest in a company in which WPP has an interest; |
|
hold a position, other than auditor, for WPP or another company in which WPP has an interest on terms and conditions decided by the board; and |
|
either alone, or through a firm with which the director is associated, do paid professional work other than as an auditor for WPP or another company in which WPP has an interest on terms and conditions decided by the board. |
When a director knows that he or she is in any way interested in a contract with WPP he or she must disclose the nature of that interest at a meeting of the directors. A general notice given to the board that a director has an interest of the kind stated in the notice in a contract involving a person identified in the notice is treated as a standing disclosure that the director has that interest.
Subject to the provisions of our articles of association, a director shall not vote (or be counted in the quorum at the meeting) on a resolution about a contract in which the director, or a person who is connected with the director, to his knowledge has a material interest. The director can vote, however, if the interest is only an interest in WPPs shares, debentures or other securities. In addition, a director can vote and be counted in the quorum on a resolution in which the director has a material interest, provided the material interest arises only because the resolution relates to:
|
the giving of a guarantee, security or indemnity in respect of money lent or obligations incurred by the director or that other person at the request of, or for the benefit of, WPP or any of its subsidiary undertakings; |
67
|
the giving of a guarantee, security or indemnity in respect of a debt or obligation of WPP or any of its subsidiary undertakings to that other person, if the director has taken responsibility for all or any part of that debt or obligation by giving a guarantee, security or indemnity; |
|
the offer by WPP or any of its subsidiary undertakings of any shares, debentures or other securities for subscription or purchase if the director takes part because the director is a holder of shares, debentures or other securities, or if the director takes part in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of the offer; |
|
a contract involving any other company if the director, and any person connected with the director, has any kind of interest in that company. This does not apply if the director owns 1% or more of that company; |
|
a contract regarding an arrangement for the benefit of employees of WPP or any of its subsidiary undertakings which only give the director benefits which are also generally given to the employees to whom the arrangement relates; or |
|
a contract relating to the purchase of any insurance for the benefit of persons including directors. |
A director shall not vote or be counted in a quorum on a resolution relating to his own appointment (including fixing or varying its terms) or the termination of his own appointment, as the holder of any office or place of profit with WPP or a company in which WPP is interested.
Subject to any restrictions under the Companies Act 1985 and our articles of association, the board may exercise or arrange the exercise of the voting rights attached to any shares in another company held by WPP and may exercise voting rights which they have as directors of that company in any way they decide. This includes voting in favor of a resolution appointment any of them as directors or officers of that company and determining their remuneration.
Remuneration. The directors (other than any director who for the time being holds an executive office of employment with WPP or a subsidiary of WPP) shall be paid out of the funds of WPP by way of remuneration for their services as directors such fees not exceeding in aggregate £1,000,000 per annum or such larger sum as WPP may, by ordinary resolution, determine. Such remuneration shall be divided among the directors in such proportion and manner as the board may decide. The board may also make arrangements for such proportion of the fees payable to any director to be provided in the form of fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of WPP in accordance with the provisions of the articles of association.
The board may also repay to a director all expenses properly incurred in attending and returning from general meetings, board meetings or board committee meetings, or expenses arising in any other way in connection with WPP. A director may also be paid out of the funds of WPP all expenses incurred by him in obtaining professional advice in connection with the affairs of WPP or the discharge of his duties as a director.
The board may grant special remuneration to a director who performs any special or extra services which the board considers extends beyond the ordinary duties of a director. Such special remuneration may be paid by way of lump sum, salary, commission, profit sharing or otherwise as decided by the board and may be paid in addition to any other remuneration payable.
The board may decide whether to provide pensions, annual payments or other allowances or benefits to any person, including those who are or who were directors, their relations or dependants, or anyone connected to them. The board may also decide to contribute to a scheme, pension or fund or to pay premiums to a third party for these purposes.
68
Appointment. Directors may be appointed by the share owners by ordinary resolution or by the board of directors. A director appointed by the board holds office only until the next annual general meeting but shall be eligible for reappointment. Unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, the number of directors shall not be less than six in number. There is no requirement of share ownership for a directors qualification.
Retirement and Age Limit. At each annual general meeting, any director then in office who has been appointed by the board since the previous annual general meeting, or any director who at the date of the notice convening the annual general meeting has held office for more than 3 years since he was appointed or last reappointed by WPP in general meeting, shall retire from office but shall be eligible for reappointment. There is no age limit for directors.
Borrowing Powers. The board may exercise all the powers of WPP to borrow money, mortgage or charge all or part of its undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital and to issue debentures and other securities and give security either outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of WPP or of any third party.
The board shall restrict the borrowings of WPP and exercise all voting and other rights or powers of control exercisable by WPP in relation to its subsidiary undertakings so as to secure that the aggregate amount of all borrowings at any time is not more than two and a half times adjusted capital and reserves. This affects subsidiary undertakings only to the extent the board can do this by exercising these rights or powers of control. This limit can be exceeded if the consent of the share owners has been given in advance by passing an ordinary resolution. The limit does not include the borrowings owing by one group company to another group company.
Indemnity of Directors. Subject to any restrictions under the Companies Act 1985, every director or other officer (excluding an auditor) of WPP may be indemnified out of the assets of WPP against all liabilities incurred by him in the actual or purported execution or discharge of his duties, or the exercise or purported exercise of his powers or otherwise in relation to or in connection with his duties, powers or office. This indemnity shall not apply to any liability to the extent that it is recovered from any other person.
Ordinary Shares
Each of the issued WPP ordinary shares is fully paid and not subject to any further calls or assessments by WPP. There are no conversion rights, redemption provisions or sinking fund provisions relating to any WPP ordinary shares. The WPP ordinary shares are issued in registered form.
WPP may, subject to the Statutes and the articles of association, issue share warrants with respect to fully paid shares. It may also, with the approval of share owners in general meeting, convert all or any of its paid up shares into stock and re-convert stock into paid up shares of any denomination.
Voting Rights and General Meetings. At a general meeting an ordinary resolution or any other question (other than a special or extraordinary resolution) put to a vote shall be decided by a show of hands unless a poll is duly demanded. A poll may be demanded by:
|
the chairman of the meeting; |
|
at least five share owners present in person or by proxy, and who are entitled to vote on the resolution; |
69
|
any share owner(s) present in person or by proxy, who represent in the aggregate at least 10% of the voting rights of all share owners entitled to vote on the resolution; or |
|
any share owner(s) present in person or by proxy, who hold shares providing a right to vote on the resolution on which the aggregate sum paid up on such shares is equal to not less than 10% of the total sum paid up on all the shares providing that right. |
All special resolutions and extraordinary resolutions shall be decided on a poll.
Subject to disenfranchisement in the event of (i) non-payment of any call or other sum due and payable in respect of any shares or (ii) any non-compliance with any statutory notice requiring disclosure of the beneficial ownership of any shares, and subject to any special rights or restrictions as to voting for the time being attached to any shares on a show of hands, every holder of WPP ordinary shares who (being an individual) is present in person or (being a corporation) is present by a duly authorised representative at a general meeting of WPP will have one vote and every person present who has been appointed as a proxy shall have one vote, and on a poll, every holder of WPP ordinary shares who is present in person or by proxy will have one vote per share. In addition, any proxy who has been appointed by the ADS Depositary shall have such number of votes as equals the number of shares in relation to which such proxy has been appointed.
In the case of joint holders, the vote of the person whose name stands first in the register of members and who tenders a vote is accepted to the exclusion of any votes tendered by any other joint holders.
The necessary quorum for a general share owner meeting is a minimum of two persons entitled to vote on the business to be transacted, each being a share owner or a proxy for a share owner or a duly authorised representative of a corporate share owner.
An annual general meeting and an extraordinary general meeting called for the passing of a special resolution or a resolution of which special notice is required by the Statutes or a resolution appointing any person (other than a retiring director) as a director shall be called by not less than twenty one clear days notice. All other extraordinary general meetings shall be called by not less than 14 clear days notice. Only those share owners entered in the register of members 48 hours prior to the date of the meeting are entitled to vote at that meeting and the number of shares then registered in their respective names shall determine the number of votes such share owner is entitled to cast at that meeting.
Dividends. WPP may, by ordinary resolution, declare a dividend to be paid to the share owners according to their respective rights and interests in profits, and may fix the time for payment of such dividend. No dividend may be declared in excess of the amount recommended by the directors. The directors may from time to time declare and pay to the share owners of WPP such interim dividends as appear to the directors to be justified by the profits of WPP available for distribution. There are no fixed dates on which entitlement to dividends arises on WPP ordinary shares.
The share owners may pass, on the recommendation of the directors, an ordinary resolution to direct all or any part of a dividend to be paid by distributing specific assets, in particular paid up shares or debentures of any other company.
The articles also permit a scrip dividend scheme under which share owners may be given the opportunity to elect to receive fully paid WPP ordinary shares instead of cash, or a combination of shares and cash, with respect to future dividends.
70
If a share owner owes any money to WPP relating in any way to shares, the board may deduct any of this money from any dividend on any shares held by the share owner, or from other money payable by WPP in respect of the shares. Money deducted in this way may be used to pay the amount owed to WPP.
Unclaimed dividends and other money payable in respect of a share can be invested or otherwise used by directors for the benefit of WPP until they are claimed. A dividend or other money remaining unclaimed twelve years after it first became due for payment will be forfeited and cease to remain owing by WPP.
Return of capital. In the event of a winding-up or other return of capital of WPP, the assets of WPP available for distribution among the share owners will be divided, subject to the rights attached to any other shares issued on any special terms and conditions, between the holders of WPP ordinary shares according to the respective amounts of nominal (par) value paid up on those shares and in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 1985. The liquidator may, if authorised by an extraordinary resolution of share owners and subject to the Companies Act 1985, divide and distribute among the share owners, the whole or any part of the non-cash assets of WPP in such manner as he may determine.
The liquidator may also, with the same authority, transfer any assets to trustees upon any trusts for the benefit of share owners as the liquidator decides. No past or present share owner can be compelled to accept any shares or other property which could subject him or her to a liability.
Alteration of Share Capital. WPP may from time to time by ordinary resolution of our share owners:
|
increase its share capital by the amount, to be divided into shares of the amounts, that the resolution prescribes; |
|
consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of a larger amount than the existing shares; |
|
cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken, or agreed to be taken, by any person and diminish the amount of the share capital by the amount of the shares cancelled; and |
|
subject to the Statutes, subdivide any of its shares into shares of a smaller amount than that fixed by the memorandum of association, provided that the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share must be the same as on the share from which the reduced share is derived, and the resolution may determine that any of the shares resulting from the sub-division may have any preference or advantage or have qualified or deferred rights or be subject to any restrictions. |
Subject to the Statutes, WPP may purchase or enter into a contract to purchase any of its own shares of any class (including any redeemable shares, if we should decide to issue any) provided that the approval of either more than 50% (in the case of open market purchases) or 75% (in the case of private purchases) of attending share owners present in person or by proxy at a general meeting of share owners is given. However, shares may only be repurchased out of distributable profits or the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for that purpose, and, if a premium is paid it must be paid out of distributable profits.
WPP may, by special resolution, reduce its share capital or any capital redemption reserve, share premium account or other nondistributable reserve, subject in each case to confirmation by the English Courts.
71
Transfer of Shares
Unless the articles of association specify otherwise, a share owner may transfer some or all of his or her shares to another person in any manner which is permitted by the Statutes and is approved by the board. Transfers of uncertificated shares must be carried out using the relevant system. The instrument of transfer for certificated shares must be signed by or on behalf of the transferor and except in the case of a fully paid share, by or on behalf of the transferee and must be delivered to the registered office or any other place the directors decide.
The directors may refuse to register a transfer:
|
if it is of shares which are not fully paid; |
|
if it is of shares on which WPP has a lien; |
|
if it is not stamped and duly presented for registration, together with the share certificate and evidence of title as the board reasonably requires; |
|
if it is with respect to more than one class of shares; |
|
if it is in favor of more than four persons jointly; or |
|
in certain circumstances, if the holder has failed to provide the required particulars to the investigating power referred to under Disclosure of interests in shares below. |
WPP may not refuse to register transfers of WPP ordinary shares if this refusal would prevent dealings in the shares which have been admitted to official listing by the UK Listing Authority from taking place on an open and proper basis. If the board refuses to register a transfer of a share, it shall, within two months after the date on which the transfer was lodged or the Operator-instruction was received, send to the transferee notice of the refusal. The registration of transfers may be suspended at any time and for any period as the directors may determine. The register of share owners may not be closed for more than 30 days in any year.
Variation of Rights
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 1985 and unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of that class, the rights attached to any class of shares may be varied with the written consent of the holders of three-fourths in nominal (par) value of the issued shares of that class, or with the sanction of an extraordinary resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. At any separate general meeting, the necessary quorum is two persons holding or representing by proxy not less than one-third in nominal (par) value of the issued shares of the class in question (but at any adjourned meeting, any person holding shares of the class or his proxy is a quorum).
Preemption Rights
Under the Companies Act 1985, the issuance of equity securities, that are, or are to be, paid for wholly in cash, except shares held under an employees share scheme, must be offered in the first instance to the existing equity share owners in proportion to the respective nominal (par) values of their holdings on the same or more favorable terms, unless a special resolution to the contrary has been passed in a general meeting of share owners. In this context, equity securities generally means, in relation to WPP, WPP ordinary shares, or shares with no restrictions on the amounts receivable in a distribution of dividends or capital, and all rights to subscribe for or convert into such shares.
72
Share Owner Notices
Record date for service. WPP may serve or deliver any notice, document or other communication by reference to the register of members at any time not more than 21 days before the date of service of delivery. No change in the register after that time shall invalidate that service or delivery.
Untraced Share Owners. WPP may sell, in such manner as the board may determine, any shares (including any share issued in right of a share) if:
|
during the previous twelve years the shares have been in issue, at least three dividends have become payable and no dividend was claimed or payment cashed; |
|
after this twelve-year period, notice is given of WPPs intention to sell the shares by advertisement in a UK national newspaper and a newspaper appearing in the area which includes the address held by WPP for delivery of notices relating to the shares; and |
|
during this twelve-year period, and for three months after the last advertisement appears in the newspaper, WPP has not heard from the shareholder or a person who is automatically entitled to the shares by law. |
Notice to Share Owners with Foreign Addresses
A share owner whose registered address is outside the UK and who gives to WPP an address in the UK where notices, documents or communications may be given shall be entitled to have notices, documents or communications given to him at that address. Otherwise, the share owner is not entitled to receive any notices, documents or communications from WPP.
Limitations on Voting and Shareholding
There are no limitations imposed by English law or our memorandum or articles of association on the right of non-residents or foreign persons to hold or vote or transfer WPPs ordinary shares or ADSs, other than limitations that would apply generally to all of the share owners.
Change of Control
There are currently no provisions in our memorandum or articles of association that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving WPP or any of its subsidiaries.
As an English public limited company that is admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange we are, however, subject to the UK City Code on Takeovers and Mergers. The applicability of the City Code may make it difficult or undesirable for a purchaser to acquire a substantial percentage of WPP shares and could, under certain circumstances, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control. The City Code has statutory force in terms of its regulation of WPP.
Under the City Code, except with the consent of the UK panel on Takeovers and Mergers, any person who:
|
acquires an interest in shares which (together with interests in shares already held by that person or anyone acting in concert) carry 30% or more of our voting rights; or |
|
is (together with persons acting in concert) interested in shares carrying 30% to 50% of our voting rights and acquires, (or the person acting in concert acquires) interests in other shares which increase the percentage level of shares carrying voting rights in which he is interested must make an offer for all of WPPs equity share capital and any other class of transferable |
73
securities carrying voting rights. The offer must be made in cash, or have a cash alternative, for at least the highest price paid by the offer or persons acting in concert with it for any interest in shares of that class during the 12 months prior to the announcement of that offer. |
Disclosure of interests in shares
The Companies Act 1985 gives WPP power to require persons who it knows, or reasonably believes are, or have been within the previous three years, interested in its relevant share capital to disclose prescribed particulars of those interests. For this purpose relevant share capital means issued share capital of WPP carrying the right to vote in all circumstances at a general meeting of WPP. Failure to provide the information requested within a prescribed period after the dates of sending of the notice may result in sanctions being imposed against the holder of the relevant shares as provided in the Companies Act 1985. Under our articles of association, WPP may also apply the following restrictions: the withdrawal of voting and certain other rights of such shares of the class, restrictions on the rights to receive dividends and to transfer such shares. In this context, the term interest is broadly defined and will generally include an interest of any kind in shares, including the interest of a holder of a WPP ordinary share.
In addition, under the Companies Act 1985, any person who acquires either alone or, in certain circumstances, with others a direct or indirect interest in the relevant share capital of WPP in excess of the notifiable percentage, currently 3% or 10% for certain types of interest, is obligated to disclose prescribed information to WPP with respect to those shares within two days. An obligation of disclosure also arises where such persons notifiable interest subsequently falls below the notifiable percentage or where, above that level, the percentage, expressed in whole numbers of WPPs relevant capital in which such person is interested increases or decreases.
C. Material Contracts
On May 17, 2007, the Company, TS Transaction, Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (Merger Subsidiary), and TFSM, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, as amended on July 12, 2007, Merger Subsidiary conducted a tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of TFSMs outstanding common stock and, following completion of the tender offer, was merged into TFSM. Each outstanding share of TFSM common stock (other than, among other things, shares held by TFSM as treasury stock or by the Company or any wholly-owned subsidiary of TFSM or the Company) was converted into the right to receive $11.75 in cash. TFSM survived the merger as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
Under the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (a) unvested, unexercisable and outstanding TFSM stock options were converted into approximately equivalent stock options of the Company, (b) vested, exercisable and outstanding TFSM stock options were exchanged for a cash payment for each underlying share equal to the difference, if any, between the tender offer price per share of $11.75 and the exercise price per share of the options, and (c) any restricted shares of TFSM were converted into approximately equivalent restricted securities of the Company.
In the Merger Agreement TFSM and the Company made various representations and warranties and agreed to specified covenants, including covenants by TFSM relating to the conduct of its business between the date of the Merger Agreement and the closing of the Merger, restrictions on TFSMs ability to solicit proposals with respect to alternative transactions, governmental filings and approvals, public disclosures and other matters.
The Merger Agreement also contained certain termination rights of the Company and TFSM and provided that, upon the termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, TFSM would be required to pay the Company a termination fee of $24.0 million.
74
D. Exchange Controls
There are currently no United Kingdom foreign exchange control restrictions on remittances of dividends on the ordinary shares or on the conduct of the Registrants operations.
E. Taxation
The taxation discussion set forth below is intended only as a descriptive summary and does not purport to be a complete technical analysis or listing of all potential tax effects relevant to a decision to purchase, hold or in any way transfer ordinary shares or ADSs. The statements of United Kingdom and United States tax laws set out below are based on the laws in force as of the date of this Annual Report, and are subject to any changes in United States or United Kingdom law, and in any double taxation convention between the United States and the United Kingdom, occurring after that date. The most recent double taxation convention between the United States and the United Kingdom (US-UK Income Tax Treaty) entered into force on 31 March 2003 and applies to taxes withheld at source on or after 1 May 2003.
The following summary of United States and United Kingdom tax consequences is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations and should not be considered legal or tax advice. In addition, this summary does not represent a detailed description of the tax consequences applicable to persons subject to special treatment under the United Kingdom or United States tax laws. Prospective purchasers of ADSs are advised to satisfy themselves as to the overall tax consequences of their ownership of ADSs and the ordinary shares represented thereby by consulting their own tax advisors. In addition, this summary only addresses holders that hold ordinary shares or ADSs as capital assets, and it does not address the taxation of a United States shareholder (either corporate or individual) where that shareholder controls, or is deemed to control, 10% or more of the voting stock of the Company.
As used herein, the term United States corporation means any corporation organised under the laws of the United States or any state or the District of Columbia.
As used herein, the term United States resident means an individual citizen or resident of the United States, a United States corporation or an estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.
For the purposes of the current US-UK Income Tax Treaty and for the purposes of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), discussed below, the holders of ADSs will be treated as the owners of the underlying ordinary shares represented by the ADSs.
Taxation of Dividends
United Kingdom Residents. The notional tax credit that will be available for an individual shareholder resident in the United Kingdom will be 1/9th of the dividend. Tax credits are not repayable to UK holders with no tax liability. Individuals whose income is not within the higher income tax band are liable to tax at 10% on the dividend income and the notional tax credit will satisfy their income tax liability on UK dividends. The higher rate of tax on dividend income is 32.5%, which after taking into account the notional tax credit, gives an effective tax rate of 25%.
United States Residents. For dividends paid, there will be no withholding tax on the distribution and there will no longer be any entitlement to offset any part of the UK taxation credit against any US taxation liability. The dividend received (without any gross up for withholding tax suffered or tax credits) will be subject to US taxation on the day actually or constructively received by United States residents in the case of ordinary shares, or by the Depositary, in the case of ADSs.
75
Certain dividends received by non-corporate United States residents from domestic corporations and qualifying foreign corporations (e.g., WPP Group plc) will be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011. To be eligible for the 15% rate, the stock must be held by the shareholder for more than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date; shareholders are advised to consult their professional advisors accordingly. Dividends paid by the Company will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.
The amount of any dividend paid in pounds sterling will equal the US dollar value of the pounds sterling received calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is received by United States residents, in the case of ordinary shares, or by the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the pounds sterling are converted into US dollars. If the pounds sterling received as a dividend are converted into US dollars on the date they are received, United States residents generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the pounds sterling received as a dividend are not converted into US dollars on the date of receipt, United States residents will have a basis in the pounds sterling equal to their US dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the pounds sterling will be treated as United States source ordinary income or loss.
Distribution Ordering Rules
The gross distribution (the sum of the distribution paid by the Company plus any related United Kingdom tax credit) will be treated as foreign source dividend income for United States federal income tax purposes provided that such distribution is paid out of the Companys earnings and profits, as defined for United States federal income tax purposes. If the distribution is not paid out of earnings and profits, it will be treated as a return of capital (up to the holders tax basis in their shares). Any excess above the combination of the amounts treated as dividends and returns of capital will be treated as a capital gain.
Taxation of Capital Gains
An individual shareholder resident in the United Kingdom will be liable to United Kingdom taxation on capital gains realised on the disposal of their ADSs or ordinary shares.
Holders of ADSs or ordinary shares who are United States resident individuals or United States corporations, and who are not resident or ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, will not be liable to United Kingdom taxation of capital gains realised on the disposal of their ADSs or ordinary shares unless the ADSs or ordinary shares are used or held for the purposes of a trade carried on in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment. However, a holder of ADSs or ordinary shares who is a United States resident (as defined above) will be subject to taxation on such capital gains under the laws of the United States. Any such capital gains will be long-term capital gains if the ADSs or ordinary shares have been held for more than one year. Currently, non-corporate United States residents are subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% on long-term capital gains for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, after which the rate will be increased to 20%.
Estate and Gift Tax
The current Estate and Gift Tax Convention between the United States and the United Kingdom generally relieves from United Kingdom inheritance tax (the equivalent of United States estate and gift tax) the transfer of ordinary shares or of ADSs where the shareholder or holder of the ADSs making the transfer is domiciled for the purposes of the Convention in the United States and is not a national of the United Kingdom. This will not apply if the ordinary shares or ADSs are part of the business property
76
of an individuals permanent establishment in the United Kingdom or are related to the fixed base in the United Kingdom of a person providing independent personal services.
If no relief is given under the Convention, inheritance tax will be charged at a rate worked out on a cumulative basis on the amount by which the value of the transferors estate is reduced as a result of any transfer (unless the transfer is exempt or potentially exempt) made by way of gift or other gratuitous transaction by an individual or on the death of an individual or into certain defined trusts.
Potentially exempt transfers are transfers made to certain specified classes of person and become wholly exempt if made at least more than seven years before the death of the transferor and it becomes chargeable if not so made. Special rules apply to gifts made subject to a reservation of benefit. In the unusual case where ordinary shares or ADSs are subject to both United Kingdom inheritance tax and United States gift or estate tax, the Convention generally provides for tax paid in the United Kingdom to be credited against tax payable in the United States or for tax paid in the United States to be credited against tax payable in the United Kingdom based on priority rules set forth in the Convention.
Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax
No UK Stamp Duty will be payable on any transfer of an ADS or on any delivery or negotiation of an ADS, provided that the instrument of transfer is executed and remains outside the UK nor will there be any liability to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax in respect of any agreement for the transfer of ADSs. Dealings in ADSs in bearer form outside the UK will be free of Stamp Duty, but certain bearer dealings within the UK may attract Stamp Duty at the rate of 1.5%.
There will be a charge to ad valorem Stamp Duty on any instrument transferring ordinary shares to a nominee or agent for a depositary which then issues depositary receipts (such as ADSs). Where the instrument is liable to Stamp Duty as a conveyance on sale then the rate of duty is 1.5% of the consideration for the sale implemented by the instrument. Where the instrument of transfer is not stampable as a conveyance on sale, then the rate of duty is 1.5% of the market value of the security transferred by the instrument.
There is a charge to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax where ordinary shares are transferred or issued to, or appropriated by, a depositary or a nominee or agent for a depositary under an arrangement under which the depositary issues ADSs. Stamp Duty Reserve Tax, which is payable by the depositary, is charged at a rate of 1.5% of the consideration for the transfer. Where there is no such consideration, the rate of Stamp Duty Reserve Tax is 1.5% of the market value of the securities transferred. The charge to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax will, however, be reduced by the amount, if any, of ad valorem Stamp Duty paid on any instrument transferring the ordinary shares.
There will be a charge to ad valorem Stamp Duty on any instrument transferring ordinary shares to a nominee or agent for a clearance service if the clearance service has not elected to pay Stamp Duty Reserve Tax within its system. Where the instrument is liable to Stamp Duty as a conveyance on sale then the rate of duty is 1.5% of the consideration for the sale implemented by the instrument. Where the instrument of transfer is not stampable as a conveyance on sale, then the rate of duty is 1.5% of the market value of the security transferred by the instrument.
There is a charge to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax where ordinary shares are transferred or issued to a clearance service or a nominee or agent for a clearance service if the clearance service has not elected to pay Stamp Duty Reserve Tax within its system. Stamp Duty Reserve Tax, which is payable by the clearance service, is charged at a rate of 1.5% of the consideration for the transfer. Where there is no such consideration, the rate of Stamp Duty Reserve Tax is 1.5% of the market value of the securities transferred. The charge to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax will, however, be reduced by the amount, if any, of ad valorem Stamp Duty paid on any instrument transferring the ordinary shares.
77
In the case of conveyances or transfers of ordinary shares, the rate of duty is 0.5% of the consideration, if any, for the transfer. There is a charge to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax at a rate of 0.5% of the consideration for the transaction where there is an agreement for the sale of ordinary shares. The Stamp Duty Reserve Tax will in general be payable by the purchaser of the ordinary shares but regulations have been made which provide for the tax to be collected in certain circumstances from persons other than the purchaser (e.g., brokers). The charge to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax will, however, be reduced by the amount, if any, of ad valorem Stamp Duty paid on the instrument transferring the ordinary shares.
A gift for no consideration of ordinary shares (other than as part of ADS or clearance service arrangements) will not attract a Stamp Duty charge if appropriately certified and is not liable to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax. A transfer of ordinary shares (other than as part of ADS or clearance service arrangements) for no consideration between nominees for the same beneficial owner will attract a fixed Stamp Duty charge of £5 and is exempt from Stamp Duty Reserve Tax.
A transfer of ordinary shares from a depositary or its agent or nominee to a person purchasing the ordinary shares from an ADS holder on cancellation of an ADS is liable to duty as a conveyance on sale because it completes a sale of such ordinary shares and will be liable to ad valorem Stamp Duty, payable by the purchaser.
A transfer of ordinary shares from a depositary or its agent or nominee to an ADS holder on cancellation of an ADS which is not liable to duty as a conveyance on sale is liable to a fixed Stamp Duty of £5.
Generally speaking, Stamp Duty is payable where shares are transferred by a document; Stamp Duty Reserve Tax is payable if the shares are in dematerialised form (e.g., in CREST, the system for the transfer of shares electronically in London) or no document is executed and stamped. Interest and penalties are payable for late payment.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statements by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements, the Company files reports and other information with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the Public Reference Room at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
78
ITEM 11. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
The Companys principal market risks are changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. Following evaluation of these positions, the Company selectively enters into derivative financial instruments to manage its risk exposure. The fair value of derivatives held by the Company at 31 December 2007 is estimated to be a net liability of £6.8 million (£0.4 million asset with respect to interest rate swaps and £7.2 million liability for currency derivatives). These amounts are based on market values of equivalent instruments at the balance sheet date.
Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on both interest bearing assets and interest bearing liabilities. The Group has a policy of actively managing its interest rate risk exposure while recognising that fixing rates on all its debt eliminates the possibility of benefiting from rate reductions and similarly, having all its debt at floating rates unduly exposes the Group to increases in rates.
The Groups principal borrowing currencies are US dollars, pounds sterling and euros. Borrowings in these currencies represented 96.3% of the Groups gross indebtedness at 31 December 2007 (at $1,811 million, £614 million and 1,048 million) and 97.3% of the Groups average gross debt during the course of 2007 (at $1,859 million, £357 million and 1,152 million). Including the effect of interest rate and cross-currency swaps, 57.9% of the year end US dollar net debt is at fixed rates averaging 5.64% for an average period of 103 months; and 21.4% of the euro net debt is at fixed rates averaging 7.39% for an average period of 51 months; and 65.2% of sterling net debt is at a fixed at rate of 6.19% for an average period of 135 months.
Other than fixed rate debt, the Groups other fixed rates are achieved principally through interest rate swaps with the Groups bankers. The Group also uses forward rate agreements and interest rate caps to manage exposure to interest rate changes. At 31 December 2007 no forward rate agreements or interest rate caps were in place.
The Group uses interest rate swaps as hedging instruments in fair value hedges to manage its exposure to interest rate movements on its fixed rate borrowings. The following tables set forth the Companys fixed and floating rate debt by currency, including the effect of interest rate and cross-currency swaps, as of 31 December 2007:
2007 Currency | £m |
Fixed rate 1 |
Floating basis |
Period (months) 1 |
|||||
$ -fixed |
528.9 | 5.64 | % | n/a | 103 | ||||
-floating |
384.5 | n/a | LIBOR | n/a | |||||
-fixed |
165.3 | 7.39 | % | n/a | 51 | ||||
-floating |
605.7 | n/a | EURIBOR | n/a | |||||
£ -fixed |
400.0 | 6.19 | % | n/a | 135 | ||||
-floating |
213.7 | n/a | LIBOR | n/a | |||||
¥ -fixed |
40.6 | 2.07 | % | n/a | 72 | ||||
Other |
9.3 | n/a | LIBOR | n/a | |||||
2,348.0 |
Notes
1 |
Weighted average. These rates do not include the effect of gains on interest rate swap terminations that are written to income over the life of the original instrument. At 31 December 2007 the amounts still to be written to income were £3.2 million in respect of US dollar swap terminations, to be written to income evenly until June 2014. |
79
The significant terms of the interest rate swap agreements in place as of 31 December 2007:
2007 | |||
| |||
Notional principal amount |
1.5b | ||
Average pay rate |
EURIBOR
1.053 |
% |
|
Average receive rate |
5.109 | % | |
Average term |
61 months | ||
Latest maturity date |
Jan 2015 |
The variable rate payable on 200 million of the euro interest rate swaps is based on three-month EURIBOR and on six-month EURIBOR for the remaining 1,300 million. The three and six-month EURIBOR rates at 31 December 2007 were 4.374% and 4.707%, respectively.
The relevant EURIBOR rates are not forecast in the table above.
Foreign currency
The Groups significant international operations give rise to an exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group seeks to mitigate the effect of these structural currency exposures by borrowing in the same currencies as the operating (or functional) currencies of its main operating units. The majority of the Groups debt is therefore denominated in US dollars and euros, as these are the predominant currencies of revenues.
The Groups results in pounds sterling are subject to fluctuation as a result of exchange rate movements. The Group does not hedge this translation exposure to its earnings but does hedge the currency element of its net investments using foreign currency borrowings, cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts.
The Group utilises currency derivatives to hedge significant future transactions and cash flows and the exchange risk arising on translation of the Groups investments in foreign operations. The Group is a party to a variety of foreign currency derivatives in the management of its exchange rate exposures. The instruments purchased are primarily denominated in the currencies of the Groups principal markets.
At 31 December 2007 the Group holds forward foreign exchange contracts of 129.7 million R19.4 million, C$25 million and $55 million. The forward exchange rates to sterling that the Group is fixed into are 0.719, 14.1189, 2.049 and 1.9840 respectively. The contracts all mature in 2008.
These arrangements are designed to address significant exchange exposures and are renewed on a revolving basis as required.
80
The following table sets forth details on the cross currency swaps as of 31 December 2007, by currency:
2007 | 2007 | 2007 | 2007 | 2007 | 2007 | 2007 | 2007 | 2007 | 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||
/ $ | $ / | $ / | $ / | $ / | $ / | $ / | $ / | £ / | ¥ / | |||||||||||||||||||||
Currency Payable |
228.0m | $66.2m | $66.2m | $115.0m | $220.0m | $360.7m | $180.3m | $180.8m | £13.2m | ¥9000.0m | ||||||||||||||||||||
Currency Receivable |
$278.3m | 55.2m | 50.0m | 85.6m | 163.9m | 249.0m | 124.5m | 124.8m | 20.0m | 56.6m | ||||||||||||||||||||
Currency Rate Payable |
3m
Euribor +0.955 |
% |
6m
Libor +0.056 |
% |
Fixed
4.120 |
% |
6m
Libor
|
|
3m
Libor
|
|
Fixed
5.608 |
% |
3m
Libor
|
|
6m
Libor
|
|
3m
Libor |
|
Fixed
2.068 |
% |
||||||||||
Currency Rate Receivable |
Fixed
5.875 |
% |
Fixed
3.40 |
% |
Fixed
2.815 |
% |
6m
Euribor 0.555 |
% |
6m
Euribor +0.555 |
% |
6m
Euribor +0.795 |
% |
6m
Euribor +0.795 |
% |
6m
Euribor +0.795 |
% |
Fixed
3.370 |
% |
6m
Euribor +0.555 |
% |
Credit risk
The Groups principal financial assets are short term deposits and cash, trade and other receivables and investments, which represent the Groups maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets.
The Groups credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The majority of the Groups trade receivables are due from large national or multinational companies where the risk of default is considered low. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables, estimated by the Groups management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment.
The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.
A relatively small number of clients contribute a significant percentage of the Groups consolidated revenues. The Groups clients generally are able to reduce advertising and marketing spending or cancel projects at any time for any reason. There can be no assurance that any of the Groups clients will continue to utilise the Groups services to the same extent, or at all, in the future. A significant reduction in advertising and marketing spending by, or the loss of one or more of, the Groups largest clients, if not replaced by new client accounts or an increase in business from existing clients, would adversely affect the Groups prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Non-derivative financial instruments
The book and fair value of our $750 million bonds, 1.75 billion Eurobonds, $150 million convertible bond, £200 million bond and £400 million bond at 31 December 2007 was £2,348.0 million and £2,319.1 million, respectively. The fair value is calculated by reference to market prices at 31 December 2007. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value, and, accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realised in a current market exchange. For additional information in respect of these instruments see Item 5(B) and note 10 to the financial statements.
Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, overdrafts and short-term borrowings (including those drawn under the Revolving Credit Facilities) are considered to approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such instruments.
81
ITEM 12. | DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES |
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 13. | DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES |
None.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM | 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Group Chief Executive and our Group Finance Director, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of 31 December 2007. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Companys periodic reports. Following the evaluation described above, our management, including the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at that time.
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Our management, with the participation of our Group Chief Executive and our Group Finance Director, carried out an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2007. The assessment was performed using the criteria for effective internal control reflected in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Based on our assessment of the system of internal control, management believes that as of 31 December 2007 our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, which has audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2007, has also audited managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting under Auditing Standard No. 2 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Deloitte & Touche LLPs report is presented below.
82
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of WPP Group plc
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of WPP Group plc and subsidiaries (the Company) as at 31 December 2007, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as at 31 December 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2007 of the Company and our report dated 9 June 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
London, England
9 June 2008
83
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during 2007, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over
ITEM 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
The audit committee consisted of Paul Spencer, Bud Morten, Jeffrey Rosen and Colin Day at 31 December 2007. Colin Day was appointed to the committee in August 2007. The board of directors has determined that all members of the audit committee are independent as that term is defined in the applicable NASDAQ listing standards and rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
WPP does have an audit committee financial expert, Paul Spencer, serving as Chairman of its audit committee. See the biography of Paul Spencer in Item 6, Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesDirectors and Senior Management.
ITEM 16B. | Code of Ethics |
WPP has in place a Code of Business Conduct that constitutes a code of ethics as defined in applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and applies to all of its employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of the WPP Code of Business Conduct may be obtained free of charge by contacting the Companys investor relations department in London or New York at the following addresses or telephone numbers:
London:
Group Communications Director
WPP Group plc
27 Farm Street
London W1J 5RL England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7408 2204
Fax: +44 (0)20 7493 6819
New York:
Investor Relations
WPP Group plc
125 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017-5529
Tel: (212) 632-2235
Fax: (212) 632-2493
84
ITEM 16C. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
2007
|
2006
|
|||
£m | £m | |||
Audit fees |
16.2 | 16.1 | ||
Audit-related fees 1 |
0.4 | 0.4 | ||
Tax fees 2 |
3.6 | 3.9 | ||
All other 3 |
4.0 | 3.3 | ||
|
|
|||
24.2 | 23.7 |
Notes
1 |
Audit related fees include review of the interim financial statements and Form 20-F. |
2 |
Tax fees comprise tax advisory, planning and compliance services. |
3 |
Other fees comprise further assurance services, including fees for due diligence and transition support services. |
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy for the engagement of the external auditors in relation to the supply of permissible non-audit services (including taxation), taking into account relevant ethical and regulatory requirements. WPPs policy regarding non-audit services that may be provided by the Groups auditors, Deloitte, prohibits certain categories of work in line with relevant guidance on independence, such as ethical standards issued by the Auditory Practices Board and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Other categories of work may be undertaken by Deloitte subject to an approvals process that is designed appropriately for different categories and values of proposed work. All work was approved in advance.
ITEM 16D. | Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees. |
Not applicable
85
ITEM 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company on 27 June 2006 a special resolution was passed authorising the Company to make market purchases of its own shares up to a maximum number of 125,022,397 ordinary shares. This authority expired at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company on 26 June 2007 and was replaced by a new authority to purchase up to a maximum number of 122,579,509 ordinary shares until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company in June 2008. Purchases made in 2007 are described in the table below:
Total number of shares purchased |
Average price |
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plan |
Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under plan |
||||||
January |
800,000 | £ | 6.99 | 800,000 | 109,363,507 | ||||
February |
500,000 | £ | 7.80 | 500,000 | 108,863,507 | ||||
March |
11,145,700 | £ | 7.54 | 11,145,700 | 97,717,807 | ||||
April |
3,695,000 | £ | 7.65 | 3,695,000 | 94,022,807 | ||||
May |
6,165,000 | £ | 7.54 | 6,165,000 | 87,857,807 | ||||
June |
5,600,000 | £ | 7.39 | 5,600,000 | 116,979,509 | ||||
July |
3,016,020 | £ | 7.36 | 3,016,020 | 113,963,489 | ||||
August |
7,259,900 | £ | 7.05 | 7,259,900 | 106,703,589 | ||||
September |
5,167,680 | £ | 6.77 | 5,167,680 | 101,535,909 | ||||
October |
2,063,317 | £ | 6.59 | 2,063,317 | 99,472,592 | ||||
November |
7,289,849 | £ | 6.08 | 7,289,849 | 92,182,743 | ||||
December |
6,491,157 | £ | 6.19 | 6,491,157 | 85,691,586 | ||||
Total |
59,193,623 | £ | 7.03 | 59,193,623 |
ITEM 17. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
The Registrant has responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this item.
86
PART III
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Consolidated Financial Statements of WPP Group plc as at 31 December 2007, 2006 and 2005 are included in this report beginning on page F-1.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. |
Exhibit Title |
|
1.1 | Memorandum and Articles of Association of WPP Group plc (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Registrants Report on Form 6-K filed on 10 November 2005). | |
2.1 | Deposit Agreement dated as of 27 October 2005 among WPP 2005 plc, Citibank, N.A. as Depositary, and all holders and beneficial owners from time to time of American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
2.2 | Indenture dated as of 15 July 1998 between WPP Finance (USA) Corporation, WPP Group plc and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, in connection with the issuance of 6 5 / 8 % Notes due 15 July 2005 and 6 7 / 8 % Notes due 15 July 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to WPP Finance (USA) Corporations and WPP Group plcs Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed on 8 July 1998 (File No. 333-9058)). | |
2.3 | Forms of 6 5 / 8 % Notes due 15 July 2005 and 6 7 / 8 % Notes due 15 July 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to WPP Finance (USA) Corporations and WPP Group plcs Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed on 8 July 1998 (File No. 333-9058)). | |
2.4 | Agreement of Registrant to file, if requested by Securities and Exchange Commission, instruments relating to 5.125% Bonds due June 2004 and 6.0% Bonds due June 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.12 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2000). | |
2.5 | U.S. $1,600,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated 23 August 2005 among WPP Group plc, WPP Finance Co. Limited, WPP Group U.S. Finance Corp., Citibank International plc, Citibank, N.A. and the Lenders referred to therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.6 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
2.6 | Form of Supplemental Indenture, dated as of 30 December 2003, among WPP Finance (USA) Corporation, WPP Group plc and Deutsche Bank Trust Company (formerly Bankers Trust Company), as Trustee, supplementing the Indenture dated as of 15 July 1998 pertaining to the issuance of 6 5 / 8 % Notes due 15 July 2005 and 6 7 / 8 % Notes due 15 July 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.16 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2002). | |
2.7 | Form of Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of 27 June 2006, among WPP Finance (USA) Corporation, WPP 2005 Limited, WPP Group plc and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly Bankers Trust Company), as Trustee, supplementing the Indenture dated as of 15 July 1998 pertaining to the issuance of 6 7 / 8 % Notes due 15 July 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.8 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). |
87
Exhibit No. |
Exhibit Title |
|
2.8 | Form of Indenture, dated as of 23 June 2004, among WPP Finance (UK), as Issuer, WPP Group plc, as Guarantor, and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed by the Registrant on 21 September 2004 (File No. 333-119163)). | |
2.9 | Form of First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of 23 June 2004, among WPP Finance (UK), as Issuer, WPP Group plc, as Guarantor, and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee, pertaining to the issuance of U.S. $650,000,000 5.875% Notes due 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed by the Registrant on 21 September 2004 (File No. 333-119163)). | |
2.10 | Form of Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of 27 June 2006, among WPP Finance (UK), as Issuer, WPP 2005 Limited WPP Group plc, as Guarantor, and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee, pertaining to the issuance of U.S. $650,000,000 5.875% Notes due 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.11 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
2.11 | Form of 5.875% Notes Due 2014 (included as part of Exhibit 2.10). | |
2.12 | Form of Guarantee of 5.875% Notes due 2014 (included as part of Exhibit 2.10). | |
2.13 | Form of Letter Agreement, dated as of 7 March 2005, between WPP Group plc and Citibank, N.A., as Depositary, supplementing the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement by and among WPP Group plc, Citibank, N.A. and all holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.19 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2004). | |
2.14 | Indenture, dated 28 October 2003, between Grey Global Group Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Trustee, including the form of 5.0% Contingent Convertible Subordinated Debenture due 2033 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Grey Global Group Inc. on 26 January 2004 (File No. 333-112208)). | |
2.15 | Form of First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of 28 February 2005, among the Registrant, Abbey Merger Corporation, Grey Global Group Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Trustee, pertaining to Greys 5% Contingent Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2033 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Report on Form 8-K filed by Grey on 1 March 2005 (File No. 000-07898)). | |
2.16 | Form of Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of 28 February 2005, among the Registrant, Abbey Merger Corporation, Grey Global Group Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Trustee, pertaining to Greys 5% Contingent Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2033 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Report on Form 8-K filed by Grey on 28 February 2005 (File No. 000-07898)). | |
2.17 | Form of Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of 21 October 2005, among WPP Group plc, WPP 2005 plc, Grey Global Group Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Trustee, pertaining to Greys 5% Contingent Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2033 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrants Report on Form 6-K filed on 16 February 2006). |
88
Exhibit No. |
Exhibit Title |
|
2.18 | Form of Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of 29 December 2005, among WPP Group plc, WPP 2005 Limited, Grey Global Group Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Trustee, pertaining to Greys 5% Contingent Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2033 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Registrants Report on Form 6-K filed on 16 February, 2006). | |
2.19 | Agreement of Registrant to file, if requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission, instruments relating to 600 million of 4.375% Bonds due 5 December 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.19 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F filed for the year ended 31 December 2006). | |
2.20 | Agreement of Registrant to file, if requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission, indenture instruments relating to £400 million of 6% Bonds due 4 April 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.20 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F filed for the year ended 31 December 2006). | |
2.21 | Agreement of Registrant to file, if requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission, instruments relating to 500 million of 5.25% bonds due 2015.* | |
2.22 | Agreement of Registrant to file, if requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission, instruments relating to £200 million of 6.375% bonds due 2020.* | |
2.23 | Agreement of Registrant to file, if requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission, instruments relating to 750 million of 6.25% Guaranteed Bonds due 2016.* | |
4.1 | Consolidated Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated 3 July 1998, amending, modifying and restating the Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated 4 July 1997 by and between WPP Group plc, the original Borrowers, the Guarantors, Bankers Trust Company (as facility agent) and the Lenders and Arrangers referred to therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 1998). | |
4.2 | Revolving Credit Facility and Term Out Facility Agreement, dated 7 August 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrants Form 6-K filed on 28 August 2000). | |
4.3 | J. Walter Thompson Company, Inc. Retained Benefit Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2000). | |
4.4 | Young & Rubicam Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Young & Rubicams Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-46929)). | |
4.5 | Amendment No. 2 to Young & Rubicam Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan effective as of 1 January 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Young & Rubicams Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 1998). | |
4.6 | Young & Rubicam Holdings Inc. Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Young & Rubicams Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-46929)). | |
4.7 | Young & Rubicam Holdings Inc. Management Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Young & Rubicams Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-46929)). |
89
Exhibit No. |
Exhibit Title |
|
4.8 | Young & Rubicam Inc. 1997 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Young & Rubicams Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-46929)). | |
4.9 | Amendment to Young & Rubicam Inc. 1997 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.28 to Young & Rubicams Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-46929)). | |
4.10 | Amendment No. 2 to Young & Rubicam Inc. 1997 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Young & Rubicams Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 1999). | |
4.11 | Young & Rubicam Inc. Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to Young & Rubicams Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 31 December 1999). | |
4.12 | Young & Rubicam Inc. Executive Income Deferral Program (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2000). | |
4.13 | Ogilvy & Mather ERISA Excess Plan Summary Plan Description (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2000). | |
4.14 | Ogilvy & Mather Executive Savings Plan Summary Plan Description, in connection with a 25% matching contribution (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2000). | |
4.15 | Ogilvy & Mather Executive Savings Plan Summary Plan Description, in connection with a 50% matching contribution (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.22 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2000). | |
4.16 | Ogilvy & Mather Deferred Compensation Plan Summary Plan Description (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2000). | |
4.17 | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of 11 September 2004, by and among WPP Group plc, Abbey Merger Corporation and Grey Global Group Inc. and First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of 1 December 2004, by and among WPP Group plc, Abbey Merger Corporation and Grey Global Group Inc. (included as Appendix A to the proxy statement/prospectus filed as part of the Registrants Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed on 1 February 2005 (File No. 333-119949)). | |
4.18 | Grey Advertising Inc. 1998 Senior Management Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to Grey Global Group Inc. Annual Meeting Proxy Statement dated 17 August 1998 (File No. 000-07898)). | |
4.19 | Grey Global Group Inc. 2003 Senior Management Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to Grey Global Group Inc. Annual Meeting Proxy Statement dated 21 August 2003 (File No. 000-07898)). | |
4.20 | Grey Advertising Inc. amended and restated 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.02 to Grey Global Group Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 30 September 1996 (File No. 000-07898)). | |
4.21 | UK Service Agreement, dated 16 August 2004 and effective 1 April 2005, between WPP Group plc and Sir Martin Sorrell (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.35 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2004). |
90
Exhibit No. |
Exhibit Title |
|
4.22 | USA Service Agreement, dated and effective 16 August 2004, between WPP Group plc and Sir Martin Sorrell (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.36 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2004). | |
4.23 | USA Service Agreement, dated and effective 28 April 2005, between WPP Group plc and Paul W.G. Richardson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.37 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2004). | |
4.24 | Employment Agreement, dated as of 1 January 2002, by and between WPP Group USA, Inc. and Howard G. Paster (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.38 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2004). | |
4.25 | Employment Agreement, dated 9 September 2002, between WPP Group plc and Mark Read (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.39 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2004). | |
4.26 | The WPP Executive Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.34 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
4.27 | 1999 Leadership Equity Acquisition Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.35 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
4.28 | 2004 Leadership Equity Acquisition Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.36 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
4.29 | WPP Group plc Performance Share Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.37 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
4.30 | Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.38 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
4.31 | The WPP 2005 Executive Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.39 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
4.32 | The WPP Annual Bonus Deferral Programme (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.40 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
4.33 | 2004-2006 Long Term Incentive Plan Participant Guide (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.41 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
4.34 | GroupM Executive Savings Plan Summary Plan Description (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.42 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005). | |
4.35 | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 17, 2007, by and among WPP Group plc, TS Transaction, Inc. and 24/7 Real Media, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to 24/7 Real Media, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 17, 2007). | |
4.36 | Amendment No. 1, dated July 12, 2007, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 17, 2007, by and among WPP Group plc, TS Transaction, Inc. and 24/7 Real Media, Inc.* |
91
Exhibit No. |
Exhibit Title |
|
8.1 | List of subsidiaries.* | |
12.1 | Certification of Group Chief Executive.* | |
12.2 | Certification of Group Finance Director.* | |
13.1 | Certification of Group Chief Executive under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.* | |
13.2 | Certification of Group Finance Director under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.* | |
14.1 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.* |
* | filed herewith. |
92
Signatures
The Registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
WPP Group plc | ||
By: |
/ S / P AUL W G R ICHARDSON |
|
Paul W G Richardson Group Finance Director |
||
9 |
June 2008 |
93
Item 18
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial
|
Page
|
|||||
A. |
Consolidated Financial Statements of WPP Group plc as of and for the years ended 31 December 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
|||||
(i) |
F-1 | |||||
(ii) |
F-2 | |||||
(iii) |
Consolidated income statements for the years ended 31 December 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
F-9 | ||||
(iv) |
Consolidated cash flow statements for the years ended 31 December 2007, 2006 and 2005 |
F-10 | ||||
(v) |
F-11 | |||||
(vi) |
F-12 | |||||
(vii) |
F-13 |
94
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of WPP Group plc
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WPP Group plc and subsidiaries (the Company) as at 31 December 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of recognised income and expense and consolidated cash flow statements for each of the three years in the period ended 31 December 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of WPP Group plc and subsidiaries as at 31 December 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 December 2007, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted for use in the European Union and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Companys internal control over financial reporting as at 31 December 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated 9 June 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
London, England
9 June 2008
F-1
Our 2007 financial statements
The consolidated financial statements of WPP Group plc (the Group) for the year ended 31 December 2007 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union as they apply to the financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2007.
The Groups financial statements are also prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments. The principal accounting policies are set out below.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the results of the Company and all its subsidiary undertakings made up to the same accounting date. All intra-Group balances, transactions, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation. The results of subsidiary undertakings acquired or disposed of during the period are included or excluded from the income statement from the effective date of acquisition or disposal.
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Intangible assets comprise goodwill, certain acquired separable corporate brand names, customer relationships and capitalised computer software not integral to a related item of hardware.
Goodwill represents the excess of fair value attributed to investments in businesses or subsidiary undertakings over the fair value of the underlying net assets, including intangible assets, at the date of their acquisition. Acquisitions complement and give rise to synergies with our existing portfolio of businesses, and bring skilled staff to deliver services to our clients. Goodwill arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to IFRS (1 January 2004) has been retained at the previous UK GAAP amounts subject to being tested for impairment. Goodwill written off to reserves under UK GAAP prior to 1998 has not been reinstated and is not included in determining any subsequent profit or loss on disposal.
The Group has taken the option as permitted by IFRS 1 (First-Time Adoption of IFRS) to apply IAS 21 (The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates) retrospectively to fair value adjustments and goodwill arising in all business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to IFRS.
Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the net present value of future cash flows derived from the underlying assets using a projection period of up to five years for each cash-generating unit. After the projection period a steady or declining growth rate representing an appropriate long-term growth rate for the industry is applied. Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed.
Corporate brand names acquired as part of acquisitions of businesses are capitalised separately from goodwill as intangible assets if their value can be measured reliably on initial recognition and it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the Group.
Certain corporate brands of the Group are considered to have an indefinite economic life because of the institutional nature of the corporate brand names, their proven ability to maintain market leadership and profitable operations over long periods of time and the Groups commitment to develop and enhance their value. The carrying value of these intangible assets is reviewed at least annually for impairment and adjusted to the recoverable amount if required.
Amortisation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life as follows:
Acquired intangibles
|
Brand names 10-20 years |
|
Customer related intangibles 3-10 years |
|
Other proprietary tools 3-10 years |
|
Other (including capitalised computer software) 3-5 years |
Contingent consideration
Future anticipated payments to vendors in respect of contingent consideration (earnouts) are based on
F-2
Accounting policies (continued)
the directors best estimates of future obligations, which are dependent on the future performance of the interests acquired and assume the operating companies improve profits in line with directors estimates. When earnouts are to be settled by cash consideration, the fair value of the consideration is obtained by discounting to present value the amounts expected to be payable in the future. The resulting interest charge is included within finance costs.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are shown at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment with the exception of freehold land which is not depreciated. The Group assesses the carrying value of its property, plant and equipment to determine if any impairment has occurred.
Where this indicates that an asset may be impaired, the Group applies the requirements of IAS 36 in assessing the carrying amount of the assets. This process includes comparing its recoverable amount with its carrying value. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life, as follows:
|
Freehold buildings 50 years |
|
Leasehold land and buildings over the term of the lease or life of the asset, if shorter |
|
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 3-10 years |
|
Computer equipment 3-5 years |
Interests in associates and joint ventures
The Groups share of the profits less losses of associate undertakings net of tax, interest and minority interest is included in the consolidated income statement and the Groups share of net assets is shown within interests in associates in the consolidated balance sheet. The Groups share of the profits less losses and net assets is based on current information produced by the undertakings, adjusted to conform with the accounting policies of the Group.
The Group assesses the carrying value of its associate undertakings to determine if any impairment has occurred. Where this indicates that an investment may be impaired, the Group applies the requirements of IAS 36 in assessing the carrying amount of the investment. This process includes comparing its recoverable amount with its carrying value.
The Group accounts for joint venture investments under the equity method which is consistent with the Groups treatment of associates.
Other investments
Other investments are designated as available for sale and are shown at fair value with any movements in fair value taken to equity.
On disposal of the security the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in the profit or loss for the year. Impairment losses recognised in profit or loss for equity investments classified as available for sale are not subsequently reversed through profit or loss.
Inventory and work in progress
Work in progress is valued at cost, which includes outlays incurred on behalf of clients and an appropriate proportion of directly attributable costs and overheads on incomplete assignments. Provision is made for irrecoverable costs where appropriate. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are stated net of provisions for bad and doubtful debts.
Foreign currency and interest rate hedging
The Groups policy on Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Rate Management sets out the instruments and methods available to hedge interest and currency risk exposures and the control procedures in place to ensure effectiveness.
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risk and interest rate movements. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each balance sheet date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of
F-3
Accounting policies (continued)
the recognition in profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.
At the inception of the hedge relationship the entity documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Furthermore, at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the hedging instrument that is used in a hedging relationship is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item.
Note 25 contains details of the fair values of the derivative instruments used for hedging purposes.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged item that is attributable to the hedged risk.
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow or net investment hedges is deferred in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit or loss. Amounts deferred in equity are recycled in profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item is recognised in profit or loss. However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset or liability.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity until the forecast transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to net profit or loss for the period.
Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely related to those of host contracts and the host contracts are not carried at fair value with unrealised gains or losses reported in the income statement.
Liabilities in respect of option agreements
Option agreements that allow the Groups equity partners to require the Group to purchase a minority interest are treated as derivatives over equity instruments and are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value and the valuation is remeasured at each period end. Fair value is based on the present value of expected cash outflows and the movement in the fair value is recognised as income or expense within finance costs in the income statement.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
In accordance with IAS 39, a financial liability of the Group is only released to the income statement when the underlying legal obligation is extinguished.
Convertible debt
Convertible debt is assessed according to the substance of the contractual arrangements and is classified into liability and equity elements on the basis of the initial fair value of the liability element. The difference between this figure and the cash received is classified as equity.
The income statement charge for the finance cost will be spread evenly over the term of the convertible debt so that at redemption the liability equals the redemption value.
Bank borrowings
Other interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.
Borrowing costs
Finance costs of borrowing are recognised in the income statement over the term of those borrowings.
Revenue recognition
Revenue comprises commission and fees earned in respect of amounts billed. Direct costs include fees paid to external suppliers where they are retained to perform part or all of a specific project for a client and the resulting expenditure is directly attributable to the revenue earned. Revenue is stated exclusive of VAT, sales taxes and trade discounts.
F-4
Accounting policies (continued)
Advertising and Media Investment Management
Revenue is typically derived from commissions on media placements and fees for advertising services. Revenue may consist of various arrangements involving commissions, fees, incentive-based revenue or a combination of the three, as agreed upon with each client.
Revenue is recognised when the service is performed, in accordance with the terms of the contractual arrangement. Incentive-based revenue typically comprises both quantitative and qualitative elements; on the element related to quantitative targets, revenue is recognised when the quantitative targets have been achieved; on the element related to qualitative targets, revenue is recognised when the incentive is received or receivable.
Information, Insight & Consultancy
Revenue recognised in proportion to the level of service performed for market research contracts is based on proportional performance. In assessing contract performance, both input and output criteria are reviewed. Costs incurred are used as an objective input measure of performance. The primary input of all work performed under these arrangements is labour. As a result of the relationship between labour and cost, there is normally a direct relationship between costs incurred and the proportion of the contract performed to date. Costs incurred as a proportion of expected total costs is used as an initial proportional performance measure. This indicative proportional performance measure is subsequently validated against other more subjective criteria (i.e. relevant output measures) such as the percentage of interviews completed, percentage of reports delivered to a client and the achievement of any project milestones stipulated in the contract. In the event of divergence between the objective and more subjective measures, the more subjective measures take precedence since these are output measures.
While most of the studies provided in connection with the Groups market research contracts are undertaken in response to an individual clients or group of clients specifications, in certain instances a study may be developed as an off-the-shelf product offering sold to a broad client base. For these transactions, revenue is recognised when the product is delivered. Where the terms of transaction provide for licensing the product on a subscription basis, revenue is recognised over the subscription period on a straight-line basis or, if applicable, based on usage.
Substantially all services are provided on a fixed price basis. Pricing may also include a provision for a surcharge where the actual labour hours incurred in completing a project are significantly above the labour hours quoted in the project proposal. In instances where this occurs, the surcharge will be included in the total revenue base on which to measure proportional performance when the actual threshold is reached provided that collectibility is reasonably assured.
Public Relations & Public Affairs and Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications
Revenue is typically derived from retainer fees and services to be performed subject to specific agreement. Revenue is recognised when the service is performed, in accordance with the terms of the contractual arrangement. Revenue is recognised on long-term contracts, if the final outcome can be assessed with reasonable certainty, by including in the income statement revenue and related costs as contract activity progresses.
Taxation
Corporate taxes are payable on taxable profits at current rates. The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Groups liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences unless specifically excepted by IAS 12. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that
F-5
Accounting policies (continued)
taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or other assets and liabilities (other than in a business combination) in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised based on enacted or substantively enacted legislation. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
Retirement benefit costs
For defined contribution schemes, contributions are charged to the income statement as payable in respect of the accounting period.
For defined benefit schemes the amounts charged to operating profit are the current service costs and gains and losses on settlements and curtailments. They are included as part of staff costs. Past service costs are recognised immediately in the income statement if the benefits have vested. If the benefits have not vested, the costs are recognised over the period until vesting occurs. The interest cost and the expected return on assets are shown within finance costs and finance income respectively. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in the Statement of Recognised Income and Expense.
Where defined benefit schemes are funded, the assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group, in separate trustee-administered funds. Pension scheme assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method and discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high-quality corporate bond of equivalent currency and term to the scheme liabilities. The actuarial valuations are obtained at least triennially and are updated at each balance sheet date.
Recognition of a surplus in the defined benefit schemes is limited based on the economic gain the company is expected to benefit from in the future by means of a refund or reduction in future contributions to the plan, in accordance with IAS 19.
Finance leases
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at the inception of the lease at the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Depreciation on leased assets is charged to the income statement on the same basis as owned assets. Leasing payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements and the interest is charged to the income statement as it is incurred.
Operating leases
Operating lease rentals are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Any premium or discount on the acquisition of a lease is spread over the life of the lease on a straight-line basis.
Translation of foreign currencies
Foreign currency transactions arising from normal trading activities are recorded at the rates in effect at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the year end are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Foreign currency gains and losses are credited or charged to the income statement as they arise.
The income statements of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated into pounds sterling at average exchange rates and the year-end net assets of these companies are translated at year-end exchange rates.
Exchange differences arising from retranslation of the opening net assets and on foreign currency borrowings (to the extent that they hedge the Groups investment in such operations) are
F-6
Accounting policies (continued)
reported in the Statement of Recognised Income and Expense.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate.
Share-based payments
The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments (including share options) to certain employees and accounts for these awards in accordance with IFRS 2 (Share-based payments). Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The Group has used a Black-Scholes valuation model for this purpose.
The fair value determined at the grant date is recognised in the income statement as an expense on a straight-line basis over the relevant vesting period, based on the Groups estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions.
IFRS 2 (Share-based payments) applies to all share-based payments granted since 7 November 2002, but the Group has elected for full retrospective restatement as this better represents the ongoing charge to the income statement.
New IFRS accounting pronouncements
In the current year, the Group has adopted IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures which is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2007, and the related amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. The impact of the adoption of IFRS 7 and the changes to IAS 1 has been to expand the disclosures provided in these financial statements regarding the Groups financial instruments and capital management.
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations, which have not been applied in these financial statements, were in issue but not yet effective:
|
IFRIC 11 IFRS 2: Group and Treasury Share Transactions; |
|
IFRIC 12 Service Concession Arrangements; |
|
IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty; |
|
IFRIC 14 The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction; |
|
IFRS 8 Operating Segments; |
|
IAS 1 (revised) Presentation of Financial Statements; and |
|
IAS 23 (revised) Borrowing Costs. |
The Group does not consider that these Standards and Interpretations will have a significant impact on the financial statements of the Group except for additional disclosures when the relevant standards come into effect for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2008.
In addition, IFRS 3 (revised) Business Combinations and IAS 27 (revised) Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements become effective for the Group in the year ended 31 December 2010. The revisions to these standards will apply to business combinations completed after 1 January 2010. The main changes under the revised standards are:
|
all acquisition-related costs must be recognised as an expense in the period; |
|
contingent consideration payable is to be measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any subsequent movements in the fair value of such consideration as a result of post-acquisition events (such as changes in estimates of earnout consideration) must be recognised as a gain or loss in the income statement; |
|
equity interests held prior to control being obtained must be re-measured to fair value at the acquisition date, with any gain or loss recognised in the income statement; |
|
increases in ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a change of control are treated as transactions among equity holders and are reported within equity. No gain or loss is recognised on such transactions and goodwill is not re-measured. |
The revisions to the standards apply prospectively to business combinations for which
F-7
Accounting policies (continued)
the acquisition date is on or after the first annual financial reporting period beginning on or after 1 January 2009. Consequently, the impact that these revised standards will have on the financial statements of the Group will depend on the circumstances of business combinations occurring on or after 1 January 2010.
Critical judgements in applying accounting policies
Management is required to make key decisions and judgements in the process of applying the Groups accounting policies. The most significant areas where such judgements have been necessary are revenue recognition, goodwill, acquisition reserves, taxation and accounting for pension liabilities. Where judgement has been applied, the key factors taken into consideration are disclosed in the appropriate note in these financial statements.
F-8
For the years ended 31 December 2007, 2006, 2005
Notes |
2007 £m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
||||||||
Revenue |
2 | 6,185.9 | 5,907.8 | 5,373.7 | |||||||
Direct costs |
(335.5 | ) | (296.8 | ) | (241.0 | ) | |||||
Gross profit |
5,850.4 | 5,611.0 | 5,132.7 | ||||||||
Operating costs |
3 | (5,045.7 | ) | (4,869.4 | ) | (4,479.9 | ) | ||||
Operating profit |
2 | 804.7 | 741.6 | 652.8 | |||||||
Share of results of associates |
4 | 41.4 | 41.1 | 33.9 | |||||||
Profit before interest and taxation |
846.1 | 782.7 | 686.7 | ||||||||
Finance income |
6 | 139.4 | 111.0 | 87.6 | |||||||
Finance costs |
6 | (266.1 | ) | (211.7 | ) | (182.3 | ) | ||||
Profit before taxation |
719.4 | 682.0 | 592.0 | ||||||||
Taxation |
7 | (204.3 | ) | (199.4 | ) | (194.0 | ) | ||||
Profit for the year |
515.1 | 482.6 | 398.0 | ||||||||
Attributable to: |
|||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
465.9 | 435.8 | 363.9 | ||||||||
Minority interests |
49.2 | 46.8 | 34.1 | ||||||||
515.1 | 482.6 | 398.0 | |||||||||
Earnings per share 1 |
9 | ||||||||||
Basic earnings per ordinary share |
39.6 | p | 36.3 | p | 30.3 | p | |||||
Diluted earnings per ordinary share |
38.0 | p | 35.2 | p | 29.7 | p |
Notes
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this income statement
1 |
The calculations of the Groups earnings per share are set out in note 9. |
F-9
Consolidated cash flow statement
For the years ended 31 December 2007, 2006, 2005
Notes |
2007 £m |
2006 £m |
2005 £m |
||||||||
Net cash inflow from operating activities | 11 | 891.3 | 661.4 | 837.5 | |||||||
Investing activities | |||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals | 11 | (674.8 | ) | (215.6 | ) | (507.7 | ) | ||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (151.1 | ) | (167.8 | ) | (160.5 | ) | |||||
Purchases of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) | (19.7 | ) | (16.7 | ) | (10.8 | ) | |||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 8.3 | 22.4 | 6.7 | ||||||||
Net cash outflow from investing activities | (837.3 | ) | (377.7 | ) | (672.3 | ) | |||||
Financing activities | |||||||||||
Share option proceeds | 34.8 | 70.9 | 20.3 | ||||||||
Share repurchases and buy-backs | 11 | (415.4 | ) | (257.7 | ) | (152.3 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings | 11 | 498.9 | 382.1 | (595.2 | ) | ||||||
Financing and share issue costs | (8.3 | ) | (3.7 | ) | (2.2 | ) | |||||
Equity dividends paid | (138.9 | ) | (118.9 | ) | (100.2 | ) | |||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings | (38.9 | ) | (28.8 | ) | (24.0 | ) | |||||
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities | (67.8 | ) | 43.9 | (853.6 | ) | ||||||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | (13.8 | ) | 327.6 | (688.4 | ) | ||||||
Translation difference | 119.2 | (50.3 | ) | 85.0 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 956.9 | 679.6 | 1,283.0 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 11 | 1,062.3 | 956.9 | 679.6 |
Note
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this cash flow statement.
F-10
Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense
For the years ended 31 December 2007, 2006, 2005
2007 £m |
2006 £m |
2005 £m |
|||||||
Profit for the year | 515.1 | 482.6 | 398.0 | ||||||
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments | 71.7 | (367.0 | ) | 266.1 | |||||
Gain on revaluation of available for sale investments | 108.1 | 9.5 | 21.0 | ||||||
Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension schemes | 27.0 | 26.0 | (16.5 | ) | |||||
Deferred tax (charge)/credit on defined benefit pension schemes | (9.9 | ) | 5.3 | 3.6 | |||||
Net income/(expense) recognised directly in equity | 196.9 | (326.2 | ) | 274.2 | |||||
Total recognised income and expense relating to the year | 712.0 | 156.4 | 672.2 | ||||||
Attributable to: | |||||||||
Equity holders of the parent | 662.8 | 109.6 | 638.1 | ||||||
Minority interests | 49.2 | 46.8 | 34.1 | ||||||
712.0 | 156.4 | 672.2 |
Note
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this statement of recognised income and expense.
F-11
At 31 December 2007, 2006 |
Notes |
2007 £m |
2006 £m |
|||||
Non-current assets | ||||||||
Intangible assets: | ||||||||
Goodwill |
12 | 6,071.7 | 5,434.5 | |||||
Other |
12 | 1,154.6 | 1,115.4 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment | 13 | 449.6 | 415.3 | |||||
Interests in associates | 14 | 540.1 | 411.4 | |||||
Other investments | 14 | 268.6 | 136.5 | |||||
Deferred tax assets | 15 | 56.0 | 108.9 | |||||
Trade and other receivables | 17 | 149.3 | 110.3 | |||||
8,689.9 | 7,732.3 | |||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Inventory and work in progress | 16 | 343.9 | 341.5 | |||||
Corporate income tax recoverable | 37.2 | 26.5 | ||||||
Trade and other receivables | 17 | 6,140.8 | 4,931.9 | |||||
Cash and short-term deposits | 2,040.2 | 1,663.7 | ||||||
8,562.1 | 6,963.6 | |||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Trade and other payables | 18 | (8,248.9 | ) | (6,783.8 | ) | |||
Corporate income tax payable | (70.0 | ) | (39.6 | ) | ||||
Bank overdrafts and loans | 20 | (1,585.9 | ) | (1,260.6 | ) | |||
(9,904.8 | ) | (8,084.0 | ) | |||||
Net current liabilities | (1,342.7 | ) | (1,120.4 | ) | ||||
Total assets less current liabilities | 7,347.2 | 6,611.9 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
Bonds and bank loans | 20 | (1,740.0 | ) | (1,217.7 | ) | |||
Trade and other payables | 19 | (460.4 | ) | (331.9 | ) | |||
Corporate income tax liability | (336.2 | ) | (383.7 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 15 | (464.0 | ) | (467.8 | ) | |||
Provision for post-employment benefits | 23 | (135.0 | ) | (187.6 | ) | |||
Provisions for liabilities and charges | 21 | (116.8 | ) | (104.8 | ) | |||
(3,252.4 | ) | (2,693.5 | ) | |||||
Net assets | 4,094.8 | 3,918.4 | ||||||
Equity | ||||||||
Called-up share capital | 26, 27 | 119.2 | 124.1 | |||||
Share premium account | 27 | 103.9 | 74.9 | |||||
Shares to be issued | 27 | 5.3 | 7.5 | |||||
Merger reserve | 27 | (1,365.9 | ) | (1,370.0 | ) | |||
Other reserves | 27 | (114.9 | ) | (170.1 | ) | |||
Own shares | 27 | (255.3 | ) | (288.5 | ) | |||
Retained earnings | 27 | 5,482.1 | 5,449.0 | |||||
Equity share owners funds | 3,974.4 | 3,826.9 | ||||||
Minority interests | 120.4 | 91.5 | ||||||
Total equity | 4,094.8 | 3,918.4 |
Note
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this balance sheet.
F-12
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
1. General information
WPP Group plc is a company incorporated in the UK under the Companies Act 1985. The address of the registered office is Pennypot Industrial Estate, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6PE. The nature of the Groups operations and its principal activities are set out in note 2. These Financial statements are presented in pounds sterling.
2. Segment information
The Group is a leading worldwide communications services organisation offering national and multinational clients a comprehensive range of communications services.
For management purposes, the Group is currently organised into four operating segments Advertising and Media Investment Management; Information, Insight & Consultancy; Public Relations & Public Affairs; and Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications. These disciplines are the basis on which the Group reports its primary information. Operating segments are aggregated where they have similar economic characteristics, provide similar products and services and serve similar clients. The Groups operations are located in North America; the UK; Continental Europe; and Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and the Groups performance has historically been linked with the economic performance of these regions. These geographic divisions are the basis on which the Group reports its secondary information.
Operating sectors
Segment information about these businesses is presented below:
Revenue 1 |
Operating
profit |
Share of
result of associates |
Profit
before interest and taxation |
Finance
income |
Finance
costs |
Profit
before taxation |
Taxation |
Profit for
the year |
||||||||||||
£m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | ||||||||||||
2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 2,871.3 | 384.4 | 28.1 | 412.5 | ||||||||||||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 905.4 | 99.2 | 3.9 | 103.1 | ||||||||||||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 641.4 | 101.7 | 2.1 | 103.8 | ||||||||||||||||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 1,767.8 | 219.4 | 7.3 | 226.7 | ||||||||||||||||
6,185.9 | 804.7 | 41.4 | 846.1 | 139.4 | (266.1 | ) | 719.4 | (204.3 | ) | 515.1 | ||||||||||
2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 2,806.9 | 365.2 | 21.9 | 387.1 | ||||||||||||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 892.9 | 89.0 | 1.9 | 90.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 595.7 | 83.5 | 3.2 | 86.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 1,612.3 | 203.9 | 14.1 | 218.0 | ||||||||||||||||
5,907.8 | 741.6 | 41.1 | 782.7 | 111.0 | (211.7 | ) | 682.0 | (199.4 | ) | 482.6 | ||||||||||
2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 2,606.4 | 334.0 | 16.1 | 350.1 | ||||||||||||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 810.4 | 69.4 | 6.9 | 76.3 | ||||||||||||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 534.4 | 72.1 | 2.1 | 74.2 | ||||||||||||||||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 1,422.5 | 177.3 | 8.8 | 186.1 | ||||||||||||||||
5,373.7 | 652.8 | 33.9 | 686.7 | 87.6 | (182.3 | ) | 592.0 | (194.0 | ) | 398.0 |
Note
1 |
Intersegment sales have not been separately disclosed as they are not material. |
Headline
PBIT 1 |
Headline
PBIT margin % |
Headline
PBIT 1 |
Headline
PBIT margin % |
Headline
PBIT 1 |
Headline
PBIT margin % |
|||||||
2007 £m |
2007 |
2006 £m |
2006 |
2005 £m |
2005 | |||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 466.9 | 16.3 | 443.7 | 15.8 | 402.7 | 15.5 | ||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 104.3 | 11.5 | 98.7 | 11.1 | 83.4 | 10.3 | ||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 106.5 | 16.6 | 89.5 | 15.0 | 75.3 | 14.1 | ||||||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 250.3 | 14.2 | 227.1 | 14.1 | 193.4 | 13.6 | ||||||
928.0 | 15.0 | 859.0 | 14.5 | 754.8 | 14.0 |
Note
1 |
See note 31 for reconciliation of headline PBIT to PBIT. |
F-13
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2. Segment information (continued)
Other information |
Share-based
payments |
Goodwill
additions |
Acquired
intangibles additions |
Capital
additions 1 |
Depreciation
and amortisation |
Goodwill
impairment & write-downs |
Interest in
associates |
|||||||
£m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | ||||||||
2007 | ||||||||||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 35.0 | 56.8 | 3.9 | 96.5 | 100.0 | 33.2 | 328.9 | |||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 7.4 | 39.3 | 2.3 | 19.9 | 18.1 | | 90.8 | |||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 4.3 | 35.9 | | 10.7 | 14.1 | 0.6 | 59.0 | |||||||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 15.7 | 471.7 | 79.5 | 45.2 | 52.5 | 12.0 | 61.4 | |||||||
62.4 | 603.7 | 85.7 | 172.3 | 184.7 | 45.8 | 540.1 | ||||||||
2006 | ||||||||||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 43.7 | 60.9 | 4.5 | 105.8 | 114.3 | 28.7 | 257.1 | |||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 7.7 | 12.9 | 0.4 | 19.5 | 17.2 | 5.6 | 83.1 | |||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 4.7 | 55.5 | 6.0 | 15.1 | 13.8 | 0.9 | 18.7 | |||||||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 14.8 | 78.3 | 9.4 | 44.1 | 40.6 | 9.1 | 52.5 | |||||||
70.9 | 207.6 | 20.3 | 184.5 | 185.9 | 44.3 | 411.4 | ||||||||
2005 | ||||||||||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 40.0 | 856.4 | 250.6 | 96.8 | 85.5 | 35.6 | 294.0 | |||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 8.6 | 20.7 | 2.4 | 17.6 | 17.8 | 7.1 | 96.8 | |||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 4.3 | 45.7 | 15.4 | 20.1 | 12.1 | 0.4 | 18.2 | |||||||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 15.7 | 205.3 | 86.1 | 36.8 | 32.0 | 4.0 | 100.9 | |||||||
68.6 | 1,128.1 | 354.5 | 171.3 | 147.4 | 47.1 | 509.9 |
Note
1 |
Capital additions include purchases of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software). |
Balance sheet | Assets | Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Segment
assets |
Unallocated
corporate assets 1 |
Consolidated
assets |
Segment
liabilities |
Unallocated
corporate liabilities 1 |
Consolidated
total liabilities |
||||||||||||
£m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | ||||||||||||
2007 | |||||||||||||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 8,963.4 | (7,238.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 1,008.9 | (395.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 1,307.2 | (296.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 3,839.1 | (1,031.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
15,118.6 | 2,133.4 | 17,252.0 | (8,961.1 | ) | (4,196.1 | ) | (13,157.2 | ) | |||||||||
2006 | |||||||||||||||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 7,861.4 | (5,912.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 919.1 | (373.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 1,209.9 | (246.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 2,906.5 | (875.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||
12,896.9 | 1,799.0 | 14,695.9 | (7,408.1 | ) | (3,369.4 | ) | (10,777.5 | ) |
Note
1 |
Included in unallocated corporate assets and liabilities are corporate income tax, deferred tax and net interest-bearing debt. The debt has not been allocated as it is held centrally and specifically allocating it to individual segments is not considered to be a fair representation of the net assets of those segments. |
F-14
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2. Segment information (continued)
Contributions by geographical area were as follows:
2007 £m |
2006
£m |
2005 £m |
||||||||||
Revenue 1 | ||||||||||||
North America | 2,266.7 | 2,291.1 | 2,106.9 | |||||||||
UK | 890.3 | 856.3 | 808.1 | |||||||||
Continental Europe | 1,657.4 | 1,532.9 | 1,410.3 | |||||||||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East | 1,371.5 | 1,227.5 | 1,048.4 | |||||||||
6,185.9 | 5,907.8 | 5,373.7 | ||||||||||
Margin | Margin | Margin | ||||||||||
Headline PBIT 2 | ||||||||||||
North America | 17.3% | 391.5 | 17.0% | 389.0 | 16.6% | 350.1 | ||||||
UK | 12.0% | 107.1 | 11.4% | 97.9 | 10.5% | 84.6 | ||||||
Continental Europe | 13.5% | 223.0 | 12.7% | 194.3 | 12.5% | 176.1 | ||||||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East | 15.0% | 206.4 | 14.5% | 177.8 | 13.7% | 144.0 | ||||||
15.0% | 928.0 | 14.5% | 859.0 | 14.0% | 754.8 | |||||||
Segment Assets | ||||||||||||
North America | 5,494.4 | 4,536.0 | 5,116.5 | |||||||||
UK | 1,691.4 | 1,693.8 | 1,357.3 | |||||||||
Continental Europe | 4,748.5 | 3,946.0 | 4,091.2 | |||||||||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East | 3,184.3 | 2,721.1 | 2,557.6 | |||||||||
15,118.6 | 12,896.9 | 13,122.6 | ||||||||||
Capital additions 3 | ||||||||||||
North America | 74.8 | 90.1 | 80.5 | |||||||||
UK | 28.2 | 29.4 | 28.7 | |||||||||
Continental Europe | 31.2 | 28.7 | 31.1 | |||||||||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East | 38.1 | 36.3 | 31.0 | |||||||||
172.3 | 184.5 | 171.3 |
Notes
1 |
Intersegment sales have not been separately disclosed as they are not material. |
2 |
See note 31 for reconciliation of headline PBIT to PBIT. |
3 |
Capital additions include purchases of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software). |
3. Operating costs
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Total staff costs (note 5) | 3,607.9 | 3,474.4 | 3,186.3 | ||||||
Establishment costs | 427.2 | 419.1 | 387.6 | ||||||
Other operating costs (net) | 1,010.6 | 975.9 | 906.0 | ||||||
Total operating costs | 5,045.7 | 4,869.4 | 4,479.9 | ||||||
Operating costs include: | |||||||||
Goodwill impairment | 44.1 | 35.5 | 46.0 | ||||||
Goodwill write-down relating to utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses (note 12) 1 | 1.7 | 8.8 | 1.1 | ||||||
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets (note 12) | 40.3 | 43.3 | 25.3 | ||||||
Amortisation of other intangible assets (note 12) | 18.1 | 13.5 | 10.7 | ||||||
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 123.7 | 127.3 | 110.0 | ||||||
Losses/(Gains) on sale of property, plant and equipment | 1.0 | (3.7 | ) | 1.1 | |||||
Gains on disposal of investments | (3.4 | ) | (7.3 | ) | (4.3 | ) | |||
Net foreign exchange losses | 1.1 | 5.0 | 0.8 | ||||||
Operating lease rentals: | |||||||||
Land and buildings | 261.1 | 251.7 | 237.8 | ||||||
Plant and machinery | 25.8 | 30.4 | 34.8 | ||||||
286.9 | 282.1 | 272.6 |
Note
1 |
The goodwill write-down in relation to the utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses is due to the better than expected performance of certain acquisitions in the year. This enabled the utilisation of pre-acquisition tax attributes that previously could not be recognised at the time of acquisition due to insufficient evidence that they were recoverable. |
In 2007, operating profit includes credits totalling £16.8 million (2006: £10.6 million, 2005: £10.1 million) relating to the release of excess provisions and other balances established in respect of acquisitions completed prior to 2006. Further details of the Groups approach to acquisition reserves, as required by IFRS 3 Business combinations, are given in note 28.
All of the operating costs of the Group are related to administrative expenses.
Auditors remuneration:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
||||
Fees payable to the Companys auditors for the audit of the Companys annual accounts | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.9 | |||
The audit of the Companys subsidiaries pursuant to legislation | 11.4 | 10.8 | 10.0 | |||
13.1 | 12.5 | 11.9 | ||||
Other services pursuant to legislation | 3.5 | 4.0 | 3.0 | |||
Fees payable to the auditors pursuant to legislation | 16.6 | 16.5 | 14.9 | |||
Tax advisory services | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.6 | |||
Tax compliance services | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.0 | |||
3.6 | 3.9 | 3.6 | ||||
Corporate finance services | 1.0 | | 0.2 | |||
Other services | 3.0 | 3.3 | 2.8 | |||
Total non-audit fees | 7.6 | 7.2 | 6.6 | |||
Total fees | 24.2 | 23.7 | 21.5 |
F-15
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
3. Operating costs (continued)
Minimum committed annual rentals
Amounts payable in 2008 under the foregoing leases will be as follows:
Plant and machinery
|
Land and buildings
|
|||||||||||
2008
£m |
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2008
£m |
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||||||
In respect of operating leases which expire: | ||||||||||||
within one year | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 27.9 | 30.8 | 20.6 | ||||||
within two to five years | 12.9 | 13.5 | 17.9 | 115.5 | 95.5 | 94.5 | ||||||
after five years | 0.3 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 75.0 | 75.8 | 90.0 | ||||||
19.6 | 22.2 | 26.7 | 218.4 | 202.1 | 205.1 |
Future minimum annual amounts payable under all lease commitments in existence at 31 December 2007 are as follows:
Minimum
rental payments £m |
Less
sub-let rentals £m |
Net
payment £m |
|||||
Year ending 31 December | |||||||
2008 | 238.0 | (20.8 | ) | 217.2 | |||
2009 | 192.0 | (16.9 | ) | 175.1 | |||
2010 | 169.3 | (14.7 | ) | 154.6 | |||
2011 | 136.9 | (13.1 | ) | 123.8 | |||
2012 | 118.1 | (11.9 | ) | 106.2 | |||
Later years | 591.4 | (9.1 | ) | 582.3 | |||
1,445.7 | (86.5 | ) | 1,359.2 |
4. Share of results of associates
Share of results of associates include:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Share of profit before interest and taxation | 65.8 | 61.4 | 54.0 | ||||||
Share of exceptional gains | 0.8 | 4.0 | | ||||||
Share of interest and minority interest | 0.5 | 0.9 | (0.9 | ) | |||||
Share of taxation | (25.7 | ) | (25.2 | ) | (19.2 | ) | |||
41.4 | 41.1 | 33.9 |
5. Our people
Our staff numbers averaged 84,848 against 77,686 in 2006 and 70,936 in 2005, including acquisitions. Their geographical distribution was as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||
North America | 23,294 | 22,477 | 21,261 | |||
UK | 8,543 | 8,484 | 8,007 | |||
Continental Europe | 21,367 | 19,935 | 18,644 | |||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East | 31,644 | 26,790 | 23,024 | |||
84,848 | 77,686 | 70,936 |
Their operating sector distribution was as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||
Advertising and Media Investment Management | 42,948 | 41,030 | 38,084 | |||
Information, Insight & Consultancy | 11,524 | 10,869 | 10,089 | |||
Public Relations & Public Affairs | 7,167 | 6,616 | 5,901 | |||
Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications | 23,209 | 19,171 | 16,862 | |||
84,848 | 77,686 | 70,936 |
At the end of 2007 staff numbers were 90,182 (2006: 79,352, 2005: 74,631). Including all employees of associated undertakings, this figure was approximately 111,000 at 31 December 2007 (2006: 98,000, 2005: 92,000).
5. Our people (continued)
Total staff costs were made up as follows:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
||||
Wages and salaries | 2,492.6 | 2,385.8 | 2,182.1 | |||
Cash-based incentive plans | 168.3 | 176.0 | 159.0 | |||
Share-based incentive plans (note 22) | 62.4 | 70.9 | 68.6 | |||
Social security costs | 288.3 | 281.7 | 267.3 | |||
Other pension costs (note 23) | 80.7 | 81.7 | 75.6 | |||
Other staff costs | 515.6 | 478.3 | 433.7 | |||
3,607.9 | 3,474.4 | 3,186.3 | ||||
Staff cost to revenue ratio | 58.3% | 58.8% | 59.3% |
Included above are charges of £6.5 million (2006: £5.3 million, 2005: £4.9 million) for share-based incentive plans in respect of key management personnel (who comprise the executive directors of the Group). Compensation for key management personnel also included £4.2 million (2006: £4.1 million, 2005: £4.7 million) of short-term benefits and £0.5 million (2006: £0.5 million, 2005: £0.6 million) of post employment benefits.
6. Finance income and finance costs
Finance income includes:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
||||
Expected return on pension scheme assets | 28.1 | 25.2 | 24.2 | |||
Income from available for sale investments | 9.2 | 5.7 | 5.6 | |||
Interest income | 102.1 | 80.1 | 57.8 | |||
139.4 | 111.0 | 87.6 |
Finance costs include:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
||||
Interest on pension scheme liabilities | 33.8 | 32.4 | 32.0 | |||
Interest payable and similar charges 1 | 216.3 | 171.3 | 141.4 | |||
Finance charges (excluding revaluation of financial instruments) | 250.1 | 203.7 | 173.4 | |||
Revaluation of financial instruments accounted at fair value through profit or loss | 16.0 | 8.0 | 8.9 | |||
266.1 | 211.7 | 182.3 |
The following are included in the revaluation of financial instruments accounted at fair value through profit and loss shown above:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
||||
Movements in fair value of treasury instruments | 6.7 | 3.3 | 3.0 | |||
Revaluation of put options over minority interests (notes 20 and 21) | 9.3 | 4.7 | 5.8 | |||
Other | | | 0.1 | |||
16.0 | 8.0 | 8.9 |
Note
1 |
Interest payable and similar charges are payable on bank overdrafts, bonds and bank loans held at amortised cost. |
Interest payable on the Groups drawings on its committed revolving credit facilities is payable at a margin of 0.25% over relevant LIBOR.
The majority of the Groups long-term debt is represented by $750 million of US dollar bonds at a weighted average interest rate of 6.01% (prior to any interest rate swaps or cross-currency swaps), 1,750 million of Eurobonds at 5.23% (prior to any interest rate or currency swaps), £600 million of sterling bonds at 6.13% and $150 million of convertible bonds at 5.0%.
Average borrowings under the Syndicated Revolving Credit Facilities (note 10) amounted to $377 million at an average interest rate of 5.95% inclusive of margin. Average borrowings under the US$ Commercial Paper Program (note 10) amounted to $476 million at an average interest rate of 5.40% inclusive of margin.
F-16
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
7. Taxation
The tax charge is based on the profit for the year and comprises:
The tax charge for the year can be reconciled to profit before taxation in the income statement as follows:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Profit before taxation | 719.4 | 682.0 | 592.0 | ||||||
Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 30% | 215.8 | 204.6 | 177.6 | ||||||
Tax effect of share of results of associates | (12.4 | ) | (12.3 | ) | (10.2 | ) | |||
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit | 9.4 | 7.4 | 12.4 | ||||||
Tax effect of utilisation or recognition of tax losses not previously recognised | (29.6 | ) | (24.3 | ) | (16.8 | ) | |||
Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions | 8.6 | 10.3 | 18.5 | ||||||
Unused tax losses carried forward | 12.5 | 13.7 | 12.5 | ||||||
Tax charge | 204.3 | 199.4 | 194.0 | ||||||
Effective tax rate on profit before taxation | 28.4% | 29.2% | 32.8% |
8. Ordinary dividends
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:
Notes
1 |
The Annual General Meeting to approve the final dividend will be held on 24 June 2008 and therefore the final dividend has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. |
The payment of this dividend will not have any tax consequences for the Group.
9. Earnings per share
Basic EPS
The calculation of basic Reported EPS is as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Reported earnings 1 (£m) | 465.9 | 435.8 | 363.9 | ||||||
Average shares used in Basic EPS calculation (m) | 1,176.9 | 1,201.0 | 1,200.1 | ||||||
Reported EPS | 39.6 | p | 36.3 | p | 30.3 | p |
Note
1 |
Reported earnings is equivalent to profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent. |
Diluted EPS
The calculation of diluted Reported EPS is set out below:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Diluted Reported Earnings (£m) | 466.8 | 436.9 | 363.9 | ||||||
Average shares used in Diluted EPS calculation (m) | 1,227.1 | 1,242.2 | 1,224.8 | ||||||
Diluted Reported EPS | 38.0 | p | 35.2 | p | 29.7 | p |
Diluted EPS has been calculated based on the Reported Earnings amounts above. For the year ended 31 December 2007 and the year ended 31 December 2006, the $150 million Grey convertible bonds were dilutive and earnings were consequently increased by £0.9 million and £1.1 million respectively for the purpose of this calculation. For the year ended 31 December 2007 and the year ended 31 December 2006, the £450 million convertible bonds were accretive to earnings and therefore excluded from the calculation of dilutive earnings; these bonds were redeemed on their due date of 11 April 2007. In 2005, both convertibles were accretive to earnings and therefore excluded from the calculation of dilutive earnings. In addition, at 31 December 2007, options to purchase 16.4 million ordinary shares (2006: 7.6 million, 2005: 12.0 million) were outstanding, but were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price of the Groups shares and, therefore, their inclusion would have been accretive.
A reconciliation between the shares used in calculating Basic and Diluted EPS is as follows:
2007
m |
2006 m |
2005 m |
||||
Average shares used in Basic EPS calculation | 1,176.9 | 1,201.0 | 1,200.1 | |||
Dilutive share options outstanding | 16.6 | 14.9 | 18.6 | |||
Other potentially issuable shares | 24.7 | 17.4 | 6.1 | |||
$150 million Grey convertible bonds | 8.9 | 8.9 | | |||
Shares used in Diluted EPS calculation | 1,227.1 | 1,242.2 | 1,224.8 |
At 31 December 2007 there were 1,191,491,263 ordinary shares in issue.
F-17
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
10. Sources of finance
The following table summarises the equity and debt financing of the Group, and changes during the year:
Shares | Debt | ||||||||||||
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
||||||||||
Analysis of changes in financing | |||||||||||||
Beginning of year | 199.0 | 127.4 | 1,771.5 | 1,483.6 | |||||||||
Shares issued in respect of acquisitions | 2.3 | | | | |||||||||
Other issues of share capital | 30.2 | 75.0 | | | |||||||||
Share cancellations | (5.7 | ) | (3.3) | | | ||||||||
Share issue costs paid | (2.7 | ) | (0.1) | | | ||||||||
Net increase in drawings on bank loans, corporate bonds and convertible bonds | | | 498.9 | 382.1 | |||||||||
Net amortisation of financing costs included in net debt | | | 5.5 | 10.4 | |||||||||
Other movements | | | (36.7 | ) | (21.7 | ) | |||||||
Exchange adjustments | | | 108.8 | (82.9 | ) | ||||||||
End of year | 223.1 | 199.0 | 2,348.0 | 1,771.5 |
The above table excludes bank overdrafts which fall within cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the consolidated cash flow statement.
Shares
At 31 December 2007, the Companys share base was entirely composed of ordinary equity share capital and share premium of £223.1 million (2006: £199.0 million, 2005: £127.4 million), further details of which are disclosed in notes 26 and 27.
Debt
USA bond The Group has in issue $100 million of 6.875% bonds due July 2008 and $650 million of 5.875% bonds due June 2014.
Eurobond In November 2007, the Group issued 500 million of 5.25% bonds due January 2015. The Group has in issue 600 million of 4.375% bonds due December 2013 and 650 million of 6.0% bonds due June 2008.
Sterling bond In April 2007, the Group issued £400 million of 6% bonds due April 2017. In November 2007, the Group issued £200 million of 6.375% bonds due November 2020.
Revolving Credit Facilities The Group has a $1.6 billion seven year Revolving Credit Facility due August 2012. The Groups borrowing under this facility, which are drawn down predominantly in US dollars, Canadian dollars and pounds sterling, averaged $377 million in 2007. The Group had available undrawn committed credit facilities of £759 million at December 2007 (2006: £817 million).
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are governed by certain financial covenants based on the results and financial position of the Group.
US Commercial Paper Program
The Group has a $1.4 billion US Commercial Paper Program using the Revolving Credit Facility as a backstop. The Groups borrowings under this program are notes issued in US dollars and swapped into other currencies as required. The average commercial paper outstanding since the launch of the program was $476 million. There was no US Commercial Paper outstanding at 31 December 2007.
Convertible bonds
During the year, the Group redeemed £450 million of 2% convertible bonds on their due date of April 2007.
In March 2005, with the purchase of Grey Global Group Inc, the Group acquired $150 million of 5% convertible debentures due 2033. Each debenture holder has the right to require Grey and WPP (as co-obligor) to repurchase as of each of 28 October 2008, 2010 and 2013 all or a portion of the holders then outstanding debentures at par ($1,000 per debenture) plus the amount of accrued and unpaid interest. WPP has the unrestricted right to call the bond at par from 2013. Each $1,000 of principal amount is initially convertible into 11.820362 WPP ADSs and $499.31 of cash and is convertible at the option of the holder at any time. The effective interest rate on the liability component is 4.5%.
The Grey convertible bond has a nominal value of £75.7 million at 31 December 2007 (2006: total convertible bonds of £526.7 million, made
10. Sources of finance (continued)
up of £450 million convertible redeemed in April 2007 and £76.7 million Grey convertible). In accordance with IAS 39, these bonds have been split between a liability component and an equity component by initially valuing the liability component at fair value based on the present value of future cash flows and then holding it at amortised cost. The equity component represents the fair value, on initial recognition, of the embedded option to convert the liability into equity of the Group.
The liability element is £81.5 million and the equity component is £nil as at 31 December 2007 (2006: £548.7 million and £68.7 million respectively).
The Group estimates that the fair value of the liability component of the convertible bonds at 31 December 2007 to be approximately £76.8 million (2006: £538.4 million). This fair value has been calculated by discounting the future cash flows at the market rate.
The following table is an analysis of future anticipated cash flows in relation to the Groups debt, on an undiscounted basis which, therefore, differs from the fair value and carrying value:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||||
Within one year | (719.4 | ) | (624.9 | ) | ||
Between one and two years | (94.6 | ) | (541.5 | ) | ||
Between two and three years | (94.6 | ) | (37.2 | ) | ||
Between three and four years | (94.6 | ) | (37.2 | ) | ||
Between four and five years | (94.6 | ) | (37.2 | ) | ||
Over five years | (2,030.1 | ) | (820.6 | ) | ||
Debt financing under the Revolving Credit Facility and in relation to unsecured loan notes | (3,127.9 | ) | (2,098.6 | ) | ||
Short-term overdrafts within one year | (977.9 | ) | (706.8 | ) | ||
(4,105.8 | ) | (2,805.4 | ) | |||
Effect of discount/financing rates | 779.9 | 327.1 | ||||
Debt financing | (3,325.9 | ) | (2,478.3 | ) |
Analysis of fixed and floating rate debt by currency including the effect of interest rate and cross-currency swaps:
2007
Currency |
£m |
Fixed
rate 1 |
Floating
basis |
Period
(months) 1 |
||||||
$ | fixed | 528.9 | 5.64% | n/a | 103 | |||||
floating | 384.5 | n/a | LIBOR | n/a | ||||||
£ | fixed | 400.0 | 6.19% | n/a | 135 | |||||
floating | 213.7 | n/a | LIBOR | n/a | ||||||
| fixed | 165.3 | 7.39% | n/a | 51 | |||||
floating | 605.7 | n/a | EURIBOR | n/a | ||||||
¥ | fixed | 40.6 | 2.07% | n/a | 72 | |||||
Other | 9.3 | n/a | LIBOR | n/a | ||||||
2,348.0 | ||||||||||
2006
|
£m |
Fixed
rate 1 |
Floating
basis |
Period
(months) 1 |
||||||
$ | fixed | 483.9 | 5.18% | n/a | 120 | |||||
floating | 72.1 | n/a | LIBOR | n/a | ||||||
| fixed | 56.6 | 8.85% | n/a | 36 | |||||
floating | 942.0 | n/a | LIBOR | n/a | ||||||
Other | 216.9 | n/a | LIBOR | n/a | ||||||
1,771.5 |
Note
1 |
Weighted average. These rates do not include the effect of gains on interest rate swap terminations that are written to income over the life of the original instrument. At 31 December 2007 the amounts still to be written to income were £3.2 million in respect of US dollar swap terminations, to be written to income evenly until June 2014. |
F-18
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
10. Sources of finance (continued)
The following table is an analysis of future anticipated cash flows in relation to the Groups financial derivatives, which include interest rate and foreign exchange swaps:
Financial liabilities | Financial assets | |||||||||
2007 |
Payable
£m |
Receivable
£m |
Payable
£m |
Receivable £m |
||||||
Within one year | 422.8 | 411.3 | 581.2 | 588.5 | ||||||
Between one and two years | 133.8 | 131.7 | 146.2 | 158.9 | ||||||
Between two and three years | 78.3 | 76.0 | 60.8 | 63.4 | ||||||
Between three and four years | 82.0 | 77.1 | 62.8 | 65.4 | ||||||
Between four and five years | 83.1 | 77.7 | 63.9 | 65.6 | ||||||
Over five years | 1,717.9 | 1,644.9 | 1,319.7 | 1,381.4 | ||||||
2,517.9 | 2,418.7 | 2,234.6 | 2,323.2 | |||||||
Financial liabilities | Financial assets | |||||||||
2006 |
Payable
£m |
Receivable
£m |
Payable
£m |
Receivable £m |
||||||
Within one year | 748.8 | 740.2 | 579.7 | 607.5 | ||||||
Between one and two years | 145.2 | 142.4 | 330.0 | 339.3 | ||||||
Between two and three years | 140.7 | 139.5 | 50.6 | 55.5 | ||||||
Between three and four years | 35.9 | 34.9 | 15.9 | 16.4 | ||||||
Between four and five years | 35.7 | 34.8 | 16.0 | 16.4 | ||||||
Over five years | 800.9 | 775.1 | 319.2 | 319.2 | ||||||
1,907.2 | 1,866.9 | 1,311.4 | 1,354.3 |
11. Analysis of cash flows
The following tables analyse the items included within the main cash flow headings on page F-10.
Net cash from operating activities:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Profit for the year | 515.1 | 482.6 | 398.0 | ||||||
Adjustments for: | |||||||||
Taxation | 204.3 | 199.4 | 194.0 | ||||||
Finance costs | 266.1 | 211.7 | 182.3 | ||||||
Finance income | (139.4 | ) | (111.0 | ) | (87.6 | ) | |||
Share of results of associates | (41.4 | ) | (41.1 | ) | (33.9 | ) | |||
Non-cash share-based incentive plans (including share options) | 62.4 | 70.9 | 68.6 | ||||||
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 126.3 | 129.1 | 111.4 | ||||||
Impairment of goodwill | 44.1 | 35.5 | 46.0 | ||||||
Goodwill write-down relating to utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses | 1.7 | 8.8 | 1.1 | ||||||
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets | 40.3 | 43.3 | 25.3 | ||||||
Amortisation of other intangible assets | 18.1 | 13.5 | 10.7 | ||||||
Gains on disposal of investments | (3.4 | ) | (7.3 | ) | (4.3 | ) | |||
Losses/(Gains) on sale of property, plant and equipment | 1.0 | (3.7 | ) | 1.1 | |||||
Decrease/(increase) in inventories and work in progress | 29.4 | (83.0 | ) | 39.5 | |||||
Increase in receivables | (886.7) | (489.1) | (618.5) | ||||||
Increase in payables short term | 897.6 | 433.4 | 710.4 | ||||||
Increase/(decrease) in payables long term | 7.6 | 17.6 | (33.8 | ) | |||||
(Decrease)/increase in provisions | (22.5 | ) | (50.0 | ) | 10.0 | ||||
Corporation and overseas tax paid | (151.0 | ) | (162.0 | ) | (136.0 | ) | |||
Interest and similar charges paid | (212.0 | ) | (135.1 | ) | (128.2 | ) | |||
Interest received | 102.6 | 75.2 | 62.4 | ||||||
Investment income | 3.1 | 2.4 | 5.6 | ||||||
Dividends from associates | 28.0 | 20.3 | 13.4 | ||||||
Net cash inflow from operating activities | 891.3 | 661.4 | 837.5 | ||||||
Acquisitions and disposals: | |||||||||
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Initial cash consideration | (520.4 | ) | (120.5 | ) | (561.2 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents acquired (net) | 60.5 | 21.4 | 173.9 | ||||||
Earnout payments | (93.9 | ) | (91.6 | ) | (96.7 | ) | |||
Loan note redemptions | (2.1 | ) | (11.7 | ) | (33.0 | ) | |||
Purchase of other investments (including associates) | (128.0 | ) | (28.7 | ) | (29.0 | ) | |||
Proceeds on disposal of investments | 9.1 | 15.5 | 38.3 | ||||||
Net cash outflow | (674.8 | ) | (215.6 | ) | (507.7 | ) | |||
Share repurchases and buy-backs: | |||||||||
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Share cancellations (excluding brokerage fees) | (402.7 | ) | (218.8 | ) | (123.3 | ) | |||
Purchase of own shares by ESOP trust | | (38.9 | ) | (29.0 | ) | ||||
Shares purchased into treasury | (12.7 | ) | | | |||||
Net cash outflow | (415.4 | ) | (257.7 | ) | (152.3 | ) |
F-19
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
11. Analysis of cash flows (continued)
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings: | |||||||||
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Repayment of £450 million bonds | (450.0 | ) | | | |||||
Proceeds from issue of £400 million bonds | 400.0 | | | ||||||
Proceeds from issue of £200 million bonds | 200.0 | | | ||||||
Proceeds from issue of 500 million bonds | 348.9 | | | ||||||
Increase in drawings on bank loans | | (21.8 | ) | 17.1 | |||||
Proceeds from issue of 600 million Eurobonds | | 403.9 | | ||||||
Repayment of $287.5 million convertible bonds | | | (154.5 | ) | |||||
Repayment of $125 million Grey debt | | | (65.3 | ) | |||||
Repayment of working capital facility | | | (277.2 | ) | |||||
Repayment of $200 million bonds | | | (115.3 | ) | |||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) | 498.9 | 382.1 | (595.2 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Cash at bank and in hand | 1,957.4 | 1,476.8 | 1,029.0 | ||||||
Short-term bank deposits | 82.8 | 186.9 | 86.2 | ||||||
Overdrafts 1 | (977.9 | ) | (706.8 | ) | (435.6 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 1,062.3 | 956.9 | 679.6 |
Note
1 |
Bank overdrafts are included in cash and cash equivalents because they form an integral part of the Groups cash management. |
The Group considers that the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value.
12. Intangible assets
Goodwill
The movements in 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
£m | |||
Cost: | |||
1 January 2006 | 6,049.5 | ||
Additions 1 | 207.6 | ||
Exchange differences | (433.5 | ) | |
31 December 2006 | 5,823.6 | ||
Additions 1 | 603.7 | ||
Exchange differences | 59.9 | ||
31 December 2007 | 6,487.2 | ||
Accumulated impairment losses and write-downs: | |||
1 January 2006 | 374.3 | ||
Goodwill write-down relating to utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses | 8.8 | ||
Impairment losses for the year | 20.1 | ||
Exchange differences | (14.1 | ) | |
31 December 2006 | 389.1 | ||
Goodwill write-down relating to utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses | 1.7 | ||
Impairment losses for the year | 33.7 | ||
Exchange differences | (9.0 | ) | |
31 December 2007 | 415.5 | ||
Net book value: | |||
31 December 2007 | 6,071.7 | ||
31 December 2006 | 5,434.5 | ||
1 January 2006 | 5,675.2 |
12. Intangible assets (continued)
Note
1 |
Additions represent goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiary undertakings. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of associate undertakings is shown within interests in associates in note 14. |
Significant components of goodwill as at 31 December 2007 and 2006 are:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Young & Rubicam | 2,372.6 | 2,249.6 | ||
Grey | 1,010.2 | 964.2 | ||
Mediaedge:cia | 879.7 | 874.7 | ||
Other | 1,809.2 | 1,346.0 | ||
Total goodwill | 6,071.7 | 5,434.5 |
Other goodwill represents goodwill on a large number of acquisitions, none of which is individually significant in comparison to the total carrying value of goodwill.
Other intangible assets:
The movements in 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
Brands
with an indefinite useful life £m |
Acquired
intan- gibles £m |
Other
£m |
Total
£m |
|||||||||
Cost: | ||||||||||||
1 January 2006 | 897.0 | 356.6 | 77.4 | 1,331.0 | ||||||||
Additions | | | 16.7 | 16.7 | ||||||||
Disposals | | | (4.1 | ) | (4.1 | ) | ||||||
Acquired on acquisition of a subsidiary | | 20.3 | | 20.3 | ||||||||
Other movements | | | 15.2 | 15.2 | ||||||||
Exchange differences | (85.6 | ) | (40.4 | ) | (8.7 | ) | (134.7 | ) | ||||
31 December 2006 | 811.4 | 336.5 | 96.5 | 1,244.4 | ||||||||
Additions | | | 21.2 | 21.2 | ||||||||
Disposals | | (9.1 | ) | | (9.1 | ) | ||||||
Acquired on acquisition of a subsidiary | | 85.7 | 8.4 | 94.1 | ||||||||
Other movements | | | (1.1 | ) | (1.1 | ) | ||||||
Exchange differences | (13.4 | ) | 0.5 | 2.7 | (10.2 | ) | ||||||
31 December 2007 | 798.0 | 413.6 | 127.7 | 1,339.3 | ||||||||
Amortisation and impairment: | ||||||||||||
1 January 2006 | | 26.3 | 44.1 | 70.4 | ||||||||
Charge for the year | | 43.3 | 13.5 | 56.8 | ||||||||
Other movements | | | 12.6 | 12.6 | ||||||||
Exchange differences | | (5.0 | ) | (5.8 | ) | (10.8 | ) | |||||
31 December 2006 | | 64.6 | 64.4 | 129.0 | ||||||||
Charge for the year | | 40.3 | 18.1 | 58.4 | ||||||||
Disposals | | (2.4 | ) | | (2.4 | ) | ||||||
Other movements | | (0.6 | ) | (1.6 | ) | (2.2 | ) | |||||
Exchange differences | | (0.5 | ) | 2.4 | 1.9 | |||||||
31 December 2007 | | 101.4 | 83.3 | 184.7 | ||||||||
Net book value: | ||||||||||||
31 December 2007 | 798.0 | 312.2 | 44.4 | 1,154.6 | ||||||||
31 December 2006 | 811.4 | 271.9 | 32.1 | 1,115.4 | ||||||||
1 January 2006 | 897.0 | 330.3 | 33.3 | 1,260.6 |
Brands with an indefinite life represent JWT, Hill & Knowlton, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide and the Young & Rubicam Group. These assets are carried at historical cost in accordance with the Groups accounting policy for intangible assets. The most significant of these is the Young & Rubicam Group with a carrying value of £481.6 million at 31 December 2007 (2006: £488.2 million). The carrying values of the JWT, Hill & Knowlton and Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide brands are not individually significant in comparison with the total carrying value of brands with an indefinite useful life.
F-20
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
12. Intangible assets (continued)
In accordance with the Groups accounting policy, the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
The carrying values of brands with an indefinite useful life are assessed for impairment purposes by using the royalty and loyalty methods of valuation, both of which utilise the net present value of future cash flows associated with the brands.
The 2007 goodwill impairment review was initially undertaken as at 30 June 2007 and then updated as at 31 December 2007. The review assessed whether the carrying value of goodwill was supported by the net present value of future cash flows based on management forecasts for 2008, an assumed annual growth rate of 3.0% and a pre-tax discount rate of 11.0%. For a small number of businesses, the impairment review is instead based on management forecasts using a projection period of up to five years for each cash-generating unit. After this projection period, steady or declining growth has been assumed at rates not exceeding long-term average growth rates for the industry for each cash-generating unit, with no improvement in operating margin being assumed.
An impairment charge is required for both goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets when the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. Goodwill impairment charges of £44.1 million and £35.5 million were recorded in the years ended 31 December 2007 and 2006 respectively. The impairment charges relate to certain under-performing businesses in the Group. In certain markets, the impact of current local economic conditions and trading circumstances on these businesses was sufficiently severe to indicate impairment to the carrying value of goodwill. At 31 December 2007 an impairment charge of acquired intangible assets was recorded for £1.5 million. This charge related to Branding & Identity, Healthcare and Specialist Communications for £0.7 million, and Information, Insight & Consultancy, for £0.8 million. This charge was the result of our review of certain customer relationships which had been lost during the year.
Under IFRS, an impairment charge is required for both goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets when the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, defined as the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Our approach in determining the recoverable amount utilises a discounted cash flow methodology, which necessarily involves making numerous estimates and assumptions regarding revenue growth, operating margins, tax rates, appropriate discount rates and working capital requirements. These estimates will likely differ from future actual results of operations and cash flows, and it is possible that these differences could be material. In addition, judgements are applied in determining the level of cash-generating unit we identify for impairment testing and the criteria we use to determine which assets should be aggregated. A difference in testing levels could affect whether an impairment is recorded and the extent of impairment loss. Changes in our business activities or structure may also result in changes to the level of testing in future periods. Further, future events could cause the Group to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that the asset values associated with a given operation have become impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material impact on the Groups financial condition and results of operations.
In 2007, the Group acquired 24/7 Real Media, Inc. for consideration of approximately £330 million. 24/7 significantly enhances the Groups digital capability and will make a major contribution to winning new business for the Group, primarily our Advertising and Media Investment Management businesses. For this reason, goodwill relating to 24/7 was reviewed for impairment against the net present value of future cash flows of this segment as the appropriate cash-generating unit.
Historically our impairment losses have resulted from a specific event, condition or circumstance in one of our companies, such as the loss of a significant client. As a result, changes in the assumptions used in our impairment model have not had a significant effect on the impairment charges recognised. The carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets will continue to be reviewed at least annually for impairment and adjusted to the recoverable amount if required.
13. Property, plant and equipment
The movements in 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
Land and buildings | ||||||||||||||||||
Land
£m |
Freehold
buildings £m |
Short
lease- hold buildings £m |
Fixtures,
ment
|
Computer
ment £m |
Total
£m |
|||||||||||||
Cost: | ||||||||||||||||||
1 January 2006 | 14.6 | 50.9 | 363.5 | 262.7 | 366.8 | 1,058.5 | ||||||||||||
Additions | | 1.4 | 64.2 | 39.5 | 62.7 | 167.8 | ||||||||||||
New acquisitions | 0.1 | | 0.9 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 3.7 | ||||||||||||
Disposals | (1.0 | ) | (5.5 | ) | (42.1 | ) | (46.9 | ) | (60.7 | ) | (156.2 | ) | ||||||
Exchange adjustments | (4.4 | ) | (12.6 | ) | (32.1 | ) | (29.0 | ) | (22.7 | ) | (100.8 | ) | ||||||
31 December 2006 | 9.3 | 34.2 | 354.4 | 228.2 | 346.9 | 973.0 | ||||||||||||
Additions | | 0.7 | 56.7 | 34.9 | 58.8 | 151.1 | ||||||||||||
New acquisitions | | 0.1 | 2.2 | 3.0 | 6.5 | 11.8 | ||||||||||||
Disposals | (0.5 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (23.4 | ) | (30.1 | ) | (32.7 | ) | (86.9 | ) | ||||||
Exchange adjustments | | 1.7 | 1.5 | 6.4 | 19.4 | 29.0 | ||||||||||||
31 December 2007 | 8.8 | 36.5 | 391.4 | 242.4 | 398.9 | 1,078.0 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation: | ||||||||||||||||||
1 January 2006 | | 21.8 | 157.4 | 172.3 | 283.5 | 635.0 | ||||||||||||
Charge for the year | | 1.7 | 43.2 | 30.8 | 53.4 | 129.1 | ||||||||||||
Disposals | | (0.4 | ) | (36.6 | ) | (43.6 | ) | (57.7 | ) | (138.3 | ) | |||||||
Exchange adjustments | | (7.5 | ) | (16.4 | ) | (17.9 | ) | (26.3 | ) | (68.1 | ) | |||||||
31 December 2006 | | 15.6 | 147.6 | 141.6 | 252.9 | 557.7 | ||||||||||||
Charge for the year | | 1.7 | 38.9 | 28.0 | 57.7 | 126.3 | ||||||||||||
Disposals | | (0.2 | ) | (17.7 | ) | (25.6 | ) | (34.2 | ) | (77.7 | ) | |||||||
Exchange adjustments | | 0.6 | 5.9 | 3.8 | 11.8 | 22.1 | ||||||||||||
31 December 2007 | | 17.7 | 174.7 | 147.8 | 288.2 | 628.4 | ||||||||||||
Net book value: | ||||||||||||||||||
31 December 2007 | 8.8 | 18.8 | 216.7 | 94.6 | 110.7 | 449.6 | ||||||||||||
31 December 2006 | 9.3 | 18.6 | 206.8 | 86.6 | 94.0 | 415.3 | ||||||||||||
1 January 2006 | 14.6 | 29.1 | 206.1 | 90.4 | 83.3 | 423.5 |
At the end of the year, capital commitments contracted, but not provided for in respect of property, plant and equipment were £24.1 million (2006: £44.4 million).
F-21
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
14. Interests in associates, joint ventures and other investments
The movements in 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
Net
assets of associates and joint ventures £m |
Goodwill
and other
£m |
Total
associates and joint ventures £m |
Other
invest- ments £m |
|||||||||
1 January 2006 | 208.2 | 301.7 | 509.9 | 55.3 | ||||||||
Additions | 1.5 | | 1.5 | 18.2 | ||||||||
Goodwill arising on acquisition of new associates | | 13.6 | 13.6 | | ||||||||
Share of results of associate undertakings (note 4) | 41.1 | | 41.1 | | ||||||||
Dividends and other movements | (21.5 | ) | (2.5 | ) | (24.0 | ) | | |||||
Exchange adjustments | (13.9 | ) | (17.5 | ) | (31.4 | ) | (0.8 | ) | ||||
Disposals | (0.1 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (0.7 | ) | (8.6 | ) | ||||
Reclassification from associates to other investments | (21.0 | ) | (41.9 | ) | (62.9 | ) | 62.9 | |||||
Reclassification to subsidiaries | (8.5 | ) | (11.3 | ) | (19.8 | ) | | |||||
Revaluation of other investments | | | | 9.5 | ||||||||
Goodwill impairment | | (15.4 | ) | (15.4 | ) | | ||||||
Amortisation of other intangible assets | | (0.5 | ) | (0.5 | ) | | ||||||
31 December 2006 | 185.8 | 225.6 | 411.4 | 136.5 | ||||||||
Additions | 25.3 | | 25.3 | 61.9 | ||||||||
Goodwill arising on acquisition of new associates | | 45.2 | 45.2 | | ||||||||
Share of results of associate undertakings (note 4) | 41.4 | | 41.4 | | ||||||||
Dividends and other movements | (24.7 | ) | (4.5 | ) | (29.2 | ) | | |||||
Exchange adjustments | 7.2 | 12.9 | 20.1 | | ||||||||
Disposals | (0.4 | ) | | (0.4 | ) | (1.1 | ) | |||||
Reclassification from other investments to associates | 0.6 | 36.2 | 36.8 | (36.8 | ) | |||||||
Reclassification to subsidiaries | 0.3 | (0.4 | ) | (0.1 | ) | | ||||||
Revaluation of other investments | | | | 108.1 | ||||||||
Goodwill impairment | | (10.4 | ) | (10.4 | ) | | ||||||
31 December 2007 | 235.5 | 304.6 | 540.1 | 268.6 |
The investments included above as other investments represent investments in equity securities that present the Group with opportunity for return through dividend income and trading gains. They have no fixed maturity or coupon rate. The fair values of the listed securities are based on quoted market prices. For unlisted securities, where market value is not available, the Group has estimated relevant fair values on the basis of publicly available information from outside sources or on the basis of discounted cash flow models where appropriate. The revaluation of other investments in 2007 includes the revaluation of the Groups minority equity stake in an unlisted, European media company where the entry price for a new equity participant was at a significant premium to the Groups previous assessment of fair value.
The carrying values of goodwill and other intangible assets in relation to associates and joint ventures are reviewed for impairment in accordance with the Groups accounting policies.
14. Interests in associates, joint ventures and other investments (continued)
The Groups principal associates and joint ventures at 31 December 2007 included:
%
owned |
Country of
incorporation |
|||
AGB Nielsen Media Research BV | 50.0 | Netherlands | ||
Asatsu-DK | 22.9 | Japan | ||
Chime Communications PLC | 21.8 | UK | ||
Dentsu, Young & Rubicam Inc. | 49.0 | Japan | ||
High Co S.A. | 33.0 | France | ||
Ibope Latinoamericana SA | 31.2 | Brazil | ||
Kinetic Worldwide Limited | 50.0 | UK | ||
GIIR, Inc | 29.0 | Korea | ||
The Grass Roots Group PLC | 44.9 | UK | ||
Singleton, Ogilvy & Mather (Holdings) Pty Limited | 33.3 | Australia | ||
STW Communications Group Limited | 19.8 | Australia |
The market value of the Groups shares in its principal listed associate undertakings at 31 December 2007 was as follows: Asatsu-DK: £146.0 million, Chime Communications PLC: £19.9 million, High Co S.A.: £22.8 million GIIR, Inc: £20.1 million and STW Communications Group Limited: £41.6 million (2006: Asatsu-DK: £167.8 million, Chime Communications PLC: £30.6 million, High Co S.A.: £28.6 million and GIIR, Inc.: £26.4 million).
The carrying value (including goodwill) of these equity interests in the Groups balance sheet at 31 December 2007 was as follows: Asatsu-DK: £145.3 million, Chime Communications PLC: £17.5 million, High Co S.A.: £23.1 million, GIIR, Inc: £17.2 million and STW Communication Group Limited: £37.3 million (2006: Asatsu-DK: £134.3 million, Chime Communications PLC: £15.5 million, High Co S.A.: £19.5 million and GIIR, Inc.: £25.6 million).
The Groups investments in its principal associate undertakings are represented by ordinary shares.
Summarised financial information
The following tables present a summary of the aggregate financial performance and net asset position of the Groups associate undertakings and joint ventures. These have been estimated and converted, where appropriate, to an IFRS presentation based on information provided by the relevant companies at 31 December 2007.
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
||||
Income statement | ||||||
Revenue | 1,171.5 | 1,231.9 | 1,167.0 | |||
Operating profit | 181.0 | 152.6 | 168.8 | |||
Profit before taxation | 204.7 | 200.4 | 182.8 | |||
Profit for the year | 136.9 | 138.8 | 113.8 |
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||||
Balance sheet | ||||||
Assets | 3,013.2 | 2,788.1 | ||||
Liabilities | (1,708.9 | ) | (1,524.1 | ) | ||
Net assets | 1,304.3 | 1,264.0 |
The application of equity accounting is ordinarily discontinued when the investment is reduced to zero and additional losses are not provided for unless the investor has guaranteed obligations of the investee or is otherwise committed to provide further financial support for the investee.
At the end of the year, capital commitments contracted, but not provided for in respect of interests in associates and other investments were £34.7 million (2006: £27.1 million).
15. Deferred tax
The Groups tax assets and liabilities are measured at the end of each period in accordance with IAS 12 and IAS 37. Tax liabilities have been recognised based on the Groups best estimate of potential tax exposures, using advice from external advisors where appropriate.
The recognition of deferred tax assets is determined by reference to the Groups estimate of recoverability as required by IAS 12. The Group uses models where appropriate to forecast future taxable profits.
F-22
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
15. Deferred tax (continued)
Deferred tax assets are recognised in relation to an element of the Groups defined benefit pension provisions. Assets have only been recognised for territories where the Group considers that it is probable there would be sufficient taxable profits for the future deductions to be utilised.
Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset as they relate to the same tax group. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances for financial reporting purposes:
Gross
£m |
Offset
£m |
As
reported £m |
|||||||
2007 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets | 109.6 | (53.6 | ) | 56.0 | |||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (517.6 | ) | 53.6 | (464.0 | ) | ||||
(408.0 | ) | | (408.0 | ) | |||||
2006 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets | 130.7 | (21.8 | ) | 108.9 | |||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (489.6 | ) | 21.8 | (467.8 | ) | ||||
(358.9 | ) | | (358.9 | ) |
The following are the major gross deferred tax assets recognised by the Group and movements thereon in 2007 and 2006:
Tax
losses £m |
Retirement
benefit obligations £m |
Deferred
comp- ensation £m |
Other
short-term temporary differences £m |
Total
£m |
|||||||||||
At 1 January 2006 | 52.9 | 16.9 | 21.8 | 53.8 | 145.4 | ||||||||||
(Charge)/credit to income | (16.8 | ) | | 19.6 | (9.1 | ) | (6.3 | ) | |||||||
Credit to equity | | 5.3 | 12.3 | | 17.6 | ||||||||||
Exchange differences | (5.9 | ) | (1.4 | ) | (1.9 | ) | (8.1 | ) | (17.3 | ) | |||||
Transfer to current tax | (5.9 | ) | | (2.8 | ) | | (8.7 | ) | |||||||
At 31 December 2006 | 24.3 | 20.8 | 49.0 | 36.6 | 130.7 | ||||||||||
Credit/(charge) to income | 10.0 | 1.5 | (5.2 | ) | (20.7 | ) | (14.4 | ) | |||||||
Charge to equity | | (9.9 | ) | (0.5 | ) | | (10.4 | ) | |||||||
Exchange differences | 1.9 | 1.0 | (0.4 | ) | 1.2 | 3.7 | |||||||||
At 31 December 2007 | 36.2 | 13.4 | 42.9 | 17.1 | 109.6 |
In addition the Group has recognised the following gross deferred tax liabilities and movements thereon in 2007 and 2006:
Brands
and other intangibles £m |
Associate
earnings £m |
Goodwill
£m |
Other
short-term temporary differences £m |
Total
£m |
|||||||||||
At 1 January 2006 | 504.3 | 12.4 | 11.6 | 19.9 | 548.2 | ||||||||||
Acquisition of subsidiaries | 7.6 | | | | 7.6 | ||||||||||
(Charge)/credit to income | (18.3 | ) | 5.3 | 9.3 | (4.2 | ) | (7.9 | ) | |||||||
Exchange differences | (50.8 | ) | (0.7 | ) | (1.6 | ) | (0.4 | ) | (53.5 | ) | |||||
Transfer to current tax | | | | (4.8 | ) | (4.8 | ) | ||||||||
At 31 December 2006 | 442.8 | 17.0 | 19.3 | 10.5 | 489.6 | ||||||||||
Acquisition of subsidiaries | 25.4 | | | | 25.4 | ||||||||||
(Charge)/credit to income | (15.9 | ) | 2.3 | 0.2 | 15.1 | 1.7 | |||||||||
Exchange differences | (9.9 | ) | | | | (9.9 | ) | ||||||||
Transfer to current tax | | (0.8 | ) | 13.0 | (1.4 | ) | 10.8 | ||||||||
At 31 December 2007 | 442.4 | 18.5 | 32.5 | 24.2 | 517.6 |
Other short-term temporary differences comprise a number of items, none of which is individually significant to the Groups balance sheet. At 31 December 2007, £19.3 million related to property related temporary differences.
At the balance sheet date, the Group has gross tax losses and other temporary differences of £3,141.5 million available for offset against future profits. Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of the tax benefit of £290.5 million of such tax losses and other temporary differences.No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of the remaining £2,851.0 million of losses and other temporary differences as the Group considers that there will not be enough taxable profit in the entities concerned
15. Deferred tax (continued)
such that any additional asset could be considered recoverable. Included in the total unrecognised temporary differences are losses of £239.5 million that will expire by 2020 (a further £155.2 million will expire after this date). £2,119.7 million of losses may be carried forward indefinitely.
At the balance sheet date, the aggregate amount of the temporary differences in relation to the investment in subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised was £6,754.0 million (2006: £5,796.8 million). No liability has been recognised in respect of these differences because the Group is in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and the Group considers that it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
16. Inventory and work in progress
The following are included in the net book value of inventory and work in progress:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Work in progress | 340.7 | 339.6 | ||
Inventory | 3.2 | 1.9 | ||
343.9 | 341.5 |
17. Trade and other receivables
The following are included in trade and other receivables:
Amounts falling due within one year:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Trade receivables | 4,691.0 | 4,021.4 | ||
VAT and sales taxes recoverable | 86.5 | 50.0 | ||
Prepayments and accrued income | 753.5 | 422.1 | ||
Other debtors | 609.8 | 438.4 | ||
6,140.8 | 4,931.9 |
The ageing of our trade receivables and other financial assets is as follows:
Past due but not impaired | ||||||||||||||
Carrying
December
£m |
Neither
past due nor impaired £m |
0-30
days £m |
31-90
days £m |
91-180
days £m |
181
days- 1 year £m |
Greater
than 1 year £m |
||||||||
Trade receivables | 4,691.0 | 2,082.4 | 1,658.6 | 728.4 | 164.3 | 43.6 | 13.7 | |||||||
Other financial assets | 600.7 | 339.8 | 123.8 | 49.9 | 30.7 | 22.8 | 33.7 | |||||||
5,291.7 | 2,422.2 | 1,782.4 | 778.3 | 195.0 | 66.4 | 47.4 |
Past due but not impaired | ||||||||||||||
Carrying
December
£m |
Neither
past due nor impaired £m |
0-30
days £m |
31-90
days £m |
91-180
days £m |
181
days- 1 year £m |
Greater
than 1 year £m |
||||||||
Trade receivables | 4,021.4 | 1,785.1 | 1,421.9 | 624.4 | 140.8 | 37.4 | 11.8 | |||||||
Other financial assets | 493.8 | 279.5 | 101.8 | 41.0 | 25.2 | 18.7 | 27.6 | |||||||
4,515.2 | 2,064.6 | 1,523.7 | 665.4 | 166.0 | 56.1 | 39.4 |
Other financial assets are included in other debtors.
Past due amounts are not impaired where collection is still considered likely.
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Prepayments and accrued income | 3.4 | 3.7 | ||
Other debtors | 145.9 | 106.6 | ||
149.3 | 110.3 |
F-23
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
17. Trade and other receivables (continued)
Movements on bad debt provisions were as follows:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||||
Balance at beginning of year | 71.7 | 80.1 | ||||
New acquisitions | 1.0 | 0.9 | ||||
Charged to operating costs | 15.1 | 17.1 | ||||
Exchange adjustments | 2.3 | (6.2 | ) | |||
Utilisations and other movements | (20.2 | ) | (20.2 | ) | ||
Balance at end of year | 69.9 | 71.7 |
The allowance for bad and doubtful debts is equivalent to 1.5% of gross trade accounts receivable.
The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value.
18. Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year
The following are included in trade and other payables falling due within one year:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Trade payables | 5,843.6 | 4,743.6 | ||
Other taxation and social security | 276.4 | 182.7 | ||
Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) | 57.3 | 87.9 | ||
Loan notes due to vendors | 2.7 | 1.8 | ||
Liabilities in respect of put option agreements with vendors | 45.0 | 51.1 | ||
Other creditors and accruals | 1,358.6 | 1,205.9 | ||
Deferred income | 600.5 | 510.8 | ||
Share repurchases close period commitments (note 27) |
64.8 | | ||
8,248.9 | 6,783.8 |
The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value.
19. Trade and other payables: amounts falling due after more than one year
The following are included in trade and other payables falling due after more than one year:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) | 261.7 | 147.6 | ||
Liabilities in respect of put option agreements with vendors | 37.0 | 28.8 | ||
Other creditors and accruals | 161.7 | 155.5 | ||
460.4 | 331.9 |
The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value.
The following table sets out the undiscounted payments due to vendors, comprising deferred consideration and the directors best estimates of future earnout-related obligations:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Within one year | 58.2 | 88.9 | ||
Between one and two years | 63.2 | 36.5 | ||
Between two and three years | 85.7 | 34.7 | ||
Between three and four years | 65.2 | 49.1 | ||
Between four and five years | 48.6 | 27.8 | ||
Over five years | | | ||
320.9 | 237.0 | |||
Effect of discount rates | (1.9) | (1.5) | ||
319.0 | 235.5 |
20. Bank overdrafts, bonds and bank loans
Amounts falling due within one year:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Bank overdrafts | 977.9 | 706.8 | ||
Convertible bonds | 81.5 | 548.7 | ||
Corporate bonds and bank loans | 526.5 | 5.1 | ||
1,585.9 | 1,260.6 |
The Group considers that the carrying amount of overdrafts and short-term borrowings approximates their fair value.
Amounts falling due after more than 1 year:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Corporate bonds and bank loans | 1,740.0 | 1,217.7 |
The Group estimates that the fair value of convertible and corporate bonds is £2,319.1 million at 31 December 2007 (2006: £1,809.3 million). The Group considers that the carrying amount of bank loans approximates their fair value.
The corporate bonds, convertible bonds, bank loans and overdrafts included within creditors fall due for repayment as follows:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
Within one year | 1,585.9 | 1,260.6 | ||
Between one and two years | | 486.4 | ||
Between two and three years | | | ||
Between three and four years | | | ||
Between four and five years | | | ||
Over five years | 1,740.0 | 731.3 | ||
3,325.9 | 2,478.3 |
21. Provisions for liabilities and charges
The movements in 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
Property
£m |
Other
£m |
Total
£m |
|||||||
1 January 2006 | 67.7 | 64.0 | 131.7 | ||||||
Charged to the income statement | 0.8 | 0.2 | 1.0 | ||||||
New acquisitions | 7.0 | 0.7 | 7.7 | ||||||
Utilised | (10.6 | ) | (6.1 | ) | (16.7 | ) | |||
Released to the income statement | (1.2 | ) | (5.4 | ) | (6.6 | ) | |||
Transfers | 0.2 | (3.8 | ) | (3.6 | ) | ||||
Exchange adjustments | (2.1 | ) | (6.6 | ) | (8.7 | ) | |||
31 December 2006 | 61.8 | 43.0 | 104.8 | ||||||
Charged to the income statement | 7.6 | 14.7 | 22.3 | ||||||
New acquisitions | (0.3 | ) | 6.1 | 5.8 | |||||
Utilised | (6.2 | ) | (2.6 | ) | (8.8 | ) | |||
Released to the income statement | (5.2 | ) | (5.3 | ) | (10.5 | ) | |||
Transfers | 0.9 | 2.1 | 3.0 | ||||||
Exchange adjustments | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | ||||||
31 December 2007 | 58.7 | 58.1 | 116.8 |
Provisions comprise liabilities where there is uncertainty about the timing of settlement, but where a reliable estimate can be made of the amount. These include provisions for vacant space, sub-let losses and other property-related liabilities. Also included are other provisions, such as certain long-term employee benefits and legal claims, where the likelihood of settlement is considered probable.
The Company and various of its subsidiaries are, from time to time, parties to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. The directors do not anticipate that the outcome of these proceedings and claims will have a material adverse effect on the Groups financial position or on the results of its operations.
F-24
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
22. Share-based payments
Charges for share-based incentive plans were as follows:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
||||
Share-based payments | 62.4 | 70.9 | 68.6 |
Share-based payments comprise charges for stock options and restricted stock awards to employees of the group.
As of 31 December 2007, there was £69.8 million (2006: £58.1 million) of total unrecognised compensation cost related to the Groups restricted stock plans. That cost is expected to be recognised over a weighted-average period of 11 months (2006: 12 months).
Further information on stock options is provided in note 26.
Restricted stock plans
The Group operates a number of equity-settled share incentive schemes, in most cases satisfied by the delivery of stock from one of the Groups ESOP Trusts. The most significant current schemes are as follows:
Renewed Leadership Equity Acquisition Plan (Renewed LEAP)
Under Renewed LEAP, the most senior executives of the Group, including certain executive directors, commit WPP shares (investment shares) in order to have the opportunity to earn additional WPP shares (matching shares). The number of matching shares which a participant can receive at the end of the fixed performance period (five years in the case of the 2005, 2006 and 2007 grants; four years for the 2004 grant) is dependent on the performance (based on the Total Share Owner Return (TSR)) of the Company over that period against a comparator group of other listed communications services companies. The maximum possible number of matching shares for each of the 2007, 2006 and 2005 grants is five shares for each investment share. The 2004 Renewed LEAP plan vested in March 2008 at a match of 2.6 shares for each investment share.
Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIP)
For 2004 and prior years, senior executives of most Group operating companies participated in their respective companys long-term incentive plans, based on the achievement of three-year financial performance targets. These plans operated on a rolling three-year basis. The value of payments earned by executives over each performance period was typically based on the achievement of targeted improvements in the following performance measures over the relevant three-year period: (i) average operating profit or profit before taxation; (ii) average operating margin.
The last significant grant under LTIP vested in March 2007 as the scheme has been superseded by PSA (see below).
Performance Share Awards (PSA)
Grants of stock under PSA are dependent upon annual performance targets, typically based on one or more of: operating profit, profit before taxation and operating margin. Grants are made in the year following the year of performance measurement, and will vest two years after grant date provided the individual concerned is continually employed by the Group throughout this time.
Leaders, Partners and High Potential Group
Stock option grants under the executive stock option plan were not significant in 2007, 2006 or 2005 as the Group made grants of restricted stock (to be satisfied by stock from one of the Groups ESOP trusts) to participants instead. Performance conditions include continued employment over the three-year vesting period.
Valuation methodology
For all of these schemes, the valuation methodology is based upon fair value on grant date, which is determined by the market price on that date or the application of a Black-Scholes model, depending upon the characteristics of the scheme concerned. The assumptions underlying the Black-Scholes model are detailed in note 26, including details of assumed dividend yields. Market price on any given day is obtained from external, publicly available sources.
Market/Non-market conditions
Most share-based plans are subject to non-market performance conditions, such as margin or growth targets, as well as continued employment. The Renewed LEAP scheme is subject to a number of performance conditions, including TSR, a market-based condition.
For schemes without market-based performance conditions, the valuation methodology above is applied and, at each year end, the relevant accrual for each grant is revised, if appropriate, to take account of any changes in estimate of the likely number of shares expected to vest.
22. Share-based payments (continued)
For schemes with market-based performance conditions, the probability of satisfying these conditions is assessed at grant date through a statistical model (such as the Monte Carlo Model) and applied to the fair value. This initial valuation remains fixed throughout the life of the relevant plan, irrespective of the actual outcome in terms of performance. Where a lapse occurs due to cessation of employment, the cumulative charge taken to date is reversed.
Movement on ordinary shares granted for significant restricted stock plans
Non-vested
1 January 2007 number (m) |
Granted
number (m) |
Lapsed
number (m) |
Vested
(m) |
Non-vested
2007 number (m) |
||||||||
Renewed LEAP 1 | 2.6 | 0.6 | | | 3.2 | |||||||
Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIP) | 3.9 | | (0.1 | ) | (3.8 | ) | | |||||
Performance Share Awards (PSA) | 4.4 | 3.6 | (0.6 | ) | (0.1 | ) | 7.3 | |||||
Leaders, Partners and High Potential Group | 6.0 | 3.0 | (0.6 | ) | | 8.4 | ||||||
Weighted average fair value (pence per share): | ||||||||||||
Renewed LEAP 1 | 592p | 623p | n/a | n/a | 598p | |||||||
Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIP) | 543p | n/a | 525p | 543p | n/a | |||||||
Performance Share Awards (PSA) | 669p | 778p | 717p | 656p | 719p | |||||||
Leaders, Partners and High Potential Group | 616p | 648p | 616p | 570p | 628p |
Notes
1 |
The number of shares granted represent the investment shares committed by participants at grant date. The actual number of shares that will vest is dependent on the extent to which the relevant performance criteria are satisfied. |
The total fair value of shares vested for all the Groups restricted stock plans during the year ended 31 December 2007 was £31.7 million (2006: £46.7 million, 2005: £17.3 million).
23. Provision for post-employment benefits
Companies within the Group operate a large number of pension schemes, the forms and benefits of which vary with conditions and practices in the countries concerned. The Groups pension costs are analysed as follows:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Defined contribution schemes | 66.4 | 63.2 | 59.3 | ||||||
Defined benefit schemes charge to operating profit | 14.3 | 18.5 | 16.3 | ||||||
Pension costs (note 5) | 80.7 | 81.7 | 75.6 | ||||||
Expected return on pension scheme assets (note 6) |
(28.1 | ) | (25.2 | ) | (24.2 | ) | |||
Interest on pension scheme liabilities (note 6) | 33.8 | 32.4 | 32.0 | ||||||
86.4 | 88.9 | 83.4 |
Defined benefit schemes
The pension costs are assessed in accordance with the advice of local independent qualified actuaries. The latest full actuarial valuations for the various schemes were carried out as at various dates in the last three years. These valuations have generally been updated by the local independent qualified actuaries to 31 December 2007.
The Group has a policy of closing defined benefit schemes to new members which has been effected in respect of a significant number of the schemes.
Contributions to funded schemes are determined in line with local conditions and practices. Certain contributions in respect of unfunded schemes are paid as they fall due. In 2006 the Group implemented a funding strategy under which our objective is to fully eliminate the deficit for funded schemes by 31 December 2010. The total contributions (for funded schemes) and benefit payments (for unfunded schemes) paid for 2007 amounted to £47.0 million (2006: £48.6 million, 2005: £35.6 million). Employer contributions and benefit payments in 2008 are expected to be £39.4 million.
F-25
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
23. Provision for post-employment benefits (continued)
(a) Assumptions
The main weighted average assumptions used for the actuarial valuations at 31 December are shown in the following table:
2007
% pa |
2006
% pa |
2005
% pa |
2004
% pa |
|||||
UK | ||||||||
Discount rate | 5.8 | 5.1 | 4.7 | 5.3 | ||||
Rate of increase in salaries | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 | ||||
Rate of increase in pensions in payment | 4.1 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 3.8 | ||||
Inflation | 3.3 | 3.0 | 2.8 | 2.8 | ||||
Expected rate of return on equities | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.5 | ||||
Expected rate of return on bonds 1 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | ||||
Expected rate of return on insured annuities | 5.8 | 5.1 | 4.7 | 5.3 | ||||
Expected rate of return on property | 5.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | ||||
Expected rate of return on cash and other | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 3.0 | ||||
Weighted average return on assets | 5.8 | 5.6 | 5.2 | 5.7 | ||||
North America | ||||||||
Discount rate | 6.1 | 5.7 | 5.5 | 5.7 | ||||
Rate of increase in salaries | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | ||||
Inflation | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 | ||||
Expected rate of return on equities | 7.9 | 7.9 | 7.9 | 7.9 | ||||
Expected rate of return on bonds 1 | 5.1 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.8 | ||||
Expected rate of return on cash and other | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1.8 | ||||
Weighted average return on assets | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.7 | 6.9 | ||||
Continental Europe | ||||||||
Discount rate | 5.5 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.5 | ||||
Rate of increase in salaries | 2.9 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 3.1 | ||||
Rate of increase in pensions in payment | 2.1 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 1.7 | ||||
Inflation | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 2.0 | ||||
Expected rate of return on equities | 7.2 | 7.2 | 6.7 | 7.0 | ||||
Expected rate of return on bonds 1 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | ||||
Expected rate of return on property | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.4 | ||||
Expected rate of return on cash and other | 4.3 | 3.4 | 2.5 | 2.6 | ||||
Weighted average return on assets | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.4 | 5.5 | ||||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East | ||||||||
Discount rate | 3.9 | 3.1 | 3.5 | 3.1 | ||||
Rate of increase in salaries | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.1 | ||||
Inflation | 4.6 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 1.5 | ||||
Expected rate of return on equities | 10.0 | | | | ||||
Expected rate of return on bonds 1,2 | 6.2 | 5.3 | 8.2 | 7.9 | ||||
Expected rate of return on property | | 10.0 | 11.0 | 10.0 | ||||
Expected rate of return on cash and other 2 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 1.6 | ||||
Weighted average return on assets | 3.7 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.1 |
Note
1 |
Expected rate of return on bonds assumptions refiect the yield expected on actual bonds held, whereas the discount rate assumptions are based on high-quality corporate bond yields. |
2 |
Insurance instruments are classified in cash and other. In previous financial statements they were classified in bonds. |
For the Groups plans, the plans assets are invested with the objective of being able to meet current and future benefit payment needs, while controlling balance sheet volatility and future contributions. Plan assets are invested with a number of investment managers, and assets are diversified among equities, bonds, insured annuities, property and cash or other liquid investments. The primary use of bonds as an investment class is to match the anticipated cash flows from the plans to pay pensions. Various insurance policies have also been bought historically to provide a more exact match for the cash flows, including a match for the actual mortality of specific plan members. These insurance policies effectively provide
23. Provision for post-employment benefits (continued)
protection against both investment fluctuations and longevity risks. The strategic target allocation varies among the individual schemes.
Establishing the expected long-term rates of investment return on pension assets is a judgemental matter. Management considers the types of investment classes in which our pension plan assets are invested and the expected compound return we can reasonably expect the portfolio to earn over time, which reflects forward-looking economic assumptions.
Management reviews the expected long-term rates of return on an annual basis and revises them as appropriate.
Also, we periodically commission detailed asset and liability studies performed by third-party professional investment advisors and actuaries, which generate probability-adjusted expected future returns on those assets. These studies also project our estimated future pension payments and evaluate the efficiency of the allocation of our pension plan assets into various investment categories.
The studies performed at the time we set these assumptions supported the reasonableness of our return assumptions based on the target allocation of investment classes and the then current market conditions.
At 31 December 2007, the life expectancies underlying the value of the accrued liabilities for the main defined benefit pension plans operated by the Group were as follows:
Years life expectancy after age 65 |
All
plans |
North
America |
UK | Europe |
Asia
Pacific |
|||||
current pensioners male | 19.6 | 19.0 | 20.5 | 18.3 | 19.3 | |||||
current pensioners female | 22.2 | 21.0 | 23.3 | 21.7 | 24.7 | |||||
future pensioners (current age 45) male | 20.5 | 19.0 | 21.9 | 20.6 | 21.4 | |||||
future pensioners (current age 45) female | 23.2 | 21.0 | 24.8 | 23.8 | 28.2 |
The life expectancies after age 65 at 31 December 2006 were 19.4 years and 22.1 years for male and female current pensioners respectively, and 20.3 years and 23.1 years for male and female future pensioners (current age 45) respectively.
For a 0.25% increase or decrease in the discount rate at 31 December 2007, the 2008 pension expense would be broadly unchanged as the change in service cost and interest cost are similar. The effect on the year-end 2007 pension deficit would be a decrease or increase, respectively, of approximately £20.0 million.
(b) Assets and liabilities
At 31 December, the fair value of the assets in the schemes, and the assessed present value of the liabilities in the schemes are shown in the following table:
2007
£m |
% |
2006
£m |
% |
2005
£m |
% | ||||||||||
Group | |||||||||||||||
Equities | 174.2 | 34.6 | 173.7 | 36.9 | 164.2 | 36.2 | |||||||||
Bonds | 203.8 | 40.4 | 198.0 | 42.1 | 191.1 | 42.2 | |||||||||
Insured annuities | 65.0 | 12.9 | 70.8 | 15.1 | 73.2 | 16.1 | |||||||||
Property | 16.6 | 3.3 | 18.7 | 4.0 | 17.5 | 3.9 | |||||||||
Cash | 44.4 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 1.9 | 7.2 | 1.6 | |||||||||
Total fair value of assets | 504.0 | 100.0 | 470.4 | 100.0 | 453.2 | 100.0 | |||||||||
Present value of scheme liabilities | (637.6 | ) | (657.0 | ) | (684.6 | ) | |||||||||
Deficit in the schemes | (133.6 | ) | (186.6 | ) | (231.4 | ) | |||||||||
Irrecoverable surplus | (0.5 | ) | (1.0 | ) | | ||||||||||
Unrecognised past service cost | (0.9 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Net liability 1 | (135.0 | ) | (187.6 | ) | (231.4 | ) | |||||||||
Schemes in surplus | 8.4 | 4.7 | | ||||||||||||
Schemes in deficit | (143.4 | ) | (192.3 | ) | (231.4 | ) |
Note
1 |
The related deferred tax asset is discussed in note 15. |
F-26
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
23. Provision for post-employment benefits (continued)
The total fair value of assets, present value of scheme liabilities and deficit in the scheme for 2004 were £329.9 million, £595.2 million and
Deficit in schemes by region
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
UK | (24.2 | ) | (50.0 | ) | (54.4 | ) | |||
North America | (59.6 | ) | (82.3 | ) | (117.6 | ) | |||
Continental Europe | (46.7 | ) | (51.2 | ) | (55.1 | ) | |||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East | (3.1 | ) | (3.1 | ) | (4.3 | ) | |||
Deficit in the schemes | (133.6 | ) | (186.6 | ) | (231.4 | ) |
Some of the Groups defined benefit schemes are unfunded (or largely unfunded) by common custom and practice in certain jurisdictions. In the case of these unfunded schemes, the benefit payments are made as and when they fall due. Pre-funding of these schemes would not be typical business practice.
The following table shows the split of the deficit at 31 December 2007, 2006 and 2005 between funded and unfunded schemes.
2007
(Deficit)/ surplus £m |
2007
Present value of scheme liabilities £m |
2006
Deficit £m |
2006
Present value of scheme liabilities £m |
2005
Deficit £m |
2005
Present value of scheme liabilities £m |
|||||||||||||
Funded schemes by region | ||||||||||||||||||
UK | (24.2 | ) | (274.2 | ) | (50.0 | ) | (295.8 | ) | (54.4 | ) | (290.1 | ) | ||||||
North America | 1.6 | (183.5 | ) | (15.0 | ) | (178.9 | ) | (44.9 | ) | (203.0 | ) | |||||||
Continental Europe | (16.2 | ) | (77.6 | ) | (19.3 | ) | (72.5 | ) | (24.1 | ) | (77.1 | ) | ||||||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East | (1.6 | ) | (9.1 | ) | (2.1 | ) | (9.6 | ) | (2.5 | ) | (8.9 | ) | ||||||
Deficit/liabilities in the funded schemes | (40.4 | ) | (544.4 | ) | (86.4 | ) | (556.8 | ) | (125.9 | ) | (579.1 | ) | ||||||
Unfunded schemes by region | ||||||||||||||||||
UK | | | | | | | ||||||||||||
North America | (61.2 | ) | (61.2 | ) | (67.3 | ) | (67.3 | ) | (72.7 | ) | (72.7 | ) | ||||||
Continental Europe | (30.5 | ) | (30.5 | ) | (31.9 | ) | (31.9 | ) | (31.0 | ) | (31.0 | ) | ||||||
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East | (1.5 | ) | (1.5 | ) | (1.0 | ) | (1.0 | ) | (1.8 | ) | (1.8 | ) | ||||||
Deficit/liabilities in the unfunded schemes | (93.2 | ) | (93.2 | ) | (100.2 | ) | (100.2 | ) | (105.5 | ) | (105.5 | ) | ||||||
Deficit/liabilities in the schemes | (133.6 | ) | (637.6 | ) | (186.6 | ) | (657.0 | ) | (231.4 | ) | (684.6 | ) |
In accordance with IAS 19, schemes that are wholly or partially funded are considered funded schemes. In previous financial statements, schemes with funding levels of less than 50% were considered unfunded schemes.
23. Provision for post-employment benefits (continued)
(c) Pension expense
The following table shows the breakdown of the pension expense between amounts charged to operating profit, amounts charged to finance income and finance costs and amounts recognised in the statement of recognised income and expense (SORIE):
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Group | |||||||||
Current service cost | 16.2 | 18.3 | 17.9 | ||||||
Past service (income)/cost | (1.1 | ) | 0.3 | (1.4 | ) | ||||
Gain on settlements and curtailments | (0.8 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (0.2 | ) | |||
Charge to operating profit | 14.3 | 18.5 | 16.3 | ||||||
Expected return on pension scheme assets | (28.1 | ) | (25.2 | ) | (24.2 | ) | |||
Interest on pension scheme liabilities | 33.8 | 32.4 | 32.0 | ||||||
Charge to profit before taxation for defined benefit schemes | 20.0 | 25.7 | 24.1 | ||||||
(Loss)/gain on pension scheme assets relative to expected return | (6.0 | ) | 9.3 | 22.4 | |||||
Experience gains arising on the scheme liabilities | 0.1 | 3.5 | 3.6 | ||||||
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of the scheme liabilities | 35.4 | (0.5 | ) | (31.3 | ) | ||||
Change in irrecoverable surplus | 0.5 | (1.0 | ) | | |||||
Movement in exchange rates | (3.0 | ) | 14.7 | (10.9 | ) | ||||
Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in SORIE | 27.0 | 26.0 | (16.2 | ) |
As at 31 December 2007 the cumulative amount of net actuarial losses recognised in equity since 1 January 2001 was £63.5 million (31 December 2006: £90.5 million, 31 December 2005: £116.5 million). Of this amount, a net gain of £18.3 million was recognised since the 1 January 2004 adoption of IAS 19.
In accordance with IAS 19, certain other long-term employee benefits should be measured in the same manner as a defined benefit plan. In 2005, the SORIE included £0.3 million for such plans.
(d) Movement in scheme obligations
The following table shows an analysis of the movement in the scheme obligations for each accounting period:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Change in benefit obligation | |||||||||
Benefit obligation at beginning of year | 657.0 | 684.6 | 595.2 | ||||||
Service cost | 16.2 | 18.3 | 17.9 | ||||||
Interest cost | 33.8 | 32.4 | 32.0 | ||||||
Plan participants contributions | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | ||||||
Actuarial (gain)/loss | (35.5 | ) | (3.0 | ) | 27.7 | ||||
Benefits paid | (40.2 | ) | (40.1 | ) | (38.4 | ) | |||
Loss/(gain) due to exchange rate movements | 7.2 | (37.8 | ) | 25.6 | |||||
Plan amendments | (2.0 | ) | 0.3 | (1.4 | ) | ||||
Acquisitions | 0.3 | | 14.2 | ||||||
Reclassification | 1.1 | 5.8 | 11.4 | ||||||
Settlements and curtailments | (0.8 | ) | (4.0 | ) | (0.2 | ) | |||
Benefit obligation at end of year | 637.6 | 657.0 | 684.6 |
The reclassifications represent certain of the Groups defined benefit plans which are included in this note for the first time in the periods presented.
F-27
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
23. Provision for post-employment benefits (continued)
(e) Movement in scheme assets
The following table shows an analysis of the movement in the scheme assets for each accounting period:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Change in plan assets | |||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | 470.4 | 453.2 | 392.9 | ||||||
Expected return on plan assets | 28.1 | 25.2 | 24.2 | ||||||
Actuarial (loss)/gain on plan assets | (6.0 | ) | 9.3 | 22.4 | |||||
Employer contributions | 47.0 | 48.6 | 35.6 | ||||||
Plan participants contributions | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | ||||||
Benefits paid | (40.2 | ) | (40.1 | ) | (38.4 | ) | |||
Loss/(gain) due to exchange rate movements | 4.2 | (23.1 | ) | 14.7 | |||||
Acquisitions | | | 1.2 | ||||||
Reclassification | | 0.7 | | ||||||
Settlements | | (3.9 | ) | | |||||
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | 504.0 | 470.4 | 453.2 | ||||||
Actual return on plan assets | 22.1 | 34.5 | 46.6 | ||||||
(f) History of experience gains and losses |
|||||||||
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
(Loss)/gain on pension scheme assets relative to expected return: | |||||||||
Amount | (6.0 | ) | 9.3 | 22.4 | |||||
Percentage of scheme assets | 1.2% | 2.0% | 4.9% | ||||||
Experience gains arising on the scheme liabilities: | |||||||||
Amount | 0.1 | 3.5 | 3.6 | ||||||
Percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.5% | ||||||
Total gain/(loss) recognised in SORIE: | |||||||||
Amount | 27.0 | 26.0 | (16.2) | ||||||
Percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities | 4.2% | 4.0% | (2.4%) |
The experience gains on pension scheme assets and scheme liabilities in 2004 were £13.5 million and £1.2 million respectively.
24. Risk management policies
Foreign currency risk
The Groups results in pounds sterling are subject to fluctuation as a result of exchange rate movements. The Group does not hedge this translation exposure to its earnings but does hedge the currency element of its net assets using foreign currency borrowings, cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts.
Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on both interest-bearing assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Group has a policy of actively managing its interest rate risk exposure while recognising that fixing rates on all its debt eliminates the possibility of benefiting from rate reductions and similarly, having all its debt at floating rates unduly exposes the Group to increases in rates.
Liquidity risk
The Group actively maintains a mixture of long- and short-term committed facilities that are designed to ensure the Group has sufficient available funds to meet current and forecast financial requirements as cost-effectively as possible. As at 31 December 2007 the Group has a committed credit facility of £759 million which was undrawn.
Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 10, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in notes 26 and 27.
24. Risk management policies (continued)
Credit risk
The Groups principal financial assets are cash and short-term deposits, trade and other receivables and investments, the carrying values of which represent the Groups maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets, as shown in note 25.
The Groups credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The majority of the Groups trade receivables are due from large national or multinational companies where the risk of default is considered low. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables, estimated by the Groups management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment.
The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.
A relatively small number of clients contribute a significant percentage of the Groups consolidated revenues. The Groups clients generally are able to reduce advertising and marketing spending or cancel projects at any time for any reason. There can be no assurance that any of the Groups clients will continue to utilise the Groups services to the same extent, or at all, in the future. A significant reduction in advertising and marketing spending by, or the loss of one or more of, the Groups largest clients, if not replaced by new client accounts or an increase in business from existing clients, would adversely affect the Groups prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Sensitivity analysis
The following sensitivity analysis addresses the effect of currency and interest rate risks on the Groups financial instruments. The analysis assumes that all hedges are highly effective.
Currency risk
A 10% weakening of sterling against the Groups major currencies would result in the following losses, which would be posted directly to equity. These losses would arise on the retranslation of foreign currency denominated borrowings and derivatives designated as effective net investment hedges of overseas net assets. These losses would be offset in equity by a corresponding gain arising on the retranslation of the related hedged foreign currency net assets. A 10% strengthening of sterling would have an equal and opposite effect. There are no other material foreign exchange exposures which would create gains or losses to the functional reporting currencies of individual entities in the Group.
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
|||
United States Dollar | 51.8 | 10.7 | ||
Euro | 44.0 | 66.0 |
Interest rate risk
A one percentage point increase or decrease in market interest rates for all currencies in which the Group had borrowings at 31 December 2007 would increase or decrease profit before tax respectively by approximately £11.1 million (2006: £7.7 million). The effect on equity as at 31 December 2007 would be £22.7 million (2006: £11.6 million). This has been calculated by applying the interest rate change to the Groups variable rate borrowings.
F-28
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
25. Financial instruments
Currency derivatives
The Group utilises currency derivatives to hedge significant future transactions and cash flows and the exchange risk arising on translation of the Groups investments in foreign operations. The Group is a party to a variety of foreign currency derivatives in the management of its exchange rate exposures. The instruments purchased are primarily denominated in the currencies of the Groups principal markets.
At 31 December 2007, the fair value of the Groups currency derivatives is estimated to be a net liability of approximately £7.2 million (2006: £7.2 million asset). These amounts are based on market values of equivalent instruments at the balance sheet date, comprising £50.3 million (2006: £32.1 million) assets included in trade and other receivables and £57.5 million (2006: £24.9 million) liabilities included in trade and other payables. The fair value movement of currency derivatives during the year that are designated and effective as net investment hedges amounts to £6.7 million (2006: £22.9 million) and has been charged to and deferred in equity.
Changes in the fair value relating to the ineffective portion of the currency derivatives amounted to £7.0 million (2006: £1.3 million, 2005: £4.4 million) which has been charged to finance costs for the year. This charge resulted from a £19.2 million loss on hedging instruments and a £12.2 million gain on hedged items.
The Group currently designates its foreign currency-denominated debt and cross-currency swaps as hedging instruments against the currency risk associated with the translation of its foreign operations.
At the balance sheet date, the total nominal amount of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedges was £412.6 million. The Group estimates the fair value of these contracts is £1.5 million.
These arrangements are designed to address significant exchange exposure and are renewed on a revolving basis as required.
Interest rate swaps
The Group uses interest rate swaps as hedging instruments in fair value hedges to manage its exposure to interest rate movements on its borrowings. Contracts with nominal values of 200 million have fixed interest receipts at 6.00% up until June 2008 and have floating interest payments averaging EURIBOR plus 2.185%. Contracts with a nominal value of 1,300 million have fixed interest receipts of 4.96% up until July 2013 and have floating interest payments averaging EURIBOR plus 0.90%. Contracts with a nominal value of 100 million have fixed interest payments of 5.56% until June 2014 and have floating rate receipts averaging LIBOR plus 0.96%.
Contracts with a nominal value of £200 million have fixed interest receipts of 6.00% up until April 2017 and have floating rate payments averaging LIBOR plus 0.64%.
The fair value of interest rate swaps entered into at 31 December 2007 is estimated to be a net asset of approximately £0.4 million (2006: £0.1 million). These amounts are based on market values of equivalent instruments at the balance sheet date, comprising £22.7 million (2006: £8.2 million) assets included in trade and other receivables and £22.3 million (2006: £8.1 million) liabilities included in trade and other payables.
Changes in the fair value relating to the ineffective portion of interest rate swaps amounted to £0.1 million (2006: £1.3 million, 2005: nil) which has been charged to finance costs for the year. This charge resulted from a £2.3 million gain on hedging instruments and a £2.4 million loss on hedged items.
25. Financial instruments (continued)
An analysis of the Groups financial assets and liabilities by accounting classification is set out below:
Derivatives
in designated hedge relationships £m |
Held
for trading £m |
Loans &
receivables £m |
Available
for sale £m |
Amortised
£m |
Carrying
value £m |
|||||||||||
2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Other investments | | | | 268.6 | | 268.6 | ||||||||||
Cash and short-term deposits | | | 2,040.2 | | | 2,040.2 | ||||||||||
Bank overdrafts and loans | | | | | (1,585.9 | ) | (1,585.9 | ) | ||||||||
Bonds and bank loans | | | | | (1,740.0 | ) | (1,740.0 | ) | ||||||||
Trade and other receivables: amounts falling due within one year | | | 5,219.1 | | | 5,219.1 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables: amounts falling due after more than one year | | | 72.6 | | | 72.6 | ||||||||||
Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year | | | | | (5,883.0 | ) | (5,883.0 | ) | ||||||||
Trade and other payables: amounts falling after more than one year | | | | | (12.6 | ) | (12.6 | ) | ||||||||
Derivative assets | 73.0 | 5.5 | | | | 78.5 | ||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | (79.8 | ) | | | | | (79.8 | ) | ||||||||
Share repurchases close period commitments | | (64.8 | ) | | | | (64.8 | ) | ||||||||
Liabilities in respect of put options | | (82.0 | ) | | | | (82.0 | ) | ||||||||
(6.8 | ) | (141.3 | ) | 7,331.9 | 268.6 | (9,221.5 | ) | (1,769.1 | ) |
F-29
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
25. Financial instruments (continued)
Derivatives
in
|
Held
for trading £m |
Loans &
receivables £m |
Available
for sale £m |
Amortised
£m |
Carrying
value £m |
|||||||||||
2006 | ||||||||||||||||
Other investments | | | | 136.5 | | 136.5 | ||||||||||
Cash and short-term deposits | | | 1,663.7 | | | 1,663.7 | ||||||||||
Bank overdrafts and loans | | | | | (1,260.6 | ) | (1,260.6 | ) | ||||||||
Bonds and bank loans | | | | | (1,217.7 | ) | (1,217.7 | ) | ||||||||
Trade and other receivables: amounts falling due within one year | | | 4,443.5 | | | 4,443.5 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables: amounts falling due after more than one year | | | 71.7 | | | 71.7 | ||||||||||
Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year | | | | | (4,758.4 | ) | (4,758.4 | ) | ||||||||
Trade and other payables: amounts falling after more than one year | | | | | (3.7 | ) | (3.7 | ) | ||||||||
Derivative assets | 40.3 | 3.7 | | | | 44.0 | ||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | (33.0 | ) | | | | | (33.0 | ) | ||||||||
Liabilities in respect of put options | | (79.9 | ) | | | | (79.9 | ) | ||||||||
7.3 | (76.2 | ) | 6,178.9 | 136.5 | (7,240.4 | ) | (993.9 | ) |
The fair value of financial assets and liabilities are based on quoted market prices where available. Where market value is not available, the Group has estimated relevant fair values on the basis of publicly available information from outside sources or on the basis of discounted cashflow models where appropriate.
26. Authorised and issued share capital
Equity
ordinary
|
Nominal
value £m |
|||||
Authorised | ||||||
At 1 January 2006 | 1,750,000,000 | 175.0 | ||||
At 31 December 2006 | 1,750,000,000 | 175.0 | ||||
At 31 December 2007 | 1,750,000,000 | 175.0 | ||||
I ssued and fully paid | ||||||
At 1 January 2006 | 1,252,899,372 | 125.3 | ||||
Exercise of share options | 20,984,083 | 2.1 | ||||
Share cancellations | (33,157,108 | ) | (3.3 | ) | ||
Other | (121,160 | ) | (0.0 | ) | ||
At 31 December 2006 | 1,240,605,187 | 124.1 | ||||
Exercise of share options | 7,773,345 | 0.7 | ||||
Share cancellations | (57,193,623 | ) | (5.7 | ) | ||
Acquisitions | 305,354 | 0.1 | ||||
Other | 1,000 | 0.0 | ||||
At 31 December 2007 | 1,191,491,263 | 119.2 |
Fully paid ordinary shares, which have a per value of 10p, carry one vote per share and the right to dividends.
Share options
WPP Executive Share Option Scheme
As at 31 December 2007, unexercised options over ordinary shares of 12,379,801 and unexercised options over ADRs of 3,870,415 have been granted under the WPP Executive Share Option Scheme as follows:
Number of ordinary shares under option |
Exercise price
per share (£) |
Exercise dates | ||
493,629 | 2.930 | 2001 - 2008 | ||
5,022 | 3.030 | 2001 - 2008 | ||
10,950 | 3.270 | 2001 - 2008 | ||
7,973 | 3.763 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
42,899 | 3.763 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
4,239 | 3.763 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
110,667 | 4.210 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
1,383,200 | 4.210 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
53,652 | 4.210 | 2006 - 2012 | ||
30,658 | 4.210 | 2005 - 2013 | ||
3,832 | 4.210 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
32,385 | 4.210 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
4,597 | 4.210 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
3,832 | 4.210 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
77,552 | 4.438 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
6,759 | 4.438 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
41,170 | 4.615 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
51,247 | 4.615 | 2007 - 2013 | ||
68,817 | 4.865 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
1,071,242 | 4.865 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
31,558 | 4.865 | 2005 - 2011 | ||
38,543 | 5.185 | 2002 - 2009 | ||
2,000,000 | 5.490 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
27,288 | 5.520 | 2008 - 2014 | ||
197,094 | 5.535 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
1,141,935 | 5.535 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
942,601 | 5.535 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
38,524 | 5.535 | 2008 - 2014 | ||
28,942 | 5.535 | 2007 - 2008 |
F-30
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
26. Authorised and issued share capital (continued)
Number of ordinary shares under option |
Exercise price
per share (£) |
Exercise dates | ||
6,124 | 5.535 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
987 | 5.535 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
24,390 | 5.535 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
2,469 | 5.535 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
240,293 | 5.535 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
235,976 | 5.595 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
1,807,700 | 5.595 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
17,194 | 5.595 | 2006 - 2014 | ||
39,698 | 5.595 | 2007 - 2013 | ||
18,709 | 5.595 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
47,660 | 5.595 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
29,636 | 5.595 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
291,465 | 5.595 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
235,251 | 5.700 | 2002 - 2009 | ||
7,740 | 5.725 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
9,676 | 5.725 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
11,423 | 5.775 | 2009 - 2015 | ||
14,826 | 5.818 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
2,964 | 5.818 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
8,940 | 5.895 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
11,175 | 5.895 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
2,235 | 5.895 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
11,980 | 5.895 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
8,778 | 6.105 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
25,510 | 6.105 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
9,828 | 6.105 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
8,830 | 6.228 | 2010 - 2017 | ||
7,876 | 6.228 | 2011 - 2017 | ||
4,280 | 6.718 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
10,700 | 6.718 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
4,280 | 6.718 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
23,480 | 6.718 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
69,369 | 6.718 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
19,566 | 6.718 | 2011 - 2016 | ||
2,062 | 6.938 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
49,906 | 7.180 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
33,099 | 7.550 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
30,294 | 7.550 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
66,189 | 7.550 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
317,846 | 7.550 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
3,741 | 7.550 | 2006 - 2012 | ||
15,870 | 7.723 | 2010 - 2017 | ||
22,396 | 8.110 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
38,566 | 8.110 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
6,544 | 8.193 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
19,630 | 8.193 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
394,774 | 9.010 | 2003 - 2010 | ||
11,575 | 9.010 | 2004 - 2010 | ||
115,590 | 9.010 | 2003 - 2010 | ||
19,428 | 10.770 | 2003 - 2010 | ||
10,476 | 10.770 | 2003 - 2010 |
26. Authorised and issued share capital (continued)
Number of ADRs under option |
Exercise price
per ADR ($) |
Exercise dates | ||
12,457 | 30.080 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
2,692 | 30.080 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
535,364 | 33.200 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
8,732 | 33.200 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
2,881 | 34.702 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
368,031 | 35.380 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
195,194 | 46.475 | 2002 - 2009 | ||
975,375 | 47.410 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
30,471 | 47.410 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
630 | 47.410 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
44,222 | 47.410 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
3,163 | 47.410 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
1,548 | 48.450 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
17,459 | 50.670 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
197 | 50.670 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
982,954 | 50.800 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
196 | 50.800 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
18,597 | 50.800 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
2,952 | 50.800 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
42,460 | 50.800 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
38,401 | 51.220 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
15,222 | 53.030 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
15,096 | 54.050 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
133,837 | 54.050 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
18,439 | 54.230 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
458 | 54.570 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
4,581 | 54.570 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
8,973 | 55.740 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
898 | 55.740 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
898 | 55.740 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
2,691 | 57.020 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
21,992 | 57.020 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
6,976 | 57.338 | 2003 - 2010 | ||
20,096 | 58.238 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
856 | 58.460 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
22,666 | 58.460 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
856 | 58.460 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
10,159 | 58.886 | 2004 - 2010 | ||
7,249 | 61.290 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
7,249 | 61.290 | 2010 - 2016 | ||
7,248 | 61,290 | 2011 - 2016 | ||
16,210 | 61.690 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
49,544 | 62.110 | 2003 - 2010 | ||
2,415 | 62.110 | 2005 - 2010 | ||
187,950 | 62.263 | 2003 - 2010 | ||
796 | 62.810 | 2010 - 2017 | ||
468 | 63.900 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
2,423 | 63.900 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
2,007 | 74.720 | 2010 - 2017 | ||
5,594 | 75.940 | 2010 - 2017 | ||
12,592 | 84.485 | 2003 - 2010 |
F-31
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
26. Authorised and issued share capital (continued)
WPP Worldwide Share Ownership Program
As at 31 December 2007, unexercised options over ordinary shares of 5,838,150 and unexercised options over ADRs of 804,232 have been granted under the WPP Worldwide Share Ownership Program as follows:
Number of ordinary shares under option |
Exercise price
per share (£) |
Exercise dates | ||
3,000 | 3.400 | 2001 - 2008 | ||
235,800 | 3.903 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
1,400 | 3.903 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
3,000 | 3.903 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
6,000 | 3.903 | 2007 - 2013 | ||
9,275 | 4.210 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
1,625 | 4.210 | 2005 - 2013 | ||
1,000 | 5.210 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
98,675 | 5.315 | 2002 - 2009 | ||
1,400 | 5.315 | 2003 - 2009 | ||
12,000 | 5.435 | 2008 - 2014 | ||
7,125 | 5.435 | 2007 - 2008 | ||
1,875 | 5.435 | 2007 - 2011 | ||
385,500 | 5.435 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
10,375 | 5.435 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
8,125 | 5.775 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
3,250 | 5.990 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
13,375 | 6.195 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
972,175 | 6.195 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
8,875 | 6.195 | 2009 - 2015 | ||
4,500 | 6.195 | 2008 - 2012 | ||
15,420 | 6.668 | 2009 - 2017 | ||
109,159 | 6.740 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
1,010,323 | 6.938 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
109,270 | 6.938 | 2010 - 2016 | ||
9,039 | 6.938 | 2010 - 2016 | ||
5,000 | 6.938 | 2009 - 2013 | ||
43,500 | 7.005 | 2010 - 2017 | ||
422,350 | 7.180 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
8,875 | 7.180 | 2006 - 2012 | ||
130,875 | 7.478 | 2011 - 2017 | ||
1,411,714 | 7.718 | 2010 - 2017 | ||
16,650 | 7.718 | 2010 - 2014 | ||
10,875 | 7.718 | 2011 - 2017 | ||
17,750 | 7.718 | 2010 - 2017 | ||
400,025 | 7.790 | 2003 - 2010 | ||
5,500 | 7.790 | 2004 - 2010 | ||
317,600 | 7.960 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
5,875 | 7.960 | 2005 - 2011 |
Number of ADRs under option |
Exercise price
per ADR ($) |
Exercise dates | ||
54,510 | 30.800 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
64,605 | 49.880 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
35,710 | 53.030 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
33,780 | 56.480 | 2004 - 2011 | ||
144,995 | 59.520 | 2008 - 2015 | ||
201,594 | 60.690 | 2009 - 2016 | ||
269,038 | 75.760 | 2010 - 2017 |
26. Authorised and issued share capital
Young & Rubicam Inc 1997 Incentive Compensation Plan
As of 31 December 2007, unexercised options over ordinary shares of 581,929 and unexercised options over ADRs of 479,920 have been granted under the Young & Rubicam Inc 1997 Incentive Compensation Plan as follows:
Number of ordinary shares under option |
Exercise price
per share (£) |
Exercise dates | ||
83,500 | 4.705 | 2000 - 2008 | ||
208,751 | 6.163 | 2000 - 2009 | ||
41,750 | 6.328 | 2000 - 2009 | ||
227,053 | 7.052 | 2000 - 2010 | ||
10,437 | 7.569 | 2000 - 2009 | ||
10,438 | 8.996 | 2000 - 2010 | ||
Number of ADRs under option |
Exercise price
per ADR ($) |
Exercise dates | ||
124,437 | 44.611 | 2000 - 2009 | ||
10,985 | 46.557 | 2000 - 2009 | ||
11,481 | 48.204 | 2000 - 2010 | ||
174,156 | 51.048 | 2000 - 2010 | ||
25,050 | 53.443 | 2000 - 2009 | ||
83,500 | 54.042 | 2000 - 2009 | ||
33,400 | 56.287 | 2000 - 2009 | ||
1,963 | 59.656 | 2000 - 2010 | ||
6,263 | 60.479 | 2000 - 2010 | ||
2,923 | 63.772 | 2000 - 2010 | ||
1,670 | 71.781 | 2000 - 2010 | ||
1,587 | 72.605 | 2000 - 2010 | ||
2,505 | 84.731 | 2000 - 2010 |
Tempus Group plc 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan
As at 31 December 2007, unexercised options over ordinary shares of 106,295 have been granted under the Tempus Group plc 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan as follows:
Number of ordinary shares under option |
Exercise price
per share (£) |
Exercise dates | ||
49,827 | 2.260 | 2001 - 2008 | ||
24,306 | 4.920 | 2001 - 2011 | ||
12,153 | 5.580 | 2001 - 2011 | ||
20,009 | 6.000 | 2001 - 2010 |
The Grey Global Group, Inc 1994 Stock Incentive Plan
As at 31 December 2007, unexercised options over ordinary shares of 54,365 and unexercised options over ADRs of 147,394 have been granted under the Grey Global Group, Inc 1994 Stock Incentive Plan as follows:
Number of ordinary
shares under option |
Exercise price
per share (£) |
Exercise dates | ||
54,365 | 3.499 | 2007 - 2011 | ||
Number of ADRs
under option |
Exercise price
per ADR ($) |
Exercise dates | ||
11,525 | 14.370 | 2005 - 2009 | ||
20,810 | 19.540 | 2005 - 2010 | ||
2,914 | 27.290 | 2005 - 2011 | ||
7,089 | 28.210 | 2006 - 2013 | ||
1,827 | 28.300 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
4,545 | 29.410 | 2005 - 2011 | ||
7,046 | 30.270 | 2007 - 2011 | ||
5,807 | 30.830 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
5,785 | 31.220 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
6,371 | 31.420 | 2005 - 2012 | ||
21,745 | 31.750 | 2008 - 2011 |
F-32
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
26. Authorised and issued share capital (continued)
Number of ADRs
under option |
Exercise price
per ADR ($) |
Exercise dates | ||
6,264 | 31.940 | 2007 - 2011 | ||
10,874 | 33.500 | 2007 - 2011 | ||
21,745 | 34.120 | 2007 - 2011 | ||
13,047 | 36.110 | 2008 - 2010 |
24/7 Real Media, Inc 2002 Stock Incentive Plan
As at 31 December 2007, unexercised options over ADRs of 236,822 have been granted under the 24/7 Real Media, Inc 2002 Stock Incentive Plan as follows:
Number of ADRs under option |
Exercise price
per ADR ($) |
Exercise dates | ||
8 | 1.340 | 2007 - 2013 | ||
2,988 | 15.880 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
427 | 17.150 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
434 | 18.230 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
109 | 18.420 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
114 | 19.250 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
76 | 19.310 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
147 | 19.370 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
296 | 19.440 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
1,574 | 19.950 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
69 | 20.010 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
187 | 20.070 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
414 | 20.330 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
137 | 20.640 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
46 | 20.770 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
28 | 20.840 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
250 | 20.960 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
112 | 21.030 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
42 | 21.220 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
89 | 21.600 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
132 | 22.490 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
99 | 22.550 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
66 | 22.870 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
79 | 23.180 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
167 | 23.440 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
289 | 23.820 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
16 | 23.950 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
654 | 24.200 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
246 | 24.330 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
161 | 25.150 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
177 | 25.410 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
118 | 25.600 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
118 | 25.660 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
315 | 25.920 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
157 | 25.980 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
553 | 26.110 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
400 | 26.870 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
1,023 | 27.120 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
79,771 | 27.500 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
374 | 28.520 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
148 | 28.770 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
170 | 34.620 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
170 | 34.680 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
102 | 34.930 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
205 | 35.060 | 2007 - 2015 |
26. Authorised and issued share capital (continued)
Number of ADRs under option |
Exercise price
per ADR ($) |
Exercise dates | ||
629 | 37.730 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
92 | 37.850 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
89 | 38.870 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
114,820 | 40.650 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
110 | 41.470 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
2,017 | 44.710 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
533 | 45.290 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
594 | 45.410 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
143 | 45.730 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
341 | 46.050 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
1,903 | 46.170 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
190 | 46.300 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
69 | 46.620 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 46.750 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
95 | 47.000 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
393 | 48.270 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
345 | 48.330 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
597 | 48.590 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 48.650 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
235 | 48.970 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
143 | 49.100 | 2007 - 2015 | ||
157 | 49.540 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
115 | 49.600 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
314 | 49.670 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
89 | 50.490 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
785 | 50.680 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
393 | 50.750 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
78 | 51.000 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
236 | 51.130 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
550 | 51.380 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
156 | 52.400 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
234 | 52.590 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
99 | 52.910 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 53.030 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
70 | 53.410 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 53.480 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
78 | 53.670 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
701 | 53.790 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
314 | 54.110 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
1,258 | 54.240 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
974 | 54.560 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
158 | 54.680 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 54.870 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
393 | 55.130 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
1,022 | 55.260 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
78 | 55.380 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
115 | 55.450 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 55.570 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
179 | 55.640 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
472 | 55.760 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
105 | 55.890 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
549 | 56.270 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
392 | 56.340 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
148 | 56.650 | 2007 - 2016 |
F-33
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
26. Authorised and issued share capital (continued)
Number of ADRs under option |
Exercise price
per ADR ($) |
Exercise dates | ||
574 | 56.720 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
138 | 56.910 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
235 | 57.480 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
157 | 57.670 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
262 | 57.730 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 58.110 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
354 | 58.680 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
863 | 58.940 | 2007 - 2017 | ||
314 | 59.070 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 59.190 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
393 | 60.020 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
156 | 61.230 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
78 | 61.800 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
324 | 61.920 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
471 | 62.050 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 62.240 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
472 | 62.810 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
45 | 62.880 | 2007 - 2014 | ||
786 | 62.940 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
314 | 63.130 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
157 | 63.320 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
314 | 63.640 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
708 | 63.890 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
112 | 64.270 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
54 | 64.650 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
56 | 64.850 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
156 | 64.970 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
78 | 65.540 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
212 | 66.430 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
112 | 67.580 | 2007 - 2016 | ||
157 | 70.500 | 2008 - 2017 | ||
550 | 74.240 | 2008 - 2017 |
The aggregate status of the WPP Share Option Schemes during 2007 was as follows:
Movement on options granted (represented in ordinary shares)
Outstanding | Exercisable | ||||||||||||||
1
January
|
Granted
number |
Exercised
number |
Lapsed
number |
31
December 2007 number |
31
December 2007 number |
||||||||||
WPP | 37,198,388 | 76,206 | (3,499,794 | ) | (2,042,924 | ) | 31,731,876 | 30,641,052 | |||||||
WWOP | 10,380,987 | 3,589,375 | (1,682,202 | ) | (2,428,850 | ) | 9,859,310 | 2,872,550 | |||||||
Y&R | 4,823,489 | | (1,740,866 | ) | (101,094 | ) | 2,981,529 | 2,981,529 | |||||||
Tempus | 273,196 | | | (166,901 | ) | 106,295 | 106,295 | ||||||||
Grey | 1,376,015 | | (584,680 | ) | | 791,335 | 404,478 | ||||||||
24/7 | | 1,543,880 | 1 | (305,620 | ) | (54,150 | ) | 1,184,110 | 291,985 | ||||||
54,052,075 | 5,209,461 | (7,813,162 | ) | (4,793,919 | ) | 46,654,455 | 37,297,889 |
26. Authorised and issued share capital
Note
1 |
Granted as consideration for acquisition of 24/7. |
Weighted-average exercise price for options over:
Outstanding | Exercisable | |||||||||||
1
January
|
Granted | Exercised | Lapsed |
31
December 2007 |
31
December 2007 |
|||||||
Ordinary shares (£) | ||||||||||||
WPP | 5.298 | 6.956 | 3.844 | 5.805 | 5.454 | 5.431 | ||||||
WWOP | 6.228 | 7.681 | 4.822 | 6.457 | 6.875 | 6.532 | ||||||
Y&R | 5.658 | n/a | 4.321 | 6.845 | 6.389 | 6.389 | ||||||
Tempus | 3.332 | n/a | n/a | 2.938 | 3.952 | 3.952 | ||||||
Grey | 2.279 | n/a | 1.616 | n/a | 3.499 | 3.499 | ||||||
ADRs ($) | ||||||||||||
WPP | 46.402 | 71.338 | 40.852 | 40.127 | 46.940 | 46.485 | ||||||
WWOP | 54.042 | 75.760 | 48.002 | 62.245 | 62.109 | 46.144 | ||||||
Y&R | 42.743 | n/a | 30.594 | 14.453 | 50.774 | 50.774 | ||||||
Grey | 28.124 | n/a | 26.746 | n/a | 29.024 | 25.439 | ||||||
24/7 | n/a | 37.169 | 38.094 | 41.030 | 36.753 | 34.789 |
Options over ordinary shares
Outstanding | Exercisable | |||||||||
Range of
exercise
£ |
Weighted
£ |
Weighted
Months |
Weighted
Months |
Aggregate
£m |
||||||
2.260 - 10.770 | 5.906 | 84 | 85 | 12.5 |
Options over ADRs
Outstanding | Exercisable | |||||||||
Range of
exercise
$ |
Weighted
$ |
Weighted
Months |
Weighted
Months |
Aggregate
$m |
||||||
1.340 - 84.731 | 48.562 | 86 | 87 | 80.7 |
As at 31 December 2007 there was £7.7 million (2006: £12.7 million) of total unrecognised compensation cost related to share options. That cost is expected to be recognised over a weighted average period of 17 months (2006: 16 months).
Share options are satisfied out of newly issued shares.
The weighted average fair value of options granted in the year calculated using the Black-Scholes model, was as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Fair value of UK options (shares) | 188.3 | p | 203.5 | p | 209.3 | p | |||
Fair value of US options (ADRs) | $17.85 | $20.15 | $18.42 | ||||||
Weighted average assumptions: | |||||||||
UK Risk-free interest rate |
5.26% | 4.72% | 4.77% | ||||||
US Risk-free interest rate |
4.53% | 4.47% | 4.06% | ||||||
Expected life (months) |
48 | 48 | 48 | ||||||
Expected volatility |
25% | 35% | 40% | ||||||
Dividend yield |
1.5% | 1.7% | 1.4% |
Options are issued at an exercise price equal to market value on the date of grant.
The weighted average share price of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2007 was £7.09 (2006: £6.58, 2005: £5.88) and the weighted average ADR price for the same period was $71.04 (2006: $60.60, 2005: $53.24).
Expected volatility is sourced from external market data and represents the historic volatility in the Groups share price over a period equivalent to the expected option life.
Expected life is based on a review of historic exercise behaviour in the context of the contractual terms of the options, as described in more detail below.
F-34
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
26. Authorised and issued share capital (continued)
Terms of share option plans
The Worldwide Share Ownership Program is open for participation to employees with at least two years employment in the Group. It is not available to those participating in other share-based incentive programs or to executive directors. The vesting period for each grant is three years and there are no performance conditions other than continued employment with the Group.
The Executive Stock Option Plan has historically been open for participation to WPP Group Leaders, Partners and High Potential Group. It is not currently offered to parent company executive directors. The vesting period is three years and performance conditions include achievement of various TSR (Total Share Owner Return) and EPS (Earnings per Share) objectives, as well as continued employment. In 2005, the Group moved away from the issuance of stock options for Leaders, Partners and High Potential Group and has since largely made grants of restricted stock instead (note 22).
The Group grants stock options with a life of ten years, including the vesting period. The terms of stock options with performance conditions are such that if, after nine years and eight months, the performance conditions have not been met, then the stock option will vest automatically.
F-35
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
27. Equity Share Owners funds
Movements during the year were as follows:
Ordinary
share capital £m |
Share
premium account £m |
Shares
to be issued £m |
Merger
reserve £m |
Other
reserves £m |
Own
Shares 1 £m |
Retained
earnings £m |
Total
£m |
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2006 | 125.3 | 2.1 | 37.2 | (1,388.1 | ) | 167.3 | (292.9 | ) | 5,253.6 | 3,904.5 | ||||||||||||||
Ordinary shares issued | 2.1 | 72.9 | (29.7 | ) | 18.5 | | | 9.2 | 2 | 73.0 | ||||||||||||||
Share issue/cancellation costs | | (0.1 | ) | | (0.4 | ) | | | (1.2 | ) | (1.7 | ) | ||||||||||||
Share cancellations | (3.3 | ) | | | | 3.3 | | (218.8 | ) | (218.8 | ) | |||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments | | | | | (367.0 | ) | | | (367.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net profit for the year | | | | | | | 435.8 | 435.8 | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid | | | | | | | (118.9 | ) | (118.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Non-cash share-based incentive plans (including stock options) | | | | | | | 70.9 | 70.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit of share-based payments | | | | | | | 32.3 | 32.3 | ||||||||||||||||
Net additions of own shares by ESOP Trusts | | | | | | 4.4 | (43.3 | ) | (38.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension schemes | | | | | | | 26.0 | 26.0 | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax credit on defined benefit pension schemes | | | | | | | 5.3 | 5.3 | ||||||||||||||||
Revaluation of other investments | | | | | 9.5 | | | 9.5 | ||||||||||||||||
Recognition of financial instruments during the year | | | | | 16.8 | | (1.9 | ) | 14.9 | |||||||||||||||
Balance at 31 December 2006 | 124.1 | 74.9 | 7.5 | (1,370.0 | ) | (170.1 | ) | (288.5 | ) | 5,449.0 | 3,826.9 | |||||||||||||
Ordinary shares issued in respect of acquisitions | 0.1 | 2.2 | 5.7 | | | | | 8.0 | ||||||||||||||||
Other ordinary shares issued | 0.7 | 29.5 | (7.9 | ) | 4.2 | | | 1.7 | 2 | 28.2 | ||||||||||||||
Share issue/cancellation costs | | (2.7 | ) | | (0.1 | ) | | | | (2.8 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share cancellations | (5.7 | ) | | | | 5.7 | | (402.7 | ) | (402.7 | ) | |||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments | | | | | 71.7 | | | 71.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Net profit for the year | | | | | | | 465.9 | 465.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid | | | | | | | (138.9 | ) | (138.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Non-cash share-based incentive plans (including stock options) | | | | | | | 62.4 | 62.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit of share-based payments | | | | | | | 0.9 | 0.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Net disposal of own shares by ESOP Trusts | | | | | | 45.9 | (45.9 | ) | | |||||||||||||||
Shares purchased into treasury | | | | | | (12.7 | ) | | (12.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension schemes | | | | | | | 27.0 | 27.0 | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax charge on defined benefit pension schemes | | | | | | | (9.9 | ) | (9.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Revaluation of other investments | | | | | 108.1 | | | 108.1 | ||||||||||||||||
Share purchases close period commitments 3 | | | | | (64.8 | ) | | | (64.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Recognition of financial instruments during the year | | | | | 3.4 | | 3.9 | 7.3 | ||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of equity component of convertible bond redeemed during the year | | | | | (68.7 | ) | | 68.7 | | |||||||||||||||
Other movements | | | | | (0.2 | ) | | | (0.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Balance at 31 December 2007 | 119.2 | 103.9 | 5.3 | (1,365.9 | ) | (114.9 | ) | (255.3 | ) | 5,482.1 | 3,974.4 |
Notes |
1 |
The Companys holdings of own shares are stated at cost and represent shares held in treasury and purchases by the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) trusts of shares in WPP Group plc for the purpose of funding certain of the Groups share-based incentive plans. |
The trustees of the ESOP purchase the Companys ordinary shares in the open market using funds provided by the Company. The Company also has an obligation to make regular contributions to the ESOP to enable it to meet its administrative costs. The number and market value of the ordinary shares of the Company held by the ESOP at 31 December 2007 was 43,889,384 (2006: 51,134,155), and £284.0 million (2006: £353.1 million) respectively. The number and market value of ordinary shares held in treasury at 31 December 2007 was 2,000,000 (2006: nil) and £12.9 million (2006: £nil) respectively. |
2 |
Represents the difference between the legal share capital and premium, recorded on the issue of new shares to satisfy option exercises, and the cash proceeds received on exercise. |
3 |
During the year, the Company entered into an arrangement with its broker to conduct share buybacks on the Companys behalf in the close period commencing on 2 January 2008 and ending on 28 February 2008, in accordance with UK listing rules. Under IAS 39, the commitment resulting from this agreement constitutes a financial liability at 31 December 2007 which must be recognised at fair value at that date. This liability is included in Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year and has been recognised as a movement in equity. |
F-36
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
27. Equity Share Owners funds (continued)
Other reserves comprise the following:
Equity
reserve £m |
Revaluation
£m |
Capital redemption reserve £m |
Translation
reserve
|
Total other reserves £m |
|||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2006 |
(16.4 | ) | 21.0 | 0.5 | 162.2 | 167.3 | |||||||
Share cancellations | | | 3.3 | | 3.3 | ||||||||
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments | | | | (367.0 | ) | (367.0 | ) | ||||||
Revaluation of other investments | | 9.5 | | | 9.5 | ||||||||
Recognition of financial instruments during the year | 16.8 | | | | 16.8 | ||||||||
Balance at 31 December 2006 |
0.4 | 30.5 | 3.8 | (204.8 | ) | (170.1 | ) | ||||||
Share cancellations | | | 5.7 | | 5.7 | ||||||||
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net | | | | 71.7 | 71.7 | ||||||||
Revaluation of other investments | | 108.1 | | | 108.1 | ||||||||
Recognition of financial instruments during the year | 3.4 | | | | 3.4 | ||||||||
Share purchases close period commitments | (64.8 | ) | | | | (64.8 | ) | ||||||
Reclassification of equity component of convertible bond redeemed during the year | (68.7 | ) | | | | (68.7 | ) | ||||||
Other movements | (0.2 | ) | | | | (0.2 | ) | ||||||
Balance at 31 December 2007 |
(129.9 | ) | 138.6 | 9.5 | (133.1 | ) | (114.9 | ) |
Reconciliation of movements in consolidated equity share owners funds for the year ended 31 December 2007:
2007
£m |
2006
£m |
2005
£m |
|||||||
Net profit for the year | 465.9 | 435.8 | 363.9 | ||||||
Dividends paid | (138.9 | ) | (118.9 | ) | (100.2 | ) | |||
327.0 | 316.9 | 263.7 | |||||||
Non-cash share-based incentive plans (including stock options) | 62.4 | 70.9 | 68.6 | ||||||
Tax benefit of share-based payments | 0.9 | 32.3 | 12.9 | ||||||
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments | 71.7 | (367.0 | ) | 266.1 | |||||
Ordinary shares issued in respect of acquisitions | 8.0 | | 506.4 | ||||||
Share issue/cancellation costs | (2.8 | ) | (1.7 | ) | (3.6 | ) | |||
Other ordinary shares issued | 28.2 | 73.0 | 18.3 | ||||||
Share cancellations | (402.7 | ) | (218.8 | ) | (123.3 | ) | |||
Shares purchased into treasury | (12.7 | ) | | | |||||
Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension schemes | 27.0 | 26.0 | (16.5 | ) | |||||
Deferred tax (charge)/credit on defined benefit pension schemes | (9.9 | ) | 5.3 | 3.6 | |||||
Net additions of own shares by ESOP Trusts | | (38.9 | ) | (29.0 | ) | ||||
Transfer to goodwill | | | (5.1 | ) | |||||
Revaluation of other investments | 108.1 | 9.5 | 21.0 | ||||||
Shares repurchases close period commitments | (64.8 | ) | | | |||||
Recognition of financial instruments during the year | 7.3 | 14.9 | (27.6 | ) | |||||
Other movements | (0.2 | ) | | | |||||
Net additions/(reductions) to equity share owners funds | 147.5 | (77.6 | ) | 955.5 | |||||
Opening equity share owners funds | 3,826.9 | 3,904.5 | 2,949.0 | ||||||
Closing equity share owners funds | 3,974.4 | 3,826.9 | 3,904.5 |
F-37
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
28. Acquisitions
The Group accounts for acquisitions in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations. IFRS 3 requires the acquirees identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities (other than non-current assets or disposal groups held for sale) to be recognised at fair value at acquisition date. In assessing fair value at acquisition date, management make their best estimate of the likely outcome where the fair value of an asset or liability may be contingent on a future event. In certain instances, the underlying transaction giving rise to an estimate may not be resolved until some years after the acquisition date. IFRS 3 requires the release to profit of any acquisition reserves which subsequently become excess in the same way as any excess costs over those provided at acquisition date are charged to profit. At each period end management assess provisions and other balances established in respect of acquisitions for their continued probability of occurrence and amend the relevant value accordingly through the income statement or as an adjustment to goodwill as appropriate under IFRS 3.
The fair value adjustments for certain acquisitions included in the following tables have been
Acquisition of 24/7 Real Media, Inc
On 2 July 2007 the Company finalised its acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of 24/7 Real Media, Inc (24/7). The following table sets out the book values of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and their fair value to the Group.
Book
value at acquisition £m |
Fair value
adjustments 1 £m |
Fair value
to Group £m |
|||||||
Intangible assets | 5.2 | 50.2 | 55.4 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 5.2 | | 5.2 | ||||||
Interests in associates and other investments | 3.3 | | 3.3 | ||||||
Current assets | 80.0 | | 80.0 | ||||||
Total assets | 93.7 | 50.2 | 143.9 | ||||||
Current liabilities | (31.8 | ) | (5.0 | ) | (36.8 | ) | |||
Bonds and bank loans | (7.5 | ) | | (7.5 | ) | ||||
Trade and other payables due after one year | (18.4 | ) | | (18.4 | ) | ||||
Deferred taxes | | (19.3 | ) | (19.3 | ) | ||||
Provisions | | (2.5 | ) | (2.5 | ) | ||||
Total liabilities | (57.7 | ) | (26.8 | ) | (84.5 | ) | |||
Net assets | 36.0 | 23.4 | 59.4 | ||||||
Goodwill | 270.7 | ||||||||
Consideration | 330.1 | ||||||||
Consideration satisfied by: | |||||||||
Cash | 316.5 | ||||||||
Debt redemption premium | 3.4 | ||||||||
Shares to be issued | 5.7 | ||||||||
Capitalised acquisition costs | 4.5 |
Note
1 |
Fair value adjustments comprise adjustments to bring the book value of the assets and liabilities of 24/7 to fair value, principally through the recognition of intangible assets (comprising customer relationships, proprietary tools and brands) and related deferred tax liabilities. |
Net cash (outflows)/inflows in respect of 24/7 comprised:
£m | |||
Cash consideration | (316.5 | ) | |
Cash at bank and in hand acquired | 34.5 | ||
Debt redemption premium | (3.4 | ) | |
Acquisition costs | (4.5 | ) | |
(289.9 | ) |
The post-acquisition contribution of 24/7 to the Groups revenue and operating profit was not material.
28. Acquisitions (continued)
Other acquisitions
The Group acquired a number of other subsidiaries in the year. The following table sets out the book values of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and their fair value to the Group.
Book
value at acquisition £m |
Fair value
adjustments £m |
Fair value
to Group £m |
|||||||
Intangible assets | 2.4 | 36.2 | 38.6 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 7.0 | (0.4 | ) | 6.6 | |||||
Current assets | 124.9 | (1.7 | ) | 123.2 | |||||
Total assets | 134.3 | 34.1 | 168.4 | ||||||
Current liabilities | (94.1 | ) | (9.8 | ) | (103.9 | ) | |||
Trade and other payables due after one year | (6.3 | ) | (6.2 | ) | (12.5 | ) | |||
Deferred taxes | (0.2 | ) | (5.9 | ) | (6.1 | ) | |||
Provisions | (2.0 | ) | (1.3 | ) | (3.3 | ) | |||
Total liabilities | (102.6 | ) | (23.2 | ) | (125.8 | ) | |||
Net assets | 31.7 | 10.9 | 42.6 | ||||||
Minority interest | (6.6 | ) | |||||||
Goodwill | 239.9 | ||||||||
Consideration | 275.9 | ||||||||
Consideration satisfied by: | |||||||||
Cash | 173.1 | ||||||||
Shares issued | 2.3 | ||||||||
Payments due to vendors | 98.5 | ||||||||
Capitalised acquisition costs | 2.0 |
In aggregate, acquisitions completed in 2007 (including 24/7) contributed £132.2 million to revenues, £14.7 million to operating profit and £24.7 million to headline PBIT. There were no material acquisitions completed between 31 December 2007 and the date the financial statements have been authorised for issue.
If all acquisitions had been completed on the first day of the financial year, Group revenues for the period would have been £6,442.8 million, operating profit would have been £818.4 million and Headline PBIT would have been £955.6 million.
29. Principal subsidiary undertakings
The principal subsidiary undertakings of the Group are:
Country of Incorporation | ||
Grey Global Group, Inc | US | |
J. Walter Thompson Company, Inc | US | |
GroupM Worldwide, Inc | US | |
The Ogilvy Group, Inc | US | |
Young & Rubicam, Inc | US |
All of these subsidiaries are operating companies and are 100% owned by the Group.
A more detailed listing of the operating subsidiary undertakings is given in Item 4. The Company directly or indirectly holds controlling interests in the issued share capital of these undertakings with the exception of those specifically identified.
Advantage has been taken of Section 231(5) of the Companies Act 1985 to list only those undertakings required by that provision, as an exhaustive list would involve a statement of excessive length. A full listing of the Companys subsidiary undertakings is included in the Companys Annual Return.
F-38
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
30. Related party transactions
From time to time the Group enters into transactions with its associate undertakings. These transactions were not material for any of the years presented.
In the year ended 31 December 2007, the Group paid costs of £0.5 million (2006: £0.3 million) in connection with an action for the misuse of private information and an action for libel, in which Sir Martin Sorrell was a claimant. These costs were authorised by the Board as an integral part of broader legal actions, some of which are ongoing, to protect the commercial interests of the Group. The total amount incurred of £0.8 million was disclosed in the 2006 Annual Report and has not increased.
31. Reconciliation of profit before interest and taxation to Headline PBIT
2007 £m |
2006 £m |
2005 £m |
|||||||
Profit before interest and taxation | 846.1 | 782.7 | 686.7 | ||||||
Gains on disposal of investments | (3.4 | ) | (7.3 | ) | (4.3 | ) | |||
Goodwill impairment | 44.1 | 35.5 | 46.0 | ||||||
Goodwill write-down relating to utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses | 1.7 | 8.8 | 1.1 | ||||||
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets | 40.3 | 43.3 | 25.3 | ||||||
Share of exceptional gains of associates | (0.8 | ) | (4.0 | ) | | ||||
Headline PBIT | 928.0 | 859.0 | 754.8 |
32. Subsequent Event
In May 2008 the Group issued 750 million of 6.625% bonds due in 2016.
F-39
Condensed consolidating financial information
Grey, WPP Finance (UK) and WPP Finance (USA) Corporation are issuers of certain securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are guaranteed by WPP Group plc and WPP 2005 Limited and, in the case of WPP Finance (UK), also by Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings. As a result, Grey, WPP Finance (UK), WPP Finance (USA) Corporation, Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings, WPP Group plc and WPP 2005 Limited are each subject to the reporting requirements under section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Accordingly, condensed consolidating financial information containing financial information for each subsidiary issuer is presented beginning on page F-41. In October 2005, the company originally named WPP Group plc and now known as WPP 2005 Limited, completed a reorganisation of its capital and corporate structure pursuant to Section 425 of the Companies Act of 1985, resulting in the formation of WPP Group plc as the new parent company of WPP 2005 Limited.
On 19 December 2006, Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings purchased Wunderman Worldwide, LLC (Wunderman), Landor, LLC (Landor) and Commonhealth LLC (Commonhealth) from a fellow subsidiary undertaking, WPP Finance (UK) and also on this date became a co-guarantor to WPP Finance (UK)s registered security. The condensed consolidating financial information with respect to the co-guarantor, Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings, and with respect to the issuer, WPP Finance (UK), gives effect to the purchase of Wunderman, Landor and Commonhealth as if the transaction had occurred as of 1 January 2004.
In the event that Grey or WPP Finance (USA) Corporation fails to pay the holders of the securities, thereby requiring WPP Group plc or WPP 2005 Limited to make payment pursuant to the terms of its full and unconditional guarantee of those securities, there is no impediment to WPP Group plc or WPP 2005 Limited obtaining reimbursement for any such payments from Grey or WPP Finance (USA) Corporation. Similarly, in the event that WPP Finance (UK) fails to pay the holders of the securities, thereby requiring WPP Group plc, WPP 2005 Limited or Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings to make payment pursuant to the terms of its full and unconditional guarantee of those securities, there is no impediment to WPP Group plc, WPP 2005 Limited or Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings obtaining reimbursement for any such payments from WPP Finance (UK).
F-40
The condensed consolidating financial information with respect to the co-guarantor, Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings and with respect to the issuer, WPP Finance (UK) presented below gives effect to the purchase of Wunderman, Landor and Commonhealth by Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of WPP Group plc, as if the transaction had occurred as of 1 January 2004.
Condensed consolidating income statement information
For the year ended 31 December 2007, £m
WPP Group plc |
Subsidiary Guarantors 1 |
WPP
Finance (UK) |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications /
Eliminations |
Consolidated
WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Revenue |
| | | 6,185.9 | | 6,185.9 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs |
| | | (335.5 | ) | | (335.5 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
| | | 5,850.4 | | 5,850.4 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs |
5.9 | (58.5 | ) | (4.6 | ) | (4,988.5 | ) | | (5,045.7 | ) | ||||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
5.9 | (58.5 | ) | (4.6 | ) | 861.9 | | 804.7 | ||||||||||
Share of results of subsidiaries |
504.3 | 696.6 | | | (1,200.9 | ) | | |||||||||||
Share of results of associates |
| | | 41.4 | | 41.4 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before interest and taxation |
510.2 | 638.1 | (4.6 | ) | 903.3 | (1,200.9 | ) | 846.1 | ||||||||||
Finance income |
53.0 | 54.3 | 17.2 | 14.9 | | 139.4 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
(97.3 | ) | (188.1 | ) | (20.0 | ) | 39.3 | | (266.1 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
465.9 | 504.3 | (7.4 | ) | 957.5 | (1,200.9 | ) | 719.4 | ||||||||||
Taxation |
| | | (204.3 | ) | | (204.3 | ) | ||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
465.9 | 504.3 | (7.4 | ) | 753.2 | (1,200.9 | ) | 515.1 | ||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
465.9 | 504.3 | (7.4 | ) | 704.0 | (1,200.9 | ) | 465.9 | ||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 49.2 | | 49.2 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
465.9 | 504.3 | (7.4 | ) | 753.2 | (1,200.9 | ) | 515.1 | ||||||||||
For the year ended 31 December 2006, £m
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| | | 5,907.8 | | 5,907.8 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs |
| | | (296.8 | ) | | (296.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
| | | 5,611.0 | | 5,611.0 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs |
(7.8 | ) | (60.4 | ) | (9.9 | ) | (4,791.3 | ) | | (4,869.4 | ) | |||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
(7.8 | ) | (60.4 | ) | (9.9 | ) | 819.7 | | 741.6 | |||||||||
Share of results of subsidiaries |
443.6 | 615.4 | | | (1,059.0 | ) | | |||||||||||
Share of results of associates |
| | | 41.1 | | 41.1 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before interest and taxation |
435.8 | 555.0 | (9.9 | ) | 860.8 | (1,059.0 | ) | 782.7 | ||||||||||
Finance income |
| 59.7 | 0.6 | 50.7 | | 111.0 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
| (162.9 | ) | (24.2 | ) | (24.6 | ) | | (211.7 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
435.8 | 451.8 | (33.5 | ) | 886.9 | (1,059.0 | ) | 682.0 | ||||||||||
Taxation |
| (8.2 | ) | | (191.2 | ) | | (199.4 | ) | |||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
435.8 | 443.6 | (33.5 | ) | 695.7 | (1,059.0 | ) | 482.6 | ||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
435.8 | 443.6 | (33.5 | ) | 648.9 | (1,059.0 | ) | 435.8 | ||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 46.8 | | 46.8 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
435.8 | 443.6 | (33.5 | ) | 695.7 | (1,059.0 | ) | 482.6 | ||||||||||
For the year ended 31 December 2005, £m
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| | | 5,373.7 | | 5,373.7 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs |
| | | (241.0 | ) | | (241.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
| | | 5,132.7 | | 5,132.7 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs |
(3.4 | ) | (35.6 | ) | (4.9 | ) | (4,436.0 | ) | | (4,479.9 | ) | |||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
(3.4 | ) | (35.6 | ) | (4.9 | ) | 696.7 | | 652.8 | |||||||||
Share of results of subsidiaries |
367.3 | 441.3 | | | (808.6 | ) | | |||||||||||
Share of results of associates |
| | | 33.9 | | 33.9 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before interest and taxation |
363.9 | 405.7 | (4.9 | ) | 730.6 | (808.6 | ) | 686.7 | ||||||||||
Finance income |
| 44.3 | | 43.3 | | 87.6 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
| (82.7 | ) | (20.3 | ) | (79.3 | ) | | (182.3 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
363.9 | 367.3 | (25.2 | ) | 694.6 | (808.6 | ) | 592.0 | ||||||||||
Taxation |
| | | (194.0 | ) | | (194.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
363.9 | 367.3 | (25.2 | ) | 500.6 | (808.6 | ) | 398.0 | ||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
363.9 | 367.3 | (25.2 | ) | 466.5 | (808.6 | ) | 363.9 | ||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 34.1 | | 34.1 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
363.9 | 367.3 | (25.2 | ) | 500.6 | (808.6 | ) | 398.0 |
Note
1 |
Includes WPP 2005 Limited and Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings. |
F-41
Condensed consolidating cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December 2007, £m
WPP
plc |
Subsidiary
|
WPP Finance(UK) |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications /
Eliminations |
Consolidated WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
345.8 | 278.1 | (7.4 | ) | 275.6 | (0.8 | ) | 891.3 | ||||||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals |
| | | (674.8 | ) | | (674.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
| (3.5 | ) | | (147.6 | ) | | (151.1 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
| | | (19.7 | ) | | (19.7 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| | | 8.3 | | 8.3 | ||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities |
| (3.5 | ) | | (833.8 | ) | | (837.3 | ) | |||||||||
Financing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Share option proceeds |
| 34.8 | | | | 34.8 | ||||||||||||
Share repurchases and buybacks |
(415.4 | ) | | | | | (415.4 | ) | ||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings |
400.0 | (450.0 | ) | 0.5 | 548.4 | | 498.9 | |||||||||||
Financing and share issue costs |
(5.0 | ) | | | (3.3 | ) | | (8.3 | ) | |||||||||
Equity dividends paid |
(139.7 | ) | | | | 0.8 | (138.9 | ) | ||||||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
| | | (38.9 | ) | | (38.9 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
(160.1 | ) | (415.2 | ) | 0.5 | 506.2 | 0.8 | (67.8 | ) | |||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
185.7 | (140.6 | ) | (6.9 | ) | (52.0 | ) | | (13.8 | ) | ||||||||
Translation differences |
22.8 | | (4.0 | ) | 100.4 | | 119.2 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
(764.4 | ) | (1,686.5 | ) | 332.7 | 3,075.1 | | 956.9 | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
(555.9 | ) | (1,827.1 | ) | 321.8 | 3,123.5 | | 1,062.3 | ||||||||||
For the year ended 31 December 2006, £m | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
(794.7 | ) | (413.5 | ) | 67.5 | 1,802.1 | | 661.4 | ||||||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals |
| (303.8 | ) | 264.4 | (176.2 | ) | | (215.6 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
| (5.1 | ) | | (162.7 | ) | | (167.8 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
| | | (16.7 | ) | | (16.7 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| | | 22.4 | | 22.4 | ||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities |
| (308.9 | ) | 264.4 | (333.2 | ) | | (377.7 | ) | |||||||||
Financing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Share option proceeds |
| 70.9 | | | | 70.9 | ||||||||||||
Share repurchases and buybacks |
(218.8 | ) | | | (38.9 | ) | | (257.7 | ) | |||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings |
403.9 | (6.2 | ) | | (15.6 | ) | | 382.1 | ||||||||||
Financing and share issue costs |
(2.0 | ) | | | (1.7 | ) | | (3.7 | ) | |||||||||
Equity dividends paid |
(118.9 | ) | | | | | (118.9 | ) | ||||||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
| | | (28.8 | ) | | (28.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
64.2 | 64.7 | | (85.0 | ) | | 43.9 | |||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(730.5 | ) | (657.7 | ) | 331.9 | 1,383.9 | | 327.6 | ||||||||||
Translation differences |
| | | (50.3 | ) | | (50.3 | ) | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
(33.9 | ) | (1,028.8 | ) | 0.8 | 1,741.5 | | 679.6 | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
(764.4 | ) | (1,686.5 | ) | 332.7 | 3,075.1 | | 956.9 |
1 |
Includes WPP 2005 Limited and Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings. |
F-42
Condensed consolidating cash flow statement information (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2005, £m
WPP
plc |
Subsidiary
guarantors 1 |
WPP
Finance
|
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications /
Eliminations |
Consolidated WPP Group plc |
||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
(9.3 | ) | (139.9 | ) | 0.8 | 1,091.1 | (105.2 | ) | 837.5 | ||||||||
Investing activities |
|||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals |
| (231.2 | ) | | (276.5 | ) | | (507.7 | ) | ||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
| (1.8 | ) | | (158.7 | ) | | (160.5 | ) | ||||||||
Purchase of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
| | | (10.8 | ) | | (10.8 | ) | |||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| | | 6.7 | | 6.7 | |||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities |
| (233.0 | ) | | (439.3 | ) | | (672.3 | ) | ||||||||
Financing activities |
|||||||||||||||||
Share option proceeds |
2.1 | 18.2 | | | | 20.3 | |||||||||||
Share repurchases and buybacks |
(26.7 | ) | (96.6 | ) | | (29.0 | ) | | (152.3 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings |
| | | (595.2 | ) | | (595.2 | ) | |||||||||
Financing and share issue costs |
| (2.2 | ) | | | | (2.2 | ) | |||||||||
Equity dividends paid |
| (100.2 | ) | | (105.2 | ) | 105.2 | (100.2 | ) | ||||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
| | | (24.0 | ) | | (24.0 | ) | |||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
(24.6 | ) | (180.8 | ) | | (753.4 | ) | 105.2 | (853.6 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(33.9 | ) | (553.7 | ) | 0.8 | (101.6 | ) | | (688.4 | ) | |||||||
Translation differences |
| | | 85.0 | | 85.0 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
| (475.1 | ) | | 1,758.1 | | 1,283.0 | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
(33.9 | ) | (1,028.8 | ) | 0.8 | 1,741.5 | | 679.6 |
1 |
includes WPP 2005 Limited and Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings. |
F-43
Condensed consolidating balance sheet information
At 31 December 2007, £m
WPP
PLC |
Subsidiary
|
WPP
Finance (UK) |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications/
Eliminations |
Consolidated
WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| | | 6,071.7 | | 6,071.7 | ||||||||||||
Other |
| | | 1,154.6 | | 1,154.6 | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| 8.8 | | 440.8 | | 449.6 | ||||||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
5,009.2 | 7,749.2 | | | (12,758.4 | ) | | |||||||||||
Interests in associates |
| | | 540.1 | | 540.1 | ||||||||||||
Other investments |
| | | 268.6 | | 268.6 | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
| | | 56.0 | | 56.0 | ||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
22.8 | 6.3 | | 120.2 | | 149.3 | ||||||||||||
5,032.0 | 7,764.3 | | 8,652.0 | (12,758.4 | ) | 8,689.9 | ||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||||
Inventory and work in progress |
| | | 343.9 | | 343.9 | ||||||||||||
Corporate income tax recoverable |
| | | 37.2 | | 37.2 | ||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
1.0 | 42.6 | 4.7 | 6,092.5 | | 6,140.8 | ||||||||||||
Cash and short-term deposits |
0.4 | 1.2 | 340.3 | 4,082.8 | (2,384.5 | ) | 2,040.2 | |||||||||||
1.4 | 43.8 | 345.0 | 10,556.4 | (2,384.5 | ) | 8,562.1 | ||||||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(88.1 | ) | (56.8 | ) | (0.9 | ) | (8,103.1 | ) | | (8,248.9 | ) | |||||||
Corporate income tax payable |
| | | (70.0 | ) | | (70.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Bank overdrafts and loans |
(556.2 | ) | (2,276.2 | ) | (18.5 | ) | (1,119.5 | ) | 2,384.5 | (1,585.9 | ) | |||||||
(644.3 | ) | (2,333.0 | ) | (19.4 | ) | (9,292.6 | ) | 2,384.5 | (9,904.8 | ) | ||||||||
Net current assets (liabilities) |
(642.9 | ) | (2,289.2 | ) | 325.6 | 1,263.8 | | (1,342.7 | ) | |||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities |
4,389.1 | 5,475.1 | 325.6 | 9,915.8 | (12,758.4 | ) | 7,347.2 | |||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||
Bonds and bank loans |
(825.8 | ) | | (328.7 | ) | (585.5 | ) | | (1,740.0 | ) | ||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(13.7 | ) | (64.8 | ) | | (381.9 | ) | | (460.4 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate income tax liability |
| | | (336.2 | ) | | (336.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| | | (464.0 | ) | | (464.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Provisions for post-employment benefits |
| | | (135.0 | ) | | (135.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Provisions for liabilities and charges |
| | | (116.8 | ) | | (116.8 | ) | ||||||||||
(839.5 | ) | (64.8 | ) | (328.7 | ) | (2,019.4 | ) | | (3,252.4 | ) | ||||||||
Net intercompany receivable/(payable) |
424.8 | (401.1 | ) | (0.5 | ) | (23.2 | ) | | | |||||||||
Net assets |
3,974.4 | 5,009.2 | (3.6 | ) | 7,873.2 | (12,758.4 | ) | 4,094.8 | ||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 120.4 | | 120.4 | ||||||||||||
Equity share owners funds |
3,974.4 | 5,009.2 | (3.6 | ) | 7,752.8 | (12,758.4 | ) | 3,974.4 | ||||||||||
Total equity |
3,974.4 | 5,009.2 | (3.6 | ) | 7,873.2 | (12,758.4 | ) | 4,094.8 |
Note
1 |
Includes WPP 2005 Limited and Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings. |
F-44
Condensed consolidating balance sheet information (continued)
At 31 December 2006, £m
WPP
Group PLC |
Subsidiary guarantors 1 |
WPP
Finance (UK) |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications/
Eliminations |
Consolidated
WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| | | 5,434.5 | | 5,434.5 | ||||||||||
Other |
| | | 1,115.4 | | 1,115.4 | ||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| 7.6 | | 407.7 | | 415.3 | ||||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
4,203.0 | 6,784.8 | | | (10,987.8 | ) | | |||||||||
Interests in associates |
| | | 411.4 | | 411.4 | ||||||||||
Other investments |
| | | 136.5 | | 136.5 | ||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
| | | 108.9 | | 108.9 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
| 24.8 | | 85.5 | | 110.3 | ||||||||||
4,203.0 | 6,817.2 | | 7,699.9 | (10,987.8 | ) | 7,732.3 | ||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||
Inventory and work in progress |
| | | 341.5 | | 341.5 | ||||||||||
Corporate income tax recoverable |
| | | 26.5 | | 26.5 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
1.3 | 45.2 | 4.5 | 4,880.9 | | 4,931.9 | ||||||||||
Cash and short-term deposits |
| 2.0 | 332.7 | 3,495.7 | (2,166.7 | ) | 1,663.7 | |||||||||
1.3 | 47.2 | 337.2 | 8,744.6 | (2,166.7 | ) | 6,963.6 | ||||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(6.7) | (56.6) | (0.9 | ) | (6,719.6 | ) | | (6,783.8 | ) | |||||||
Corporate income tax payable |
| | | (39.6 | ) | | (39.6 | ) | ||||||||
Bank overdrafts and loans |
(764.4) | (2,166.7) | | (496.2 | ) | 2,166.7 | (1,260.6 | ) | ||||||||
(771.1) | (2,223.3) | (0.9 | ) | (7,255.4 | ) | 2,166.7 | (8,084.0 | ) | ||||||||
Net current assets (liabilities) |
(769.8) | (2,176.1) | 336.3 | 1,489.2 | | (1,120.4 | ) | |||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities |
3,433.2 | 4,641.1 | 336.3 | 9,189.1 | (10,987.8 | ) | 6,611.9 | |||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Bonds and bank loans |
(402.3) | (447.9) | (325.4 | ) | (42.1 | ) | | (1,217.7 | ) | |||||||
Trade and other payables |
| (12.2) | | (319.7 | ) | | (331.9 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate income tax liability |
| | | (383.7 | ) | | (383.7 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| (1.4) | | (466.4 | ) | | (467.8 | ) | ||||||||
Provisions for post-employment benefits |
| | | (187.6 | ) | | (187.6 | ) | ||||||||
Provisions for liabilities and charges |
| | | (104.8 | ) | | (104.8 | ) | ||||||||
(402.3) | (461.5) | (325.4 | ) | (1,504.3 | ) | | (2,693.5 | ) | ||||||||
Net intercompany receivable/(payable) |
796.0 | 23.4 | | (819.4 | ) | | | |||||||||
Net assets |
3,826.9 | 4,203.0 | 10.9 | 6,865.4 | (10,987.8 | ) | 3,918.4 | |||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 91.5 | | 91.5 | ||||||||||
Equity share owners funds |
3,826.9 | 4,203.0 | 10.9 | 6,773.9 | (10,987.8 | ) | 3,826.9 | |||||||||
Total equity |
3,826.9 | 4,203.0 | 10.9 | 6,865.4 | (10,987.8 | ) | 3,918.4 |
1 |
Includes WPP 2005 Limited and Young & Rubicam Brands US Holdings. |
F-45
The condensed consolidating financial information with respect to subsidiary issuer Grey is presented below. On 7 March 2005, the Company completed its acquisition of Grey Global Group Inc. Accordingly, the results of Grey from that date are included in the condensed consolidating financial information below.
Condensed consolidating income statement information
For the year ended 31 December 2007, £m
WPP Group plc |
WPP 2005 Ltd |
Grey
Inc |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications /
Eliminations |
Consolidated
WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Revenue |
| | 78.8 | 6,107.1 | | 6,185.9 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs |
| | | (335.5 | ) | | (335.5 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
| | 78.8 | 5,771.6 | | 5,850.4 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs |
5.9 | (58.5 | ) | (80.0 | ) | (4,913.1 | ) | | (5,045.7 | ) | ||||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
5.9 | (58.5 | ) | (1.2 | ) | 858.5 | | 804.7 | ||||||||||
Share of results of subsidiaries |
504.3 | 696.6 | 90.0 | | (1,290.9 | ) | | |||||||||||
Share of results of associates |
| | 0.2 | 41.2 | | 41.4 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before interest and taxation |
510.2 | 638.1 | 89.0 | 899.7 | (1,290.9 | ) | 846.1 | |||||||||||
Finance income |
53.0 | 54.3 | 10.6 | 21.5 | | 139.4 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
(97.3 | ) | (188.1 | ) | (39.2 | ) | 58.5 | | (266.1 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
465.9 | 504.3 | 60.4 | 979.7 | (1,290.9 | ) | 719.4 | |||||||||||
Taxation |
| | (4.5 | ) | (199.8 | ) | | (204.3 | ) | |||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
465.9 | 504.3 | 55.9 | 779.9 | (1,290.9 | ) | 515.1 | |||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
465.9 | 504.3 | 55.9 | 730.7 | (1,290.9 | ) | 465.9 | |||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 49.2 | | 49.2 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
465.9 | 504.3 | 55.9 | 779.9 | (1,290.9 | ) | 515.1 | |||||||||||
For the year ended 31 December 2006, £m
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| | 85.4 | 5,822.4 | | 5,907.8 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs |
| | | (296.8 | ) | | (296.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
| | 85.4 | 5,525.6 | | 5,611.0 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs |
(7.8 | ) | (60.4 | ) | (57.9 | ) | (4,743.3 | ) | | (4,869.4 | ) | |||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
(7.8 | ) | (60.4 | ) | 27.5 | 782.3 | | 741.6 | ||||||||||
Share of results of subsidiaries |
443.6 | 615.4 | 45.7 | | (1,104.7 | ) | | |||||||||||
Share of results of associates |
| | 0.2 | 40.9 | | 41.1 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before interest and taxation |
435.8 | 555.0 | 73.4 | 823.2 | (1,104.7 | ) | 782.7 | |||||||||||
Finance income |
| 59.7 | 4.3 | 47.0 | | 111.0 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
| (162.9 | ) | (40.5 | ) | (8.3 | ) | | (211.7 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
435.8 | 451.8 | 37.2 | 861.9 | (1,104.7 | ) | 682.0 | |||||||||||
Taxation |
| (8.2 | ) | (5.8 | ) | (185.4 | ) | | (199.4 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
435.8 | 443.6 | 31.4 | 676.5 | (1,104.7 | ) | 482.6 | |||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
435.8 | 443.6 | 31.4 | 629.7 | (1,104.7 | ) | 435.8 | |||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 46.8 | | 46.8 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
435.8 | 443.6 | 31.4 | 676.5 | (1,104.7 | ) | 482.6 | |||||||||||
For the year ended 31 December 2005, £m
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| | 79.9 | 5,293.8 | | 5,373.7 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs |
| | | (241.0 | ) | | (241.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
| | 79.9 | 5,052.8 | | 5,132.7 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs |
(3.4 | ) | (35.6 | ) | (76.3 | ) | (4,364.6 | ) | | (4,479.9 | ) | |||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
(3.4 | ) | (35.6 | ) | 3.6 | 688.2 | | 652.8 | ||||||||||
Share of results of subsidiaries |
367.3 | 441.3 | 60.2 | | (868.8 | ) | | |||||||||||
Share of results of associates |
| | | 33.9 | | 33.9 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before interest and taxation |
363.9 | 405.7 | 63.8 | 722.1 | (868.8 | ) | 686.7 | |||||||||||
Finance income |
| 44.3 | 5.5 | 37.8 | | 87.6 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
| (82.7 | ) | (37.1 | ) | (62.5 | ) | | (182.3 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
363.9 | 367.3 | 32.2 | 697.4 | (868.8 | ) | 592.0 | |||||||||||
Taxation |
| | (7.5 | ) | (186.5 | ) | | (194.0 | ) | |||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
363.9 | 367.3 | 24.7 | 510.9 | (868.8 | ) | 398.0 | |||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
363.9 | 367.3 | 24.7 | 476.8 | (868.8 | ) | 363.9 | |||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 34.1 | | 34.1 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
363.9 | 367.3 | 24.7 | 510.9 | (868.8 | ) | 398.0 |
F-46
Condensed consolidating cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December 2007, £m
WPP
plc |
WPP
2005 Ltd |
Grey
Inc |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications /
Eliminations |
Consolidated WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
345.8 | 278.1 | (68.4 | ) | 336.6 | (0.8 | ) | 891.3 | ||||||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals |
| | | (674.8 | ) | | (674.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
| (3.5 | ) | (0.7 | ) | (146.9 | ) | | (151.1 | ) | ||||||||
Purchases of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
| | (0.3 | ) | (19.4 | ) | | (19.7 | ) | |||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| | 0.4 | 7.9 | | 8.3 | ||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities |
| (3.5 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (833.2 | ) | | (837.3 | ) | ||||||||
Financing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Share option proceeds |
| 34.8 | | | | 34.8 | ||||||||||||
Share repurchases and buybacks |
(415.4 | ) | | | | | (415.4 | ) | ||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings |
400.0 | (450.0 | ) | | 548.9 | | 498.9 | |||||||||||
Financing and share issue costs |
(5.0 | ) | | | (3.3 | ) | | (8.3 | ) | |||||||||
Equity dividends paid |
(139.7 | ) | | | | 0.8 | (138.9 | ) | ||||||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
| | | (38.9 | ) | | (38.9 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
(160.1 | ) | (415.2 | ) | | 506.7 | 0.8 | (67.8 | ) | |||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
185.7 | (140.6 | ) | (69.0 | ) | 10.1 | | (13.8 | ) | |||||||||
Translation differences |
22.8 | | 1.0 | 95.4 | | 119.2 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
(764.4 | ) | (1,686.5 | ) | (80.0 | ) | 3,487.8 | | 956.9 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
(555.9 | ) | (1,827.1 | ) | (148.0 | ) | 3,593.3 | | 1,062.3 | |||||||||
For the year ended 31 December 2006, £m | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
(794.7 | ) | (677.9 | ) | (59.4 | ) | 2,193.4 | | 661.4 | |||||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals |
| (39.4 | ) | | (176.2 | ) | | (215.6 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
| (5.1 | ) | (1.7 | ) | (161.0 | ) | (167.8 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
| | (0.7 | ) | (16.0 | ) | | (16.7 | ) | |||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| | 0.1 | 22.3 | | 22.4 | ||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities |
| (44.5 | ) | (2.3 | ) | (330.9 | ) | | (377.7 | ) | ||||||||
Financing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Share option proceeds |
| 70.9 | | | | 70.9 | ||||||||||||
Share repurchases and buybacks |
(218.8 | ) | | | (38.9 | ) | | (257.7 | ) | |||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings |
403.9 | (6.2 | ) | | (15.6 | ) | | 382.1 | ||||||||||
Financing and share issue costs |
(2.0 | ) | | | (1.7 | ) | | (3.7 | ) | |||||||||
Equity dividends paid |
(118.9 | ) | | | | | (118.9 | ) | ||||||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
| | | (28.8 | ) | | (28.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
64.2 | 64.7 | | (85.0 | ) | | 43.9 | |||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(730.5 | ) | (657.7 | ) | (61.7 | ) | 1,777.5 | | 327.6 | |||||||||
Translation differences |
| | 2.5 | (52.8 | ) | | (50.3 | ) | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
(33.9 | ) | (1,028.8 | ) | (20.8 | ) | 1,763.1 | | 679.6 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
(764.4 | ) | (1,686.5 | ) | (80.0 | ) | 3,487.8 | | 956.9 |
F-47
Condensed consolidating cash flow statement information (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2005, £m
WPP
plc |
WPP
2005 Ltd |
Grey
Inc |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications /
Eliminations |
Consolidated WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
(9.3 | ) | (139.9 | ) | (62.6 | ) | 1,154.5 | (105.2 | ) | 837.5 | ||||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals |
| (231.2 | ) | 99.0 | (375.5 | ) | | (507.7 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
| (1.8 | ) | (3.7 | ) | (155.0 | ) | | (160.5 | ) | ||||||||
Purchase of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
| | | (10.8 | ) | | (10.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| | | 6.7 | | 6.7 | ||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities |
| (233.0 | ) | 95.3 | (534.6 | ) | | (672.3 | ) | |||||||||
Financing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Share option proceeds |
2.1 | 18.2 | | | | 20.3 | ||||||||||||
Share repurchases and buybacks |
(26.7 | ) | (96.6 | ) | | (29.0 | ) | | (152.3 | ) | ||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings |
| | (65.3 | ) | (529.9 | ) | | (595.2 | ) | |||||||||
Financing and share issue costs |
| (2.2 | ) | | | | (2.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Equity dividends paid |
| (100.2 | ) | | (105.2 | ) | 105.2 | (100.2 | ) | |||||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
| | | (24.0 | ) | | (24.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
(24.6 | ) | (180.8 | ) | (65.3 | ) | (688.1 | ) | 105.2 | (853.6 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(33.9 | ) | (553.7 | ) | (32.6 | ) | (68.2 | ) | | (688.4 | ) | |||||||
Translation differences |
| | 11.8 | 73.2 | | 85.0 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
| (475.1 | ) | | 1,758.1 | | 1,283.0 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
(33.9 | ) | (1,028.8 | ) | (20.8 | ) | 1,763.1 | | 679.6 |
F-48
Condensed consolidating balance sheet information
At 31 December 2007, £m
WPP Group PLC |
WPP
2005 Ltd |
Grey
Global
Inc. |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications/
Eliminations |
Consolidated
WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| | 11.1 | 6,060.6 | | 6,071.7 | ||||||||||||
Other |
| | 85.7 | 1,068.9 | | 1,154.6 | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| 8.8 | 8.5 | 432.3 | | 449.6 | ||||||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
5,009.2 | 7,749.2 | 1,158.1 | | (13,916.5 | ) | | |||||||||||
Interests in associates |
| | 5.7 | 534.4 | | 540.1 | ||||||||||||
Other investments |
| | | 268.6 | | 268.6 | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
| | 0.7 | 55.3 | | 56.0 | ||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
22.8 | 6.3 | | 120.2 | | 149.3 | ||||||||||||
5,032.0 | 7,764.3 | 1,269.8 | 8,540.3 | (13,916.5 | ) | 8,689.9 | ||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||||
Inventory and work in progress |
| | 2.1 | 341.8 | | 343.9 | ||||||||||||
Corporate income tax recoverable |
| | | 37.2 | | 37.2 | ||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
1.0 | 42.6 | 78.1 | 6,019.1 | | 6,140.8 | ||||||||||||
Cash and short-term deposits |
0.4 | 1.2 | 151.8 | 4,271.3 | (2,384.5 | ) | 2,040.2 | |||||||||||
1.4 | 43.8 | 232.0 | 10,669.4 | (2,384.5 | ) | 8,562.1 | ||||||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(88.1 | ) | (56.8 | ) | (58.0 | ) | (8,046.0 | ) | | (8,248.9 | ) | |||||||
Corporate income tax payable |
| | 1.2 | (71.2 | ) | | (70.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Bank overdrafts and loans |
(556.2 | ) | (2,276.2 | ) | (3.7 | ) | (1,134.3 | ) | 2,384.5 | (1,585.9 | ) | |||||||
(644.3 | ) | (2,333.0 | ) | (60.5 | ) | (9,251.5 | ) | 2,384.5 | (9,904.8 | ) | ||||||||
Net current assets (liabilities) |
(642.9 | ) | (2,289.2 | ) | 171.5 | 1,417.9 | | (1,342.7 | ) | |||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities |
4,389.1 | 5,475.1 | 1,441.3 | 9,958.2 | (13,916.5 | ) | 7,347.2 | |||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||
Bonds and bank loans |
(825.8 | ) | | (82.0 | ) | (832.2 | ) | | (1,740.0 | ) | ||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(13.7 | ) | (64.8 | ) | (9.4 | ) | (372.5 | ) | | (460.4 | ) | |||||||
Corporate income tax liability |
| | | (336.2 | ) | | (336.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| | | (464.0 | ) | | (464.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Provisions for post-employment benefits |
| | (2.0 | ) | (133.0 | ) | | (135.0 | ) | |||||||||
Provisions for liabilities and charges |
| | (0.6 | ) | (116.2 | ) | | (116.8 | ) | |||||||||
(839.5 | ) | (64.8 | ) | (94.0 | ) | (2,254.1 | ) | | (3,252.4 | ) | ||||||||
Net intercompany receivable/(payable) |
424.8 | (401.1 | ) | (580.8 | ) | 557.1 | | | ||||||||||
Net assets |
3,974.4 | 5,009.2 | 766.5 | 8,261.2 | (13,916.5 | ) | 4,094.8 | |||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 120.4 | | 120.4 | ||||||||||||
Equity share owners funds |
3,974.4 | 5,009.2 | 766.5 | 8,140.8 | (13,916.5 | ) | 3,974.4 | |||||||||||
Total equity |
3,974.4 | 5,009.2 | 766.5 | 8,261.2 | (13,916.5 | ) | 4,094.8 |
F-49
Condensed consolidating balance sheet information (continued)
At 31 December 2006, £m
WPP
Group PLC |
WPP
2005 Ltd |
Grey
Global Group, Inc. |
Other Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications/
Eliminations |
Consolidated
WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| | 10.6 | 5,423.9 | | 5,434.5 | ||||||||||
Other |
| | 101.2 | 1,014.2 | | 1,115.4 | ||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| 7.6 | 10.2 | 397.5 | | 415.3 | ||||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
4,203.0 | 6,784.8 | 1,266.5 | | (12,254.3 | ) | | |||||||||
Interests in associates |
| | 7.4 | 404.0 | | 411.4 | ||||||||||
Other investments |
| | | 136.5 | | 136.5 | ||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
| | | 108.9 | | 108.9 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
| 24.8 | | 85.5 | | 110.3 | ||||||||||
4,203.0 | 6,817.2 | 1,395.9 | 7,570.5 | (12,254.3 | ) | 7,732.3 | ||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||
Inventory and work in progress |
| | 5.0 | 336.5 | | 341.5 | ||||||||||
Corporate income tax recoverable |
| | | 26.5 | | 26.5 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
1.3 | 45.2 | 114.3 | 4,771.1 | | 4,931.9 | ||||||||||
Cash and short-term deposits |
| 2.0 | 43.0 | 3,785.4 | (2,166.7 | ) | 1,663.7 | |||||||||
1.3 | 47.2 | 162.3 | 8,919.5 | (2,166.7 | ) | 6,963.6 | ||||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(6.7) | (56.6) | (98.8 | ) | (6,621.7 | ) | | (6,783.8 | ) | |||||||
Corporate income tax payable |
| | (19.4 | ) | (20.2 | ) | | (39.6 | ) | |||||||
Bank overdrafts and loans |
(764.4) | (2,166.7) | (123.0 | ) | (373.2 | ) | 2,166.7 | (1,260.6 | ) | |||||||
(771.1) | (2,223.3) | (241.2 | ) | (7,015.1 | ) | 2,166.7 | (8,084.0 | ) | ||||||||
Net current assets (liabilities) |
(769.8) | (2,176.1) | (78.9 | ) | 1,904.4 | | (1,120.4 | ) | ||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities |
3,433.2 | 4,641.1 | 1,317.0 | 9,474.9 | (12,254.3 | ) | 6,611.9 | |||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Bonds and bank loans |
(402.3) | (447.9) | (82.9 | ) | (284.6 | ) | | (1,217.7 | ) | |||||||
Trade and other payables |
| (12.2) | (20.0 | ) | (299.7 | ) | | (331.9 | ) | |||||||
Corporate income tax liability |
| | | (383.7 | ) | | (383.7 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| (1.4) | (40.2 | ) | (426.2 | ) | | (467.8 | ) | |||||||
Provisions for post-employment benefits |
| | | (187.6 | ) | | (187.6 | ) | ||||||||
Provisions for liabilities and charges |
| | (2.1 | ) | (102.7 | ) | | (104.8 | ) | |||||||
(402.3) | (461.5) | (145.2 | ) | (1,684.5 | ) | | (2,693.5 | ) | ||||||||
Net intercompany receivable/(payable) |
796.0 | 23.4 | (377.4 | ) | (442.0 | ) | | | ||||||||
Net assets |
3,826.9 | 4,203.0 | 794.4 | 7,348.4 | (12,254.3 | ) | 3,918.4 | |||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 91.5 | | 91.5 | ||||||||||
Equity share owners funds |
3,826.9 | 4,203.0 | 794.4 | 7,256.9 | (12,254.3 | ) | 3,826.9 | |||||||||
Total equity |
3,826.9 | 4,203.0 | 794.4 | 7,348.4 | (12,254.3 | ) | 3,918.4 |
F-50
The condensed consolidating financial information with respect to subsidiary issuer WPP Finance (USA) Corporation is presented below:
Condensed consolidating income statement information
For the year ended 31 December 2007, £m
WPP Group plc |
WPP 2005 Ltd |
WPP
Finance (USA) Corporation |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications/
Eliminations |
Consolidated
WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Revenue |
| | | 6,185.9 | | 6,185.9 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs |
| | | (335.5 | ) | | (335.5 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
| | | 5,850.4 | | 5,850.4 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs |
5.9 | (58.5 | ) | (0.9 | ) | (4,992.2 | ) | | (5,045.7 | ) | ||||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
5.9 | (58.5 | ) | (0.9 | ) | 858.2 | | 804.7 | ||||||||||
Share of results of subsidiaries |
504.3 | 696.6 | | | (1,200.9 | ) | | |||||||||||
Share of results of associates |
| | | 41.4 | | 41.4 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before interest and taxation |
510.2 | 638.1 | (0.9 | ) | 899.6 | (1,200.9 | ) | 846.1 | ||||||||||
Finance income |
53.0 | 54.3 | 3.4 | 28.7 | | 139.4 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
(97.3 | ) | (188.1 | ) | (3.5 | ) | 22.8 | | (266.1 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
465.9 | 504.3 | (1.0 | ) | 951.1 | (1,200.9 | ) | 719.4 | ||||||||||
Taxation |
| | | (204.3 | ) | | (204.3 | ) | ||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
465.9 | 504.3 | (1.0 | ) | 746.8 | (1,200.9 | ) | 515.1 | ||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
465.9 | 504.3 | (1.0 | ) | 697.6 | (1,200.9 | ) | 465.9 | ||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 49.2 | | 49.2 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
465.9 | 504.3 | (1.0 | ) | 746.8 | (1,200.9 | ) | 515.1 | ||||||||||
For the year ended 31 December 2006, £m
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| | | 5,907.8 | | 5,907.8 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs |
| | | (296.8 | ) | | (296.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
| | | 5,611.0 | | 5,611.0 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs |
(7.8 | ) | (60.4 | ) | (1.2 | ) | (4,800.0 | ) | | (4,869.4 | ) | |||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
(7.8 | ) | (60.4 | ) | (1.2 | ) | 811.0 | | 741.6 | |||||||||
Share of results of subsidiaries |
443.6 | 615.4 | | | (1,059.0 | ) | | |||||||||||
Share of results of associates |
| | | 41.1 | | 41.1 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before interest and taxation |
435.8 | 555.0 | (1.2 | ) | 852.1 | (1,059.0 | ) | 782.7 | ||||||||||
Finance income |
| 59.7 | 3.7 | 47.6 | | 111.0 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
| (162.9 | ) | (3.7 | ) | (45.1 | ) | | (211.7 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
435.8 | 451.8 | (1.2 | ) | 854.6 | (1,059.0 | ) | 682.0 | ||||||||||
Taxation |
| (8.2 | ) | | (191.2 | ) | | (199.4 | ) | |||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
435.8 | 443.6 | (1.2 | ) | 663.4 | (1,059.0 | ) | 482.6 | ||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
435.8 | 443.6 | (1.2 | ) | 616.6 | (1,059.0 | ) | 435.8 | ||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 46.8 | | 46.8 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
435.8 | 443.6 | (1.2 | ) | 663.4 | (1,059.0 | ) | 482.6 | ||||||||||
For the year ended 31 December 2005, £m
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| | | 5,373.7 | | 5,373.7 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs |
| | | (241.0 | ) | | (241.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
| | | 5,132.7 | | 5,132.7 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs |
(3.4 | ) | (35.6 | ) | | (4,440.9 | ) | | (4,479.9 | ) | ||||||||
Operating profit/(loss) |
(3.4 | ) | (35.6 | ) | | 691.8 | | 652.8 | ||||||||||
Share of results of subsidiaries |
367.3 | 441.3 | | | (808.6 | ) | | |||||||||||
Share of results of associates |
| | | 33.9 | | 33.9 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) before interest and taxation |
363.9 | 405.7 | | 725.7 | (808.6 | ) | 686.7 | |||||||||||
Finance income |
| 44.3 | 7.6 | 35.7 | | 87.6 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
| (82.7 | ) | (7.8 | ) | (91.8 | ) | | (182.3 | ) | ||||||||
Profit/(loss) before taxation |
363.9 | 367.3 | (0.2 | ) | 669.6 | (808.6 | ) | 592.0 | ||||||||||
Taxation |
| | | (194.0 | ) | | (194.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
363.9 | 367.3 | (0.2 | ) | 475.6 | (808.6 | ) | 398.0 | ||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the parent |
363.9 | 367.3 | (0.2 | ) | 441.5 | (808.6 | ) | 363.9 | ||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 34.1 | | 34.1 | ||||||||||||
Profit/(loss) for the year |
363.9 | 367.3 | (0.2 | ) | 475.6 | (808.6 | ) | 398.0 |
F-51
Condensed consolidating cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December 2007, £m
WPP
plc |
WPP
2005 Ltd |
WPP
Finance (USA) Corporation |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications /
Eliminations |
Consolidated WPP Group plc |
||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
345.8 | 278.1 | | 268.2 | (0.8 | ) | 891.3 | ||||||||||
Investing activities |
|||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals |
| | | (674.8 | ) | | (674.8 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
| (3.5 | ) | | (147.6 | ) | | (151.1 | ) | ||||||||
Purchases of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
| | | (19.7 | ) | | (19.7 | ) | |||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| | | 8.3 | | 8.3 | |||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities |
| (3.5 | ) | | (833.8 | ) | | (837.3 | ) | ||||||||
Financing activities |
|||||||||||||||||
Share option proceeds |
| 34.8 | | | | 34.8 | |||||||||||
Share repurchases and buybacks |
(415.4 | ) | | | | | (415.4 | ) | |||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings |
400.0 | (450.0 | ) | | 548.9 | | 498.9 | ||||||||||
Financing and share issue costs |
(5.0 | ) | | | (3.3 | ) | | (8.3 | ) | ||||||||
Equity dividends paid |
(139.7 | ) | | | | 0.8 | (138.9 | ) | |||||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
| | | (38.9 | ) | | (38.9 | ) | |||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
(160.1 | ) | (415.2 | ) | | 506.7 | 0.8 | (67.8 | ) | ||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
185.7 | (140.6 | ) | | (58.9 | ) | | (13.8 | ) | ||||||||
Translation differences |
22.8 | | | 96.4 | | 119.2 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
(764.4 | ) | (1,686.5 | ) | | 3,407.8 | | 956.9 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
(555.9 | ) | (1,827.1 | ) | | 3,445.3 | | 1,062.3 | |||||||||
For the year ended 31 December 2006, £m | |||||||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
(794.7 | ) | (677.9 | ) | | 2,134.0 | | 661.4 | |||||||||
Investing activities |
|||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals |
| (39.4 | ) | | (176.2 | ) | | (215.6 | ) | ||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
| (5.1 | ) | (162.7 | ) | (167.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchases of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
| | | (16.7 | ) | | (16.7 | ) | |||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| | | 22.4 | | 22.4 | |||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities |
| (44.5 | ) | | (333.2 | ) | | (377.7 | ) | ||||||||
Financing activities |
|||||||||||||||||
Share option proceeds |
| 70.9 | | | | 70.9 | |||||||||||
Share repurchases and buybacks |
(218.8 | ) | | | (38.9 | ) | | (257.7 | ) | ||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings |
403.9 | (6.2 | ) | | (15.6 | ) | | 382.1 | |||||||||
Financing and share issue costs |
(2.0 | ) | | | (1.7 | ) | | (3.7 | ) | ||||||||
Equity dividends paid |
(118.9 | ) | | | | | (118.9 | ) | |||||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
| | | (28.8 | ) | | (28.8 | ) | |||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
64.2 | 64.7 | | (85.0 | ) | | 43.9 | ||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(730.5 | ) | (657.7 | ) | | 1,715.8 | | 327.6 | |||||||||
Translation differences |
| | | (50.3 | ) | | (50.3 | ) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
(33.9 | ) | (1,028.8 | ) | | 1,742.3 | | 679.6 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
(764.4 | ) | (1,686.5 | ) | | 3,407.8 | | 956.9 |
F-52
Condensed consolidating cash flow statement information (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2005, £m
WPP
plc |
WPP
2005 Ltd |
WPP
Finance (USA) Corporation |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications /
Eliminations |
Consolidated WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
(9.3 | ) | (139.9 | ) | 114.1 | 977.8 | (105.2 | ) | 837.5 | |||||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Acquisitions and disposals |
| (231.2 | ) | | (276.5 | ) | | (507.7 | ) | |||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
| (1.8 | ) | | (158.7 | ) | | (160.5 | ) | |||||||||
Purchase of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software) |
| | | (10.8 | ) | | (10.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| | | 6.7 | | 6.7 | ||||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities |
| (233.0 | ) | | (439.3 | ) | | (672.3 | ) | |||||||||
Financing activities |
||||||||||||||||||
Share option proceeds |
2.1 | 18.2 | | | | 20.3 | ||||||||||||
Share repurchases and buybacks |
(26.7 | ) | (96.6 | ) | | (29.0 | ) | | (152.3 | ) | ||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings |
| | (114.1 | ) | (481.1 | ) | | (595.2 | ) | |||||||||
Financing and share issue costs |
| (2.2 | ) | | | | (2.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Equity dividends paid |
| (100.2 | ) | | (105.2 | ) | 105.2 | (100.2 | ) | |||||||||
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in subsidiary undertakings |
| | | (24.0 | ) | | (24.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
(24.6 | ) | (180.8 | ) | (114.1 | ) | (639.3 | ) | 105.2 | (853.6 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(33.9 | ) | (553.7 | ) | | (100.8 | ) | | (688.4 | ) | ||||||||
Translation differences |
| | | 85.0 | | 85.0 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
| (475.1 | ) | | 1,758.1 | | 1,283.0 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
(33.9 | ) | (1,028.8 | ) | | 1,742.3 | | 679.6 |
F-53
Condensed consolidating balance sheet information
At 31 December 2007, £m
WPP
PLC |
WPP
2005 Ltd |
WPP
Finance (USA) Corporation |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications/
Eliminations |
Consolidated
WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| | | 6,071.7 | | 6,071.7 | ||||||||||||
Other |
| | | 1,154.6 | | 1,154.6 | ||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| 8.8 | | 440.8 | | 449.6 | ||||||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
5,009.2 | 7,749.2 | | | (12,758.4 | ) | | |||||||||||
Interests in associates |
| | | 540.1 | | 540.1 | ||||||||||||
Other investments |
| | | 268.6 | | 268.6 | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
| | | 56.0 | | 56.0 | ||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
22.8 | 6.3 | | 120.2 | | 149.3 | ||||||||||||
5,032.0 | 7,764.3 | | 8,652.0 | (12,758.4 | ) | 8,689.9 | ||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||||
Inventory and work in progress |
| | | 343.9 | | 343.9 | ||||||||||||
Corporate income tax recoverable |
| | | 37.2 | | 37.2 | ||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
1.0 | 42.6 | | 6,097.2 | | 6,140.8 | ||||||||||||
Cash and short-term deposits |
0.4 | 1.2 | | 4,423.1 | (2,384.5 | ) | 2,040.2 | |||||||||||
1.4 | 43.8 | | 10,901.4 | (2,384.5 | ) | 8,562.1 | ||||||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(88.1 | ) | (56.8 | ) | (2.0 | ) | (8,102.0 | ) | | (8,248.9 | ) | |||||||
Corporate income tax payable |
| | | (70.0 | ) | | (70.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Bank overdrafts and loans |
(556.2 | ) | (2,276.2 | ) | | (1,138.0 | ) | 2,384.5 | (1,585.9 | ) | ||||||||
(644.3 | ) | (2,333.0 | ) | (2.0 | ) | (9,310.0 | ) | 2,384.5 | (9,904.8 | ) | ||||||||
Net current assets (liabilities) |
(642.9 | ) | (2,289.2 | ) | (2.0 | ) | 1,591.4 | | (1,342.7 | ) | ||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities |
4,389.1 | 5,475.1 | (2.0 | ) | 10,243.4 | (12,758.4 | ) | 7,347.2 | ||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||
Bonds and bank loans |
(825.8 | ) | | (50.4 | ) | (863.8 | ) | | (1,740.0 | ) | ||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(13.7 | ) | (64.8 | ) | | (381.9 | ) | | (460.4 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate income tax liability |
| | | (336.2 | ) | | (336.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| | | (464.0 | ) | | (464.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Provisions for post-employment benefits |
| | | (135.0 | ) | | (135.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Provisions for liabilities and charges |
| | | (116.8 | ) | | (116.8 | ) | ||||||||||
(839.5 | ) | (64.8 | ) | (50.4 | ) | (2,297.7 | ) | | (3,252.4 | ) | ||||||||
Net intercompany receivable/(payable) |
424.8 | (401.1 | ) | 63.4 | (87.1 | ) | | | ||||||||||
Net assets |
3,974.4 | 5,009.2 | 11.0 | 7,858.6 | (12,758.4 | ) | 4,094.8 | |||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 120.4 | | 120.4 | ||||||||||||
Equity share owners funds |
3,974.4 | 5,009.2 | 11.0 | 7,738.2 | (12,758.4 | ) | 3,974.4 | |||||||||||
Total equity |
3,974.4 | 5,009.2 | 11.0 | 7,858.6 | (12,758.4 | ) | 4,094.8 |
F-54
Condensed consolidating balance sheet information (continued)
At 31 December 2006, £m
WPP
Group PLC |
WPP
2005 Ltd |
WPP
Finance (USA) Corporation |
Other
Subsidiaries |
Reclassifications/
Eliminations |
Consolidated
WPP Group plc |
|||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| | | 5,434.5 | | 5,434.5 | ||||||||||
Other |
| | | 1,115.4 | | 1,115.4 | ||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| 7.6 | | 407.7 | | 415.3 | ||||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries |
4,203.0 | 6,784.8 | | | (10,987.8 | ) | | |||||||||
Interests in associates |
| | | 411.4 | | 411.4 | ||||||||||
Other investments |
| | | 136.5 | | 136.5 | ||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
| | | 108.9 | | 108.9 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
| 24.8 | | 85.5 | | 110.3 | ||||||||||
4,203.0 | 6,817.2 | | 7,699.9 | (10,987.8 | ) | 7,732.3 | ||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||
Inventory and work in progress |
| | | 341.5 | | 341.5 | ||||||||||
Corporate income tax recoverable |
| | | 26.5 | | 26.5 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
1.3 | 45.2 | | 4,885.4 | | 4,931.9 | ||||||||||
Cash and short-term deposits |
| 2.0 | | 3,828.4 | (2,166.7 | ) | 1,663.7 | |||||||||
1.3 | 47.2 | | 9,081.8 | (2,166.7 | ) | 6,963.6 | ||||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(6.7) | (56.6) | (2.0 | ) | (6,718.5 | ) | | (6,783.8 | ) | |||||||
Corporate income tax payable |
| | | (39.6 | ) | | (39.6 | ) | ||||||||
Bank overdrafts and loans |
(764.4) | (2,166.7) | | (496.2 | ) | 2,166.7 | (1,260.6 | ) | ||||||||
(771.1) | (2,223.3) | (2.0 | ) | (7,254.3 | ) | 2,166.7 | (8,084.0 | ) | ||||||||
Net current assets (liabilities) |
(769.8) | (2,176.1) | (2.0 | ) | 1,827.5 | | (1,120.4 | ) | ||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities |
3,433.2 | 4,641.1 | (2.0 | ) | 9,527.4 | (10,987.8 | ) | 6,611.9 | ||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Bonds and bank loans |
(402.3) | (447.9) | (51.0 | ) | (316.5 | ) | | (1,217.7 | ) | |||||||
Trade and other payables |
| (12.2) | | (319.7 | ) | | (331.9 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate income tax liability |
| | | (383.7 | ) | | (383.7 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| (1.4) | | (466.4 | ) | | (467.8 | ) | ||||||||
Provisions for post-employment benefits |
| | | (187.6 | ) | | (187.6 | ) | ||||||||
Provisions for liabilities and charges |
| | | (104.8 | ) | | (104.8 | ) | ||||||||
(402.3) | (461.5) | (51.0 | ) | (1,778.7 | ) | | (2,693.5 | ) | ||||||||
Net intercompany receivable/(payable) |
796.0 | 23.4 | 65.1 | (884.5 | ) | | | |||||||||
Net assets |
3,826.9 | 4,203.0 | 12.1 | 6,864.2 | (10,987.8 | ) | 3,918.4 | |||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||
Minority interests |
| | | 91.5 | | 91.5 | ||||||||||
Equity share owners funds |
3,826.9 | 4,203.0 | 12.1 | 6,772.7 | (10,987.8 | ) | 3,826.9 | |||||||||
Total equity |
3,826.9 | 4,203.0 | 12.1 | 6,864.2 | (10,987.8 | ) | 3,918.4 |
F-55
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
2.21 | Agreement of Registrant to file, if requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission, instruments relating to 500 million of 5.25% bonds due 2015. | |
2.22 | Agreement of Registrant to file, if requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission, instruments relating to £200 million of 6.375% bonds due 2020. | |
2.23 | Agreement of Registrant to file, if requested by the Securities and Exchange Commission, instruments relating to 750 million of 6.25% bonds due 2016. | |
4.36 | Amendment No. 1, dated July 12, 2007, to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 17, 2007, by and among WPP Group plc, TS Transaction, Inc. and 24/7 Real Media, Inc. | |
8.1 | List of subsidiaries. | |
12.1 | Certification of Group Chief Executive. | |
12.2 | Certification of Group Finance Director. | |
13.1 | Certification of Group Chief Executive under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | |
13.2 | Certification of Group Finance Director under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | |
14.1 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
Exhibit 2.21
WPP Group plc
27 Farm Street
London W1J 5RJ
England
9 June 2008
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Dear Sir or Madam:
In November 2007, WPP Finance S.A., a subsidiary of WPP Group plc (the Company), issued 500 million of bonds at 5.25% due 2015 (the Bonds). The Bonds are guaranteed by the Company and the Companys subsidiary, WPP 2005 Limited.
The Company hereby agrees, pursuant to instruction 2(b)(i) to the Exhibits to Form 20-F, to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission with a copy of the instruments relating to the Bonds upon request.
Very truly yours, | ||
WPP GROUP PLC | ||
By: |
/s/ Paul Richardson |
|
Paul Richardson | ||
Group Finance Director |
Exhibit 2.22
WPP Group plc
27 Farm Street
London W1J 5RJ
England
9 June 2008
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Dear Sir or Madam:
In November 2007, WPP Finance S.A., a subsidiary of WPP Group plc (the Company), issued £200 million of bonds at 6.375% due 2020 (the Bonds). The Bonds are guaranteed by the Company and the Companys subsidiary, WPP 2005 Limited.
The Company hereby agrees, pursuant to instruction 2(b)(i) to the Exhibits to Form 20-F, to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission with a copy of the instruments relating to the Bonds upon request.
Very truly yours, | ||
WPP GROUP PLC | ||
By: |
/s/ Paul Richardson |
|
Paul Richardson | ||
Group Finance Director |
Exhibit 2.23
WPP Group plc
27 Farm Street
London W1J 5RJ
England
9 June 2008
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Dear Sir or Madam:
In May 2008, WPP Group plc (the Company), issued 750 million of bonds at 6.625% due 2016 (the Bonds). The Bonds are guaranteed by the Companys subsidiary, WPP 2005 Limited.
The Company hereby agrees, pursuant to instruction 2(b)(i) to the Exhibits to Form 20-F, to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission with a copy of the instruments relating to the Bonds upon request.
Very truly yours, | ||
WPP GROUP PLC | ||
By: |
/s/ Paul Richardson |
|
Paul Richardson | ||
Group Finance Director |
Exhibit 4.36
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AMONG WPP GROUP PLC, TS TRANSACTION, INC., and 24/7 REAL MEDIA, INC.,
DATED AS OF MAY 17, 2006
AMENDMENT NO. 1, dated as of July 12, 2007 (this Amendment ), to the Agreement and Plan of Merger among WPP Group plc (Parent), TS Transaction, Inc. (Merger Subsidiary), and 24/7 Real Media, Inc. (the Company) (collectively the Parties), dated as of May 17, 2006 (the Agreement ).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Sections 1.01(b), 3.06(a), 3.06(c), 3.06(d) and 7.01(c) of the Agreement provided, as of the date hereof, that, at the Effective Time of the Merger, (a) Europe Company Stock Options that are neither vested nor exercisable will be converted automatically into options to acquire Parent Ordinary Shares and (b) Company Restricted Shares held by a European Person will be converted automatically into Parent Restricted Ordinary Shares;
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to amend Sections 1.01(b), 3.06(a), 3.06(c), 3.06(d), and 7.01(c) of the Agreement to provide that at the Effective Time of the Merger, (a) Europe Company Stock Options that are neither vested nor exercisable will be converted automatically into options to acquire Parent Depositary Shares and (b) awards providing for a right to receive Company Restricted Shares held by a European Person will be converted automatically into a right to receive Parent Restricted Depositary Shares;
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to amend Sections 1.01(a), 1.01(b), 3.06(c), 5.05(a), 5.05(b), 5.16(o) and 7.01(c) of the Agreement to confirm that (a) Company Restricted Shares are not issued until, and such issuance is conditioned upon, the lapsing of restrictions on such Company Restricted Shares pursuant to the terms of any Company Stock Plan and (b) accordingly, Parent Restricted Depositary Shares will not be issued until, and such issuance will be conditioned upon, the lapsing of restrictions on such Parent Restricted Depositary Shares pursuant to the terms of any Company Stock Plan (including any vesting schedule and any acceleration of vesting); and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to amend Section 2.04(a) of the Agreement to modify the Top Up Option as set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, each of the Parties, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement, have determined to amend, effective as of the date of this Amendment, the Agreement as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
1. Definitions . Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Agreement (without giving effect to this Amendment).
ARTICLE 2
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT
1. Amendment to Article 1 of the Agreement .
(a) Section 1.01(a) of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the definition of Company Restricted Share in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
Company Restricted Share Award means an award of a right to receive (subject to and conditioned upon the lapsing of restrictions established in accordance with any Company Stock Plan) a share of Company Common Stock.
(b) Section 1.01(a) of the Agreement is hereby further amended by adding the following definition in alphabetical order thereto:
Parent Restricted Depositary Share Award means an award of a right to receive (subject to and conditioned upon the lapsing of restrictions established in accordance with any Company Stock Plan) a Parent Depositary Share.
(c) Section 1.01(b) of the Agreement is hereby amended to delete the following terms and the Section numbers set forth opposite such terms: Europe Company Stock Options, European Person, Non-Europe Company Stock Options, Parent Restricted Depositary Shares and Parent Restricted Ordinary Shares
2. Amendment to Section 2.04 of the Agreement.
(a) Section 2.04(a) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 2.04. Top Up Option. (a) The Company hereby irrevocably grants to Merger Subsidiary an option (the Top Up Option ), exercisable upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 2.04, to purchase, at a price per share equal to the Offer Price, a number of Company Shares (the Top Up Option Shares ), as determined by Merger Subsidiary in its sole discretion, that, when added to the number of Company Shares directly or indirectly owned by Parent at the time of such exercise, entitles Merger Subsidiary to consummate the Merger pursuant to Section 253(a) of Delaware Law; provided that in no event shall the Top Up Option be exercisable for a number of Company Shares in excess of the Companys then authorized and unissued shares of Company Common Stock (giving effect to Company Shares reserved for issuance under the Company Stock Plans as if such shares were outstanding).
2
3. Amendment to Article 3 of the Agreement .
(a) Section 3.06(a) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 3.06. Company Stock Options; Restricted Share Awards. (a) Effective as of the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holders thereof, each option to purchase shares of Company Common Stock (each, a Company Stock Option ) outstanding under any stock option or equity compensation plan or agreement (the Company Stock Plans ), that is neither vested nor exercisable and is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall cease to represent the right to acquire Company Common Stock and shall be converted automatically into options to acquire Parent Depositary Shares as provided below, and Parent shall assume each Company Stock Option on substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such Company Stock Option (including vesting schedule and any acceleration of vesting, pursuant to any Company Stock Plan as in effect on the date hereof). The Company Board and Parent shall take, or shall cause their committees to take, all action necessary to effectuate the foregoing. From and after the Effective Time, the number of Parent Depositary Shares purchasable upon exercise of each outstanding Company Stock Option shall be equal to (x) the product of (A) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Stock Option on the date of the Effective Time and (B) the Merger Consideration, divided by (y) the Parent Volume Weighted Average Price; provided , that any fractional shares resulting from such multiplication shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number of Parent Depositary Shares. The exercise price per Parent Depositary Share under each Company Stock Option shall be equal to (x) the exercise price per share of Company Common Stock at which such Company Stock Option was exercisable immediately prior to the Effective Time, divided by (y) the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the Merger Consideration by (B) the Parent Volume Weighted Average Price; provided, that such exercise price shall be rounded up to the nearest whole cent. As soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Time (and in no event later than 15 Business Days after the Effective Time), Parent shall deliver to each holder of a Company Stock Option an appropriate notice setting forth the terms of such assumption and conversion. The parties hereto intend that such assumption and conversion, to the extent reasonably practicable, shall conform to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and, with respect to any Company Stock Option that is an incentive stock option (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) immediately prior to the Effective Time, Section 424(a) of the Code.
(b) Section 3.06(c) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Effective as of the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holders thereof, each outstanding Company Restricted Share Award held by a participant immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted automatically into a Parent Restricted Depositary Share Award providing for that number of Parent Depositary Shares equal to the (x) the Merger Consideration, divided by (y) the Parent Volume Weighted Average Price (rounded down to the nearest whole share in respect of the aggregate number of Parent Depositary Shares into which the aggregate number of Company Shares which each holder thereof is entitled to pursuant to his or her outstanding Company Restricted Share Award immediately prior to the Effective Time). Each Parent Restricted Depositary Share Award pursuant to this Section 3.06(c) shall remain subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable
3
under the Company Restricted Share Award (including any vesting schedule, any acceleration of vesting, and the deferral of the right to receive dividends until, and conditioned upon, the expiration of the applicable restriction period) pursuant to any Company Stock Plan as in effect on the date hereof and shall bear a legend containing the same restrictions on transferability.
(c) Section 3.06(d) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Parent shall take such actions as are necessary for the assumption of the Company Stock Options and the Parent Restricted Depositary Share Awards pursuant to this Section 3.06, including the reservation and listing of Parent Depositary Shares as is necessary to effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Section 3.06. Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on an appropriate form or a post-effective amendment to a previously filed registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the Parent Depositary Shares underlying the Company Stock Options and the Parent Restricted Depositary Share Awards as provided in this Section 3.06 promptly following the Effective Time (and in no event later than 15 Business Days after the Effective Time) and Parent shall use reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement for as long as such Company Stock Options and Parent Restricted Depositary Share Awards remain outstanding.
4. Amendment to Article 5 of the Agreement
(a) Section 5.05(a) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 5.05. Capitalization. (a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 350,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company. As of the close of business on April 30, 2007, (i) 51,367,238 Company Shares were issued and outstanding, (ii) no shares of preferred stock of the Company were issued and outstanding, (iii) Company Stock Options to purchase an aggregate of 6,164,221 Company Shares were issued and outstanding (of which Company Stock Options to purchase an aggregate of 3,581,921 Company Shares were vested and exercisable), (iv) 3,201,790 Company Shares were reserved for issuance upon the lapsing of restrictions with respect to Company Restricted Share Awards granted pursuant to Company Stock Plans, (v) 446,279 Company Shares were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Warrants, (vi) 78,913 Company Shares were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the warrants of the Company issued on May 27, 2003, and (vii) 1,714,286 Company Shares were reserved for issuance upon redemption of the Debenture. All outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been, and all shares that may be issued pursuant to any Company Stock Plan will be, when issued in accordance with the respective terms thereof, duly authorized and validly issued and are (or, in the case of shares that have not yet been issued, will be) fully paid and nonassessable.
4
(b) Section 5.05(b) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 5.05(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of the close of business on April 30, 2007, a complete and correct list of (i) all outstanding Company Stock Options, including with respect to each such option, the number of shares subject to such option, the name or employee identity number of the holder, the grant date, the exercise price per share, the vesting schedule (including any portion that would become vested as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby) and expiration date of each such option, whether the option is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code or a non-qualified stock option, and the Company Stock Plan pursuant to which such option was granted and a copy of each form of the Company Stock Option agreement with respect to such unvested Company Stock Options, and (ii) all outstanding Company Restricted Share Awards, including with respect to each such award, the name or employee identity number of the holder, the grant date and vesting schedule (including any portion that would become vested as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby), whether a Section 83(b) election was taken under the Code (if available) with respect to such Company Restricted Share Awards, and the Company Stock Plan pursuant to which such award was granted and a copy of each form of the grant letter applicable to the grant of the Company Restricted Share Awards. The Company Stock Plans set forth on Section 5.05(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule are the only plans or programs the Company or any of its Subsidiaries maintains under which stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units, stock appreciation rights, performance shares or other compensatory equity-based awards have been granted and remain, or may become, outstanding or may be granted. The shares of Company Common Stock underlying the Company Restricted Share Awards have not been treated by the Company as outstanding shares for any purposes, including for financial statement purposes and voting purposes.
(c) Section 5.16(o) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
The Company has not granted any rights to acquire Company Shares or Company Restricted Share Awards that would be subject to conversion pursuant to Section 3.06 to any Person who was not an employee or director of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company at the date of grant. Solely for purposes of this Section 5.16(o), the term employee does not include any contractors or self-employed consultants engaged by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
5. Amendment to Article 7 of the Agreement
(a) Section 7.01(c) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
(i) issue, deliver, sell, grant, pledge, transfer, subject to any Lien or otherwise encumber or dispose of any Company Securities or Company Subsidiary Securities, other than (A) the issuance of shares of Company Common Stock upon the exercise of Company Stock Options or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to Company Restricted
5
Share Awards, in each case, that are outstanding on the date of this Agreement and listed in Section 5.05(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (B) grants of Company Stock Options or Company Restricted Share Awards in the ordinary course of business required to be issued prior to the Effective Time pursuant to offer letters dated as of or prior to the date hereof outstanding as of the date hereof in the aggregate not to exceed 150,000 shares of Company Common Stock (provided, however, that the Company may inform employees hired after the date of this Agreement in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice that, upon consummation of Merger, such employees shall receive Parent Restricted Depositary Share Awards up to a maximum number of Parent Depositary Shares equivalent to 5,000 shares of Company Common Stock per such employee and 100,000 shares of Company Common Stock in the aggregate; provided, further, that in the event the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are not consummated by the End Date or this Agreement is otherwise terminated prior to the End Date in accordance with its terms, such grants shall become effective with respect to Company Stock Options or Company Restricted Share Awards, as applicable, without any further action on the part of the Company), or (C) shares issued pursuant to the Warrants and the Debenture in accordance with their respective terms as of the date hereof, or (ii) amend any term of any Company Security or any Company Subsidiary Security (in each case, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise);
ARTICLE 3
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Effect on the Agreement . Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and the Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, is hereby ratified and affirmed in all respects. On and after the date hereof, each reference in the Agreement to this Agreement, herein, hereunder or words of similar import shall mean and be a reference to the Agreement as amended by this Amendment.
2. Headings . All Section titles or captions contained in this Amendment are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Amendment or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Amendment. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to numbered Sections are to Sections of the Agreement.
3. Governing Law . THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW RULES OF SUCH STATE.
4. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. Facsimile transmission of any signature shall be deemed the same as delivery of the original.
6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the party hereto has duly executed this Amendment as of the date first written above.
WPP GROUP PLC | ||
By: |
/s/ Paul Richardson |
|
Name: | Paul Richardson | |
Title: | Group Finance Director | |
TS TRANSACTION, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Thomas O. Neuman |
|
Name: | Thomas O. Neuman | |
Title: | Senior Vice President, Taxes | |
24/7 REAL MEDIA, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Mark E Moran |
|
Name: | Mark E Moran | |
Title: | Executive Vice President |
EXHIBIT 8.1
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION
UNDER WHICH
|
|
UNITED STATES |
||
141 Hawaii LLC |
Delaware |
|
141 Worldwide Boomerang Inc. (fka K&L Acquisition Inc.) |
Delaware |
|
24/7 Real Media Inc |
Delaware |
|
24/7 Real Media US Inc. |
Delaware |
|
A. Eicoff & Company, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
AAD: Fitch, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Academic Alliances in Medical Education Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Advertising Ventures Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Almost Real, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Avenue Grey Inc. (fka Clinical Informations Inc) |
Delaware |
|
Baker, Winokur, Ryder, Inc. |
California |
|
Bates Advertising USA, Inc. |
New York |
|
Bates Healthworld, Inc. |
New York |
|
Ben Marketing LLC |
Delaware |
|
Berlin, Cameron & Partners, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
BGNY Direct LLC |
Delaware |
|
BKSH & Associates LLC |
Delaware |
|
Black Cat Graphics Inc. |
New York |
|
Blast Radius Inc |
Delaware |
|
Blue Interactive Marketing Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Blue Sky Green LLC |
Delaware |
|
BrandEdge Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Bravant LLC |
Delaware |
|
Bridge Worldwide Inc |
Delaware |
|
Bridge Worldwide LLC (fka Bridge WW Acquisition LLC) |
Delaware |
|
Brouillard Communications, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
BSB Club Bar, Inc. |
New York |
|
Burson Marsteller LLC |
Delaware |
|
Calla Music, Inc. |
New York |
|
Cannondale Associates, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Capital IV LLC |
Delaware |
|
Carl Byoir & Associates, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Center Partners, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Cheskin Added Value |
California |
|
CME Scholar LLC |
Delaware |
|
Cole & Weber Inc |
Oregon |
|
Commodore Thompson Music, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Commonhealth LLC |
Delaware |
|
Compas Inc. |
New Jersey |
|
Cordiant Finance, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Cordiant US Holdings, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Crescendo Production Inc. |
New York |
|
Current Medical Directions LLC |
Delaware |
|
Cygnet Holdings Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Datacore Marketing LLC |
Delaware |
|
Davinci Healthcare Partners LLC |
Delaware |
|
Deen & Black, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Dewey Square Group, LLC |
Delaware |
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION
UNDER WHICH
|
|
Direct.com LLC |
Delaware |
|
Dome Communications LLC |
Delaware |
|
Dynamic Logic Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Einson Freeman, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Elemental Interactive Design & Development Inc. |
Georgia |
|
Enterprise IG, Inc. |
New York |
|
Eyepatch LA, Inc. |
California |
|
Eyepatch Productions, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Falk Healthworld, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Finsbury US LLC |
Delaware |
|
First Star, Inc. |
New York |
|
Fitch, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Food Group Inc |
Delaware |
|
Foresteria, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Fortelligent LLC (fka Fortelligent Inc.) |
Delaware |
|
FOVA Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Fusion Five Inc. |
Connecticut |
|
Future Vision Media, Inc. |
Michigan |
|
G Whiz Entertainment Inc. |
New York |
|
G2 Worldwide Inc. |
New York |
|
GCI Jennings Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Glendinning LLC |
Delaware |
|
Global Strategies Holding Inc |
Delaware |
|
Global Strategies International LLC |
New York |
|
Go Direct LLC |
Delaware |
|
Great Productions Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Great Response Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Great Spot Films Ltd |
Delaware |
|
Grey Advertising Inc. |
Maryland |
|
Grey Direct Atlanta, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Grey Direct Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Grey Direct Services Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Grey Global Atlanta Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Grey Global Group Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Grey Healthcare Group Inc. |
New York |
|
Grey HOC 1 LLC |
Delaware |
|
Grey HOC 2 LLC |
Delaware |
|
Grey IFC 2 Inc |
Delaware |
|
Grey IFC Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Grey India Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Grey Mediacom Inc (fka Mediacom Inc.) |
Delaware |
|
Grey Ventures Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Grey Worldwide Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Grey Worldwide Los Angeles Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Group M Worldwide, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
GroupM Movie Entertainment Inc |
Delaware |
|
Headlight Vision LLC |
Delaware |
|
HealthAnswers Education LLC |
Delaware |
|
Healthworld Corporation |
Delaware |
|
Healthworld International Holdings Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Hill & Knowlton, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Hill & Knowlton/Samcor LLC |
Delaware |
|
HLS Holding Corp |
Delaware |
|
Hurd Studios Inc. |
Delaware |
|
HWLDPAY, Inc. |
Delaware |
2
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION
UNDER WHICH
|
|
Icodia, Inc |
California |
|
Icon International Inc |
Delaware |
|
IEG, LLC |
Delaware |
|
Imaginet LLC |
Delaware |
|
Independent Medical Education LLC |
Delaware |
|
Innovative Customer Solutions LLC |
Delaware |
|
Insight Medical Communications Inc. |
Delaware |
|
International Meetings & Science Inc. |
Delaware |
|
J Walter Thompson U.S.A Inc. |
Delaware |
|
J Walter Thompson Venture Company, Inc |
Delaware |
|
J. Walter Thompson Company Caribbean, Inc |
Delaware |
|
J. Walter Thompson Company Peruana, Inc |
Delaware |
|
J. Walter Thompson Company, Inc |
Delaware |
|
J. Walter Thompson Far Eastern Company, Inc |
Delaware |
|
J. Walter Thompson Technology, LLC |
Delaware |
|
JWT Facilities LLC |
Delaware |
|
JWT Music, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
JWT Specialized Communications, Inc. |
California |
|
JWTWO Productions LLC |
Delaware |
|
Kantar Media Research, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Kazaam! Inc (fka GTFH Public Relations Inc) |
New York |
|
KMR Holdings, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Knowledge Base Marketing GP |
Texas |
|
Knowledge Base Marketing Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Landor Associates International Inc |
Delaware |
|
Landor LLC |
Delaware |
|
Landor Ohio LLC |
Delaware |
|
Leopard Communications Inc. |
Colorado |
|
Lighthouse Global Network, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Lightspeed Online Research Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Local Marketing Corporation |
Ohio |
|
Love Bug Productions LLC |
Delaware |
|
M80 Services, Inc. |
California |
|
Malone Advertising LLC |
Delaware |
|
Management Ventures, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Market Data Solutions Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Marketing and Planning Systems, LLC (fka Inc) |
Delaware |
|
Mather Productions LLC |
Delaware |
|
Maxus Communications LLC |
Delaware |
|
Mediaedge:CIA LLC |
Delaware |
|
Millward Brown, Inc. |
Illinois |
|
MindShare Days Productions LLC |
Delaware |
|
MindShare Entertainment USA LLC |
Delaware |
|
MindShare USA LLC |
Delaware |
|
MJM Creative Services, Inc |
New York |
|
mOne Worldwide LLC |
Delaware |
|
Morton Goldberg Associates, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Mosaica MD, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
MRB Group, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
MSB, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
neo@Ogilvy LLC |
Delaware |
|
Offspring PR LLC |
Delaware |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Inc. |
Delaware |
|
OgilvyAction LLC (fka 141 LLC) |
Delaware |
3
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION
UNDER WHICH
|
|
OgilvyOne LLC |
Delaware |
|
Outrider North America LLC |
New York |
|
Owl Group Holdings, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Pace Communications Group, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Peclers Paris North America, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, LLC |
Delaware |
|
Phase Five Communications, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
PKG Media Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Preferred Professionals Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Primo Angeli, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Public Relations & International Sports |
Michigan |
|
Project D LLC |
Delaware |
|
Public Relations & International Sports Marketing, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Public Strategies, Inc |
Texas |
|
Quinn Gilespie & Associates LLC |
Delaware |
|
Rasor Communications, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Rasor Holdings, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Read-Poland Inc. |
Texas |
|
Red Works, Inc. (fka Media Hub Inc) |
Delaware |
|
Reese Communications, Inc. |
District of Colombia |
|
Regian & Wilson Inc. |
Texas |
|
Research International USA, Inc. ( Illinois ) |
Illinois |
|
Retail Planning Associates LLC |
Delaware |
|
RJC Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Robinson Lerer & Montgomery LLC |
Delaware |
|
Roman Brandgroup LLC |
Delaware |
|
S & S MCC and MCC. Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Schematic Inc |
California |
|
SCPF Miami LLC |
Delaware |
|
Shaw Marketing Group Inc |
Delaware |
|
Shire Health, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Soho Med, Inc. |
New York |
|
Soho Square, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Spafax Airline Network, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Studio 58 Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Studiocom.com, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Sudler & Hennessey LLC |
Delaware |
|
Summit Grey Inc. |
New York |
|
Team Detroit, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
TeamDetroit Stat LLC |
Delaware |
|
Ted Bates Worldwide (Delaware) Inc |
Delaware |
|
Tempus Group North America Holdings LLC |
Delaware |
|
The Avon Group Inc |
Delaware |
|
The FCG Institute for Continuing Education LLC |
Delaware |
|
The Focus Network Inc. (fka Goldfarb Consultants, Inc.) |
Delaware |
|
The GCI Group Inc. |
New York |
|
The Geppetto Group LLC |
Delaware |
|
The Intuition Group, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
The Leonhardt Group, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
The Leverage Group Inc |
Delaware |
|
The Mattson Jack Group Inc. |
Delaware |
|
The Ogilvy Group, Inc. |
New York |
|
The Spindler Organization, Inc. |
California |
|
The Tape Center Inc. |
Delaware |
4
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION
UNDER WHICH
|
|
The Winona Group Inc. |
Minnesota |
|
Timmons and Company, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Triple Seven Concepts Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Valentine-McCormick-Ligibel,Inc. |
Missouri |
|
VF Holding I Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Vogel Farina LLC |
Delaware |
|
Walker Group/CNI Inc. |
Missouri |
|
WPP Barleycorn LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Eight LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Eighteen LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Eleven LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Fifteen LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Five LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Four LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Fourteen LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Nine LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Nineteen LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings One LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Seven LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Seventeen LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Six LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Sixteen LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Ten LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Thirteen LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Three LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Twelve LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Twenty LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings Two LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Finance (USA) Corporation |
Delaware |
|
WPP Finance Square LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Group Holdings, Corp. |
Delaware |
|
WPP Group Management Inc. |
Delaware |
|
WPP Group MTV III Holding LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Group U.S. Finance Corp. |
Delaware |
|
WPP Group US Investments Inc |
Delaware |
|
WPP Group USA Square 2004 Inc |
Delaware |
|
WPP Group USA, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
WPP IH 2001 Inc |
Delaware |
|
WPP Luxembourg Square LLC |
Delaware |
|
WPP Properties (fka Y & R Properties Inc. ) |
Delaware |
|
WPP US Holdings Inc. |
Delaware |
|
WPPIH 2001, Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Wunderman Media LLC |
Delaware |
|
Wunderman Worldwide LLC |
Delaware |
|
Y & R Far East Holdings |
Delaware |
|
York Merger Square 2004 Inc |
Delaware |
|
Young & Rubicam Inc. |
Delaware |
|
ZAAZ Inc. |
Washington |
|
Zebra Studios Inc. |
Delaware |
|
Ziment Group, Inc. |
Delaware |
5
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION
UNDER WHICH
|
|
Non-US |
||
141 Bonta S.A. |
Argentina |
|
Action Line de Argentina S.A. |
Argentina | |
AHDL SA |
Argentina | |
Burson-Marsteller S.A. |
Argentina | |
Conquest Argentina S.A. |
Argentina | |
Great Spot! Films S.A. |
Argentina | |
Grey Argentina S. A. |
Argentina | |
Grey Interactive S.A. |
Argentina | |
Hill & Knowlton de Argentina S.A. |
Argentina | |
Información y Decisión Consultores, S.A. |
Argentina | |
J Walter Thompson Argentina S.A. |
Argentina | |
JWT S.A. |
Argentina | |
Mediacom Argentina S.A. (fka Grey Direct S.A.) |
Argentina | |
Mindshare Argentina S.A. |
Argentina | |
Multigap S.A. |
Argentina | |
Ogilvy & Mather Argentina S.A. |
Argentina | |
Red Cell S.A. |
Argentina | |
Santo Buenos Aires S.A. |
Argentina | |
Sur Contact Center SA |
Argentina | |
The Media Edge SA |
Argentina | |
Thompson Connect Worldwide S.A (fka JW Thompson S.A.) |
Argentina | |
Tsubcero S.A. |
Argentina | |
Wunderman Cato Johnson S.A. |
Argentina | |
Y&R Inversiones Publicitarias S.A. |
Argentina | |
Young & Rubicam SA |
Argentina | |
20:20Brand Action Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
24/7 Real Media Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
ABKP Ideaworks Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
ACN 129 394 565 Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Added Value (Australia) Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Adswan Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Adtown Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Adult Search Solutions Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Advertising Faciliites Pty Limited |
Australia | |
Alliance Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Babela Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Batey Kazoo Communications Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Beyond Interactive Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Black Book Holdings Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Black Book Nominees (Sydney) Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Black Book Nominees Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Brand Dialogue Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Burson-Marsteller Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Candle Lit Films Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Carl Byoir Associates Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
CAW Marketing Pty Limited |
Australia | |
Chameleon Digital Systems Pty |
Australia | |
Clik TV Pty Limited |
Australia | |
Collins Thomas Cullen Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Corpedge Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Corplite Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Creative Marketing Group Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Decide Holdings Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Dialog Marketing Communications Pty Ltd (D) |
Australia | |
Enterprise IG (Australia) Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
EWA Heidelberg Pty Ltd |
Australia |
6
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Expanded Media Holdings Pty Limited |
Australia | |
Expanded Media Investments Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Financial and Management Services Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Fudge Group Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
G2 Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Gasworks Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
GCI Group Australia Pty Ltd. |
Australia | |
George Patterson (Brisbane) Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
George Patterson (Sydney) Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
George Patterson Nominees Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
George Patterson Partners Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
George Patterson Properties Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
George Patterson Y&R Pty Limited |
Australia | |
Glendinning Management Consultants Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Global Scan Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Global Virtual Studio Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Go Edge Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Grey & Murray Evans Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Grey 2 Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Grey Advertising (Victoria) Pty Ltd. |
Australia | |
Grey Advertising Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Grey Advertising Canberra Unit Trust |
Australia | |
Grey Australia New Zealand Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Grey Global Group Australia Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Grey Healthcare Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Grey Healthcare Unit Trust |
Australia | |
Grey Interactive Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Grey Services Unit Trust |
Australia | |
Grey Worldwide Canberra Pty Limited (fka Grey Advertising Canberra Pty Ltd) |
Australia | |
Grey Worldwide Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Group M Communications Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Hill & Knowlton Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
HKC Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Howorth Communications Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
i2i Communications Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Ideaworks (Holdings) Pty Limited |
Australia | |
Ideaworks Collateral Services Pty Limited |
Australia | |
Ideaworks Design Pty Limited |
Australia | |
Ideaworks Environmental Design Pty Limited |
Australia | |
Ideaworks Media Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Ideaworks Recruitment Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Illuminos Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Interface Advertising Pty Ltd (fka JWT Retail Pty Ltd) |
Australia | |
Isis Design Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
J Walter Thompson Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Jamieson House Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
JWT Specialized Communications Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Lancashire Blenheim Design Group Pty. Ltd. |
Australia | |
Landor Associates Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Lightspeed Research Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
M Media Group Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Market Data Solutions Pty Ltd |
Australia | |
Marketing Communications Holdings Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia |
7
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Mattingly & Partners Group Pty Ltd (fka Monahan Dayman Adams (Gold Coast) Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Maxx Marketing Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Mediacom Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Mediacompete Digital Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Mediacompete Pty Ltd (fka Beyond Media Pty Ltd) |
Australia |
|
Mediaedge:cia Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Millward Brown Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Mindshare Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Monahan Dayman Adams (Gold Coast) Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Motivator Media Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Ogilvy Healthworld Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Patts B2B Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Patts Consulting Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Patts Digital Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Patts Marketing Services Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Patts TV Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Phase V Pty Ltd. |
Australia |
|
Phoenix Public Relations Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Plush Films Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Power Panels Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
PR Dynamics Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Premier Automotive Advertising Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
PRISM Team Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Professional Change and Development Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Professional Public Relations PTY Ltd |
Australia |
|
Pulse Communications Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Research International Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Retail One Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Salespoint Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Sizwe Investments Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Social Shift Pty Limited |
Australia |
|
Strategic Horizons Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Strategy Lab Pty Ltd (fka Esaratoga Pty Ltd) |
Australia |
|
Sudler & Hennessey Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
The Added Value Group (Australia) Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
The Campaign Palace Melbourne Unit Trust |
Australia |
|
The Campaign Palace Red Cell Pty Ltd (fka CIA Australia Pty Ltd) |
Australia |
|
The Campaign Palace Sydney Unit Trust |
Australia |
|
The Communications Group Holdings Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
The Direct Bond Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
The Initiatives Group Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
The Media Palace Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
The Responsebank Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Total Media Advertising Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Total Media Australia Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Total Media Unit Trust |
Australia |
|
Underline:Fitch Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
WhizzbangArt (NSW) Pty. Ltd. |
Australia |
|
WhizzbangArt Pty. Ltd. |
Australia |
|
WPP Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Wunderman Automotive Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Wunderman HoldCo Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Wunderman Pty Ltd (fka WCJ Holdings Pty Ltd) |
Australia |
8
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
X/M Pty Limited |
Australia |
|
XMPS Holdings Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Young & Rubicam Brands Holdings Pty Ltd (fka Cordiant Communications Group Australia Pty Ltd) |
Australia |
|
Young & Rubicam Brands Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Young & Rubicam Group Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Young & Rubicam Melbourne Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Young & Rubicam Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
Young & Rubicam Sydney Pty Ltd |
Australia |
|
141 Austria Werbeagentur GmbH |
Austria |
|
aha puttner red cell Werbeagentur GMBH |
Austria |
|
DavidO Werbeagentur GmbH |
Austria |
|
Design Direct Realisierung von innovativen Kommunikationsideen GmbH |
Austria |
|
Grey Worldwide Austria GmbH |
Austria |
|
JWT Eastern Europe Marketing GmbH |
Austria |
|
JWT Wien Werbeangentur GmbH |
Austria |
|
Maxus Media Communications GmbH |
Austria |
|
MediaCom Agentur fur Media Beratung, Planug - Forschung und Einkauf GMBH |
Austria |
|
Mediaedge:cia GmbH |
Austria |
|
Mindshare GmbH & Co. Kg (fka Mindshare the O&M/JWT media consulting company GmbH & Co Nfg. KG) |
Austria |
|
Ogilvy & Mather CIS Media Services GmbH |
Austria |
|
Ogilvy & Mather GmbH |
Austria |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Media Services GmbH |
Austria |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Media Services GmbH & Co. KG |
Austria |
|
Ogilvy Interactive Worldwide Multimedia Beratung GmbH |
Austria |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide Werbeagentur und Marketingberatung GmbH |
Austria |
|
Red Cell Werbegentur GmbH |
Austria |
|
RMG: Connect Marketing GmbH |
Austria |
|
WPP Arbour Square Holding GmbH |
Austria |
|
Wunderman Direct Marketing Agentur GmbH |
Austria |
|
Young & Rubicam Vienna GmbH |
Austria |
|
A.M.R.B W.L.L |
Bahrain |
|
Gulf Hill & Knowlton WLL |
Bahrain |
|
J Walter ThompsonBahrain W.L.L |
Bahrain |
|
J. Walter Thompson Middle East and North Africa E.C. |
Bahrain |
|
Behigh SA (fka Bialek & Partners SA.) |
Belgium |
|
Burson-Marsteller SA |
Belgium |
|
Dorland & Grey SA |
Belgium |
|
Friday Communications SA |
Belgium |
|
GCI Belgium SA |
Belgium |
|
Geoffrey Holdings SA |
Belgium |
|
Grey Holding SA |
Belgium |
|
Hill & Knowlton International Belgium SA |
Belgium |
|
J Walter Thompson SA |
Belgium |
|
Kinetic Belgium SA |
Belgium |
|
LDV United NV |
Belgium |
|
Ludon SA (fka Thompson Connect S.A.) |
Belgium |
|
Media+ SA |
Belgium |
|
Mediaedge CIA SA |
Belgium |
|
Mindshare + SA |
Belgium |
|
Ogilvy & Mather SA |
Belgium |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide SA |
Belgium |
|
Ogilvy Shared Services SA (fka Ogilvy Healthcare Belgium SA) |
Belgium |
9
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide SA |
Belgium |
|
Production Plus SA |
Belgium |
|
Research International SA |
Belgium |
|
Sudler & Hennessey Belgium SA |
Belgium |
|
Tagora SA |
Belgium |
|
These Days NV |
Belgium |
|
WPP Algani SNC |
Belgium |
|
WPP Group Services SNC |
Belgium |
|
Wunderman SA |
Belgium |
|
Young & Rubicam Belgium SPRL |
Belgium |
|
Marketing Services Risk Surety Ltd |
Bermuda |
|
J Walter Thompson Bolivia S.A. |
Bolivia |
|
10B Propaganda Ltda |
Brazil |
|
141 Brasil Comunicacao Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Açao Produçoes Graficas e Electronicas Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Action Line Telemarketing do Brasil Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Bates Latin America Holdings Ltda. |
Brazil |
|
Bates Propaganda e Produçoes Ltda. |
Brazil |
|
Burson Marsteller Ltda |
Brazil |
|
CBBA Propaganda Ltda |
Brazil |
|
DCSNET SA |
Brazil |
|
Energia, Young & Rubicam Brasil Ltda |
Brazil |
|
G2.Grey Comunicaçao e Marketing Ltda. (fka Alfaiataria de Marketing Ltda) |
Brazil |
|
Goldfarb Consultants Brasil Ltda |
Brazil |
|
GPAT SA Propaganda e Publicidade |
Brazil |
|
Grey Interactive Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Grey Zest Direct Marketing e Publicidade Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Hill & Knowlton Brasil Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Hill & Knowlton do Brasil - Communicaçao Integrada Ltda |
Brazil |
|
J Walter Thompson Publicidade Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Marketdata Solutions Brasil Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Marsteller Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Master Publicidade SA |
Brazil |
|
MatosGrey Comunicaçao Ltda. (fka Grey Brasil Ltda.) |
Brazil |
|
Millward Brown do Brasil Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Newcomm Holdings Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Newdesign Participaçoes Ltda. |
Brazil |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Brasil Comunicacao Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Ogilvy Publicidade Ltda (fka Denison Brasil Publicidade Ltda) |
Brazil |
|
Ogilvyone Brasil Communicao Ltda (fka OgilvyOne Worldwide Brasil Comunicacao Ltda) |
Brazil |
|
One Publicidade Ltda. (fka One Four One Brasil Ltda.) |
Brazil |
|
Research International Brasil Consultoria e Analise De Mercado Ltda |
Brazil |
|
RMG Connect Comunicacao Ltda |
Brazil |
|
WPP (Curitiba) Participaçoes Ltda. (fka JWT (Curtiba) Ltda.) |
Brazil |
|
WPP (Porto Alegre) Participaçoes Ltda. (fka J Walter Thompson Porto Alegre S/C) |
Brazil |
|
WPP do Brasil Participaçoes Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Wunderman Brasil Communicacoes Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Y&R Propaganda Ltda. (fka Newcomm Bates Comunicaçao Integrada Ltda.) |
Brazil |
|
Young & Rubicam Comunicaçoes Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Young & Rubicam do Brasil Ltda |
Brazil |
|
Grey Worldwide Bulgaria EOOD |
Bulgaria |
|
141 (Cambodia) Ltd |
Cambodia |
|
Bates Cambodia Ltd |
Cambodia |
10
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Mindshare (Cambodia) Ltd (fka Zenith Media (Cambodia) Ltd) |
Cambodia |
|
24/7 Media Canada Holding Company |
Canada |
|
24/7 Real Media Inc |
Canada |
|
Blast Radius Inc |
Canada |
|
GCI Communications Inc |
Canada |
|
Grey Advertising (Vancouver) ULC |
Canada |
|
Grey Advertising ULC (fka Grey Advertising Ltd) |
Canada |
|
Hill & Knowlton Ducharme Perron Ltee |
Canada |
|
J. Walter Thompson Company Limited |
Canada |
|
Marketforce Communication Ltd |
Canada |
|
Marketing Communications Group Inc. (fka 1574338 Ontario Inc.) |
Canada |
|
Maxcem Marketing Solutions Inc |
Canada |
|
Media Buying Services ULC |
Canada |
|
Mediacom Canada ULC |
Canada |
|
Millward Brown Canada Inc |
Canada |
|
Mindshare Canada Limited |
Canada |
|
Mindshare Days Prodution Canada Ltd (fka Mindshare Entertainment Canada UnLtd) |
Canada |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide Ltd |
Canada |
|
RMG Connect Inc. |
Canada |
|
Spafax Canada Inc |
Canada |
|
The Meadow Wood Communication Group Inc |
Canada |
|
The Media Company / MBS |
Canada |
|
The Young & Rubicam Group of Companies ULC |
Canada |
|
WPP Group Canada Communications Ltd (fka Ogilvy & Mather (Canada) Ltd) |
Canada |
|
WPP Group Canada Finance, Inc. |
Canada |
|
Actionline Chile S.A. |
Chile |
|
Asesorias Prism Chile Limitada |
Chile |
|
Burson-Marsteller Communicaciones Limitada |
Chile |
|
Design Direct Chile S.A. |
Chile |
|
Energia Young & Rubicam S.A. |
Chile |
|
Enterprise SAC (Thompson Connect) |
Chile |
|
Estrategia Integral de Communicaciones SA (EIC) |
Chile |
|
G2 Chile S.A. |
Chile |
|
Grey Chile SA(FKA Mediacom S.A.) |
Chile |
|
Hill & Knowlton Captiva S.A. |
Chile |
|
Hill & Knowlton Chile S.A. |
Chile |
|
Inversiones CI Chile S.A. |
Chile |
|
J Walter Thompson Chilena SAC |
Chile |
|
Media Edge Comunicaciones Chile Limitada |
Chile |
|
Mindshare Chile S.A.C. |
Chile |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Chile S.A. (fka Northcote & Asociados SA) |
Chile |
|
Ogilvy Action SA (fka 141 Chile SA) |
Chile |
|
Ogilvy Interactive Chile S.A. |
Chile |
|
OgilvyOne Chile SA (fka Northcote Ogilvy Marketing Directo SA) |
Chile |
|
Prolam Young & Rubicam S.A. |
Chile |
|
Spafax Medios y Publicidad Ltda |
Chile |
|
Wunderman Chile Consultoria y Comunicaciones Ltda |
Chile |
|
Young Meda S.A. (fka ADN S.A. de Publicidad) |
Chile |
|
141 Shanghai Consulting Co Ltd |
China |
|
Bao Lin Advertising (Shanghai) Co Ltd) (fka Bao Lin Advertising co) |
China |
|
Bates Apex Integrated Marketing Co. Ltd |
China |
|
Beijing Ogilvy Raynet Communications Co Ltd |
China |
|
Blue Interactive Technology Department (Beijing) Co. Ltd |
China |
11
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Burson Marsteller (Guangdong) Public Relations Co. Ltd |
China |
|
David Communications (Beijing) Group |
China |
|
Effort Ogilvy (Fujian) Advertising Limited |
China |
|
Glendinning Management Consultants (Shanghai) Co. Ltd |
China |
|
Grey China Advertising Co. Ltd (Beijing) |
China |
|
Guangzhou Kai Di Advertising Ltd (Batey) |
China |
|
Hill & Knowlton China Public Relations Co Ltd |
China |
|
H-Line Ogilvy Communications Company Ltd |
China |
|
J.Walter Thompson Bridge Advertising Co. Ltd. |
China |
|
Millward Brown ACSR Co. Ltd (fka All China Strategy Research Incorporation) |
China |
|
Neo@ogilvy Co Ltd |
China |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Enterprise IG Ltd |
China |
|
Oracle AddedValue Market Research Company Limited |
China |
|
Red Wasabi Marketing Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd |
China |
|
Research International China (Guangzhou) Ltd |
China |
|
Shanghai Always Marketing Services Co Ltd |
China |
|
Shanghai Ogilvy & Mather Advertising Ltd (fka Ogilvy & Mather (Shanghai) Advertising Company Ltd) |
China |
|
Shanghai Ogilvy & Mather Marketing Consultants Ltd |
China |
|
Shanghai Power Force Marketing Services Co Ltd |
China |
|
Shenzhen Black Arc Ogilvy Advertising Media Limited |
China |
|
Young & Rubicam (Beijing) Advertising Co, Ltd |
China |
|
Energia Y&R Ltda (fka ADD Colombia SA) |
Colombia |
|
Grey Synchronised Partners Ltda. |
Colombia |
|
J. Walter Thompson Colombia Ltda |
Colombia |
|
Mediaedge Cia Ltda (fka The Media Edge Ltda) |
Colombia |
|
Millward Brown Colombia Ltda |
Colombia |
|
MindShare de Colombia Ltda |
Colombia |
|
Ogilvy & Mather S.A. (fka Centrum Ogilvy & Mather SA) |
Colombia |
|
REP Grey Worldwide SA |
Colombia |
|
TSG Colombia Ltda |
Colombia |
|
Wunderman Ltda |
Colombia |
|
Young & Rubicam Brands Ltda (fka Y&R Colombia SA) |
Colombia |
|
J Walter Thompson SA |
Costa Rica |
|
Schematic Costa Rica Ltda |
Costa Rica |
|
Grey Zagreb d.o.o. Zatrisno Kommuniciranje |
Croatia |
|
Mediacom Zagreb d.o.o. |
Croatia |
|
Millward Brown Croatia LLC |
Croatia |
|
Grey Worldwide Middle East Network Ltd |
Cyprus |
|
Pelerdon Holdings Ltd |
Cyprus |
|
Beyond Interactive s.r.o |
Czech Republic |
|
Bi Praha Red Cell s.r.o |
Czech Republic |
|
Design Direct s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
|
Grey Praha spol s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
|
Group M s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
|
Mather Activation s.r.o |
Czech Republic |
|
Mather Communications, s.r.o (fka BBK DArcy Brno Sro) |
Czech Republic |
|
Mather Public Relations s.r.o |
Czech Republic |
|
MAXUS Czech Republic, s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
|
MediaCom Praha s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
|
Mediaedge:cia Czech Republic s.r.o (fka CIA Czech Republic SRO) |
Czech Republic |
|
Millward Brown Czech Republic Sro |
Czech Republic |
|
MindShare Sro |
Czech Republic |
|
MQI Brno, spol. s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
12
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Morava, spol. Sro (fka Ogilvy & Mather Brno s.r.o.) |
Czech Republic |
|
Ogilvy & Mather spol s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
|
Ogilvy Action s.r.o. (fka Ogilvy Promotional Campaigns s.r.o.) |
Czech Republic |
|
Ogilvy CID s.r.o |
Czech Republic |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
|
OgilvyOne AS |
Czech Republic |
|
Rmg:connect s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
|
Wunderman s.r.o. (fka Wunderman Cato Johnson s.r.o.) |
Czech Republic |
|
Young & Rubicam Praha s.r.o. |
Czech Republic |
|
ABC Hill & Knowlton A/S (fka ABC Public Relations A/S) |
Denmark |
|
Balls Production A/S |
Denmark |
|
Bates Red/Cell Gruppen A/S |
Denmark |
|
Burson Marsteller A/S (fka BBC & W A/S) |
Denmark |
|
Cohn & Wolfe Denmark |
Denmark |
|
Dyhr / Hagen A/S |
Denmark |
|
Fitch Kobenhavn AS |
Denmark |
|
Friendly Film A/S |
Denmark |
|
Future Lab Business Group A/S |
Denmark |
|
Futurelab Business Consulting A/S |
Denmark |
|
G2 Copenhagen A/S (fka Grey Synchronised Partners A/S) |
Denmark |
|
GCI Mannov Kobenhavn A/S |
Denmark |
|
Grey Global Group Nordic ApS |
Denmark |
|
Grey Shared Services A/S |
Denmark |
|
Grey Worldwide Kobenhavn A/S |
Denmark |
|
GroupM Denmark A/S |
Denmark |
|
Halbye Kaag JWT A/S |
Denmark |
|
Hundred Percent Film Production A/S |
Denmark |
|
Kraft & Partners A/S |
Denmark |
|
LFC no. 3 A/S |
Denmark |
|
Market Data Solutions A/S |
Denmark |
|
Maxus Communications A/S |
Denmark |
|
MEC: Sponsorship ApS |
Denmark |
|
MEC:Interaction Denmark A/S |
Denmark |
|
Mediabroker A/S |
Denmark |
|
MediaCom Danmark A/S |
Denmark |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Denmark A/S |
Denmark |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Denmark Holdings A/S |
Denmark |
|
Mindshare Denmark A/S |
Denmark |
|
Ogilvy Denmark A/S |
Denmark |
|
Production A/S |
Denmark |
|
ProMedia A/S |
Denmark |
|
Research International A/S (fka SIFO Research & Consulting) |
Denmark |
|
Uncle Grey A/S |
Denmark |
|
WPP Holding Denmark A/S |
Denmark |
|
Y&R Denmark Holdings II APS |
Denmark |
|
J.Walter Thompson Dominicana S.A. (fka Thompson Aife MFP S.A.) |
Dominican Republic |
|
Grey Dubai |
Dubai |
|
Grey Egypt |
Egypt |
|
TMI J Walter Thompson Advertising Egypt Ltd (fka Tihama Al Mona International Egypt Ltd) |
Egypt |
|
J Walter Thompson S.A. de C.V. |
El Salvador |
|
Hill & Knowlton Eesti As |
Estonia |
|
GroupM Finland Oy (fka Hill & Knowlton Productions Oy) |
Finland |
|
Happi Mindshare Finland Oy |
Finland |
13
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Hill & Knowlton Finland Oy |
Finland |
|
J Walter Thompson Finland Oy |
Finland |
|
Young & Rubicam Finland OY |
Finland |
|
141 France SAS |
France |
|
24/7 Real Media France SARL |
France |
|
Added Value SAS |
France |
|
Argonautes SA |
France |
|
Bates SAS |
France |
|
Burson-Marsteller SAS |
France |
|
Callegari Berville Grey SA |
France |
|
CB Associees SAS |
France |
|
CBA Architecture SA |
France |
|
Concorde Finance France (CFF) SAS |
France |
|
CT Finances SA |
France |
|
Design Direct S.A.S |
France |
|
Fieldwork RI SAS |
France |
|
Fitch Vendome SAS |
France |
|
G2 Paris SAS |
France |
|
GCIGroupe Grey SA |
France |
|
GIE Media Insight |
France |
|
GIE Mindshare |
France |
|
Glendinning Management SAS |
France |
|
Grey Global Group France SAS |
France |
|
Grey Healthcare Paris SA |
France |
|
GroupM SAS |
France |
|
HFT SA |
France |
|
Hill & Knowlton SAS |
France |
|
Impiric Interactive |
France |
|
J Walter Thompson SAS |
France |
|
JFC SAS |
France |
|
Kinetic SAS |
France |
|
Landor Associates SAS |
France |
|
Le Lab Consulting SAS |
France |
|
Les Ouvriers de Babylone SAS Paradis |
France |
|
Les Ouvriers du Paradis Bourgogne SAS |
France |
|
Les Ouvriers du Paradis Bourgogne SAS |
France |
|
Louiseholding SAS |
France |
|
Lumiere Publicite SARL |
France |
|
Mather Communications SAS |
France |
|
Mediacom Paris SA |
France |
|
Mediaedge:CIA France SAS |
France |
|
Millward Brown SAS |
France |
|
Ogilvy & Mather S.A. |
France |
|
Ogilvy Action SAS (fka Ogilvy Canaveral S.A.S.) |
France |
|
Ogilvy Healthworld France SA |
France |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations SAS |
France |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide SAS |
France |
|
Peclers Paris SAS |
France |
|
Plein Papier SARL |
France |
|
PR AKKA SAS |
France |
|
Prism SAS |
France |
|
Pro Deo SAS |
France |
|
Production 57 SARL |
France |
|
Relations Publiques Caroline Allain SAS |
France |
|
Research International SAS |
France |
14
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
RMG SAS |
France |
|
Rmg:connect SAS |
France |
|
Strateme SARL |
France |
|
Sudler & Hennessey SAS |
France |
|
TransGrey SAS |
France |
|
WPP Finance Holdings SAS |
France |
|
WPP Finance SAS |
France |
|
Wunderman Interactive SAS |
France |
|
Wunderman SAS |
France |
|
Wunderman TeleServices EURL |
France |
|
Y&R 2.1 SAS(fka Young & Rubicam La Boutique) |
France |
|
Y&R Delaware I SNC |
France |
|
Young & Rubicam SAS |
France |
|
Young & Rubicam France EURL |
France |
|
Young & Rubicam Holdings SAS |
France |
|
INCH Design Service GmbH |
Germany |
|
141 Worldwide GMBH |
Germany |
|
24/7 Real Media Germany GmbH |
Germany |
|
2MV GmbH |
Germany |
|
Abels & Grey GmbH |
Germany |
|
Advanced Techniques Group GmbH |
Germany |
|
Agency Team GmbH (fka OgilvyOne Worldwide GmbH) |
Germany |
|
Argonauten G2_ GmbH |
Germany |
|
Atletico Germany GmbH |
Germany |
|
Baader Hermes GmbH |
Germany |
|
Best of Media GmbH |
Germany |
|
Beyond Interactive GmbH (fka Magic Response GmbH) |
Germany |
|
Bit by Bit Digitales GmbH |
Germany |
|
Burson-Marsteller GmbH |
Germany |
|
Cherry on the Cake GmbH (fka Thompson Total Relations GmbH) |
Germany |
|
Cohn und Wolf Verwaltungs GmbH |
Germany |
|
Concept Media GmbH, Stuttgart |
Germany |
|
Concept! Venture GmbH |
Germany |
|
Connect 21 GmbH |
Germany |
|
Consellgruppe Werbeagentur GmbH |
Germany |
|
Cordiant Holdings GMBH |
Germany |
|
cpz Ogilvy Public Relations GmbH |
Germany |
|
Diebitz, Stoppler, Braun & Kuhlmann Werbeagentur GmbH |
Germany |
|
Dorland Werbeagentur GMBH |
Germany |
|
F + I GmbH Research Consulting Marktforschung |
Germany |
|
Facts & Fiction GmbH |
Germany |
|
Frey.G2 GmbH |
Germany |
|
FutureCom GmbH |
Germany |
|
GCI Healthcare Unternehmensberatung fur Kommunikation GmbH |
Germany |
|
Global 'Sportnet' Beteiligungs GmbH |
Germany |
|
Global 'Sportnet' Sportmarketing GmbH & Co KG |
Germany |
|
GRAMM Werbeagentur GmbH |
Germany |
|
Grey & Wolff Werbeagentur GmbH |
Germany |
|
Grey CIS Werbeagentur GMBH |
Germany |
|
Grey Global Group Middle Europe GmbH & Co. KG |
Germany |
|
Grey GMBH |
Germany |
|
Grey Healthcare GmbH |
Germany |
|
Grey Holding Central Europe GMBH |
Germany |
|
Grey Worldwide GmbH |
Germany |
|
GroupM Competence Center GmbH (fka Banner Media GmbH) |
Germany |
15
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
GroupM Germany GmbH |
Germany |
|
Hering Schuppener Consulting Strategieberatung fur Kommunikation GmbH |
Germany |
|
Hering, Schuppener Unternehmensberatung for Kommunikation GmbH |
Germany |
|
Hill & Knowlton Communication GmbH |
Germany |
|
Hiller, Wurst & Partner GmbH |
Germany |
|
Icon Added Value GmbH |
Germany |
|
Icon regio Gesellschaft fur Regional Verkehrsforschung und Standomarketing GmbH |
Germany |
|
Icon Wirtschafts-und Finanazmarktforschung GmbH |
Germany |
|
Impiric Hamburg GmbH |
Germany |
|
Interbates Beteiligungs GmbH & Co KG |
Germany |
|
Intercom Management GMBH |
Germany |
|
Intramedic GmbH |
Germany |
|
J Walter Thompson GmbH & Co KG |
Germany |
|
J. Walter Thomspon Verwaltungs GmbH |
Germany |
|
JWT Engage GmbH (fka Thompson Live Communications GmbH) |
Germany |
|
Klautzcsh & Grey GmbH |
Germany |
|
Landor Associates GmbH |
Germany |
|
Magic Moments Agentur Fur Kommunikation GmbH |
Germany |
|
Magic Poster GmbH |
Germany |
|
MAXUS Communications GmbH |
Germany |
|
MEC Access GmbH (fka SponsorCom GmbH) |
Germany |
|
Media Consult WPP GmbH |
Germany |
|
Media Motor GmbH |
Germany |
|
MediaCom Agentur Fur Media-Beratung GmbH |
Germany |
|
MediaCom CIS GMBH |
Germany |
|
Mediacom Hamburg GmbH (fka MC MediaCom Service Hamburg GmbH) |
Germany |
|
MediaCom Holding Central & Eastern Europe GMBH |
Germany |
|
MediaCom München GmbH |
Germany |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Germany Holding GmbH |
Germany |
|
Mediaedge:CIA GmbH & Co. KG |
Germany |
|
Michael Vagedes GmbH |
Germany |
|
Millward Brown Germany GmbH |
Germany |
|
Mindshare GmbH |
Germany |
|
Neo@Ogilvy GmbH (fka Network Atlas GMBH) |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Deutschland GmbH |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy & Mather GmbH |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Werbeagentur GmbH |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy Action GmbH |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy Brand Center GmbH & Co KG |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy Brand Center Verwaltungs GmbH |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy BTL GmbH |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy Finance AG |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy Healthworld GmbH |
Germany |
|
Ogilvy Interactive Worldwide GmbH |
Germany |
|
OgilvyBrains GmbH (fka Ogilvy & Mather Frankfurter Verwaltungs GmbH) |
Germany |
|
OgilvyOne Teleservices GmbH & Co KG |
Germany |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide Verwaltungs GmbH |
Germany |
|
Planetactive GmbH |
Germany |
|
PQ Plakatqualitat GmbH |
Germany |
|
PRISM International GmbH |
Germany |
|
Quisma GmbH |
Germany |
|
Red Cell Werbeagentur GmbH |
Germany |
|
Research International GmbH |
Germany |
|
rmc: Relationship Marketing Consulting GmbH |
Germany |
16
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
rmg: connect GmbH |
Germany |
|
S&K Grey GMBH |
Germany |
|
Salesedge GmbH |
Germany |
|
SantaMaria GmbH |
Germany |
|
Satzfabrik GmbH |
Germany |
|
Sentrix Global Health Communications GmbH |
Germany |
|
Sudler & Hennessey GmbH |
Germany |
|
The Brand Union GmbH (fka Enterprise IG GmbH) |
Germany |
|
Tillmanns Ogilvy & Mather GmbH & Co KG |
Germany |
|
Tillmans Ogilvy & Mather Werbeagentur GmbH |
Germany |
|
Verwaltungsgesellschaft Global Sportnet Sportmarketing mbH |
Germany |
|
WPP Dritte Beteiligungs Verwaltungs GmbH |
Germany |
|
WPP Funfte Beteiligungs Verwaltungs GmbH |
Germany |
|
WPP Media Holdings GmbH |
Germany |
|
WPP Service GmbH (fka WPP Vierte Beteiligungs GmbH & Co KG) |
Germany |
|
Wunderman Consulting GmbH |
Germany |
|
Wunderman GmbH & Co. KG Frankfurt |
Germany |
|
Wunderman GmbH (Koln) |
Germany |
|
Wunderman Teleservices GmbH & Co KG |
Germany |
|
Wunderman Teleservices Verwaltungs GmbH |
Germany |
|
Wunderman Verwaltungs GmbH (Frankfurt) |
Germany |
|
Young & Rubicam Brands GmbH |
Germany |
|
Young & Rubicam GmbH & Co KG |
Germany |
|
Young & Rubicam Verwaltungs GmbH |
Germany |
|
MM Media Marketing GmbH |
Germany |
|
Bates Hellas Advertising SA |
Greece |
|
Geo Young & Rubicam SA |
Greece |
|
Grey Athens SA |
Greece |
|
Maxus SA |
Greece |
|
MediaCom Ltd |
Greece |
|
Mediaedge:cia Medianetwork Hellas |
Greece |
|
Movielab SA |
Greece |
|
Publicom Hill & Knowlton Hellas Ltd |
Greece |
|
Red Cell Advertising SA |
Greece |
|
Research International Hellas SA |
Greece |
|
Salesplus Ltd |
Greece |
|
Screen Design & Production of Advertising and Promotional Material Ltd |
Greece |
|
Spot Thompson Total Communication Group SA |
Greece |
|
The Media Edge SA |
Greece |
|
Tribe Advertising Services SA (fka RMG Connect Advertising SA) |
Greece |
|
WCJ Advertising SA |
Greece |
|
Wunderman Advertising (fka Pan Mail Advertising SA) |
Greece |
|
Hill & Knowlton SA |
Guatemala |
|
J Walter Thompson SA (fka Publicidad APCU) |
Guatemala |
|
141 Amsterdam BV |
Holland |
|
24/7 Real Media Investment Holdings BV |
Holland |
|
AdValue International BV |
Holland |
|
AdValue Nederland BV |
Holland |
|
Akron Reclame EN Marketing BV |
Holland |
|
Arbour Square BV |
Holland |
|
Atface Internet Facility Centre BV |
Holland |
|
Bates Nederland Holding BV |
Holland |
|
Beheermaatschappij Sirolf BV |
Holland |
|
Bercum Boender Cardozo & Werkendam BBCW B.W |
Holland |
17
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Berkeley Square Holding B.V. |
Holland |
|
Blast Radius BV |
Holland |
|
Borgi Advertising BV |
Holland |
|
Brand Buzz B.V. |
Holland |
|
Brown KSKP Netherlands BV (fka KSDP Design BV) |
Holland |
|
Burson-Marsteller BV |
Holland |
|
Cato Johnson BV |
Holland |
|
Cavendish Square Holding B.V. |
Holland |
|
Chafma BV |
Holland |
|
CIA Holding BV |
Holland |
|
Colon Marketing BV |
Holland |
|
Consult Brand Strategy BV |
Holland |
|
Cordiant Finance BV |
Holland |
|
Crystal Palace Holding B.V. |
Holland |
|
Dolphin Square Holding B.V. |
Holland |
|
Finropa BV |
Holland |
|
Finsbury Square Holding BV |
Holland |
|
Grey Advertising BV |
Holland |
|
Grey Brasil Holdings B.V |
Holland |
|
Grey Communications Group BV |
Holland |
|
Grey Netherlands Holding BV |
Holland |
|
Group M BV |
Holland |
|
Group M India Holding B.V. |
Holland |
|
GroupM BV (fka Media Exposure BV) |
Holland |
|
Healthworld BV |
Holland |
|
Healthworld Communications Group (Netherlands) BV (fka Nijboer Zuurman Partners BV) |
Holland |
|
Hill & Knowlton Nederland B.V. |
Holland |
|
Hollander G.C.I. B.V. |
Holland |
|
J Walter Thompson Company B.V. |
Holland |
|
JWT (Netherlands) Holding BV (fka PPGH/JWT Groep B.V.) |
Holland |
|
JWT International BV |
Holland |
|
Kader Advertising Holding B.V. |
Holland |
|
KSM B.V. |
Holland |
|
LdB O&M (Gronigen) B.V. |
Holland |
|
Leicester Square Holding B.V. |
Holland |
|
Lexington International B.V. |
Holland |
|
Loendersloot BV |
Holland |
|
Marketique Interactive Marketing Services BV |
Holland |
|
MediaCom BV |
Holland |
|
Millward Brown BV |
Holland |
|
MindShare BV |
Holland |
|
O&M (Groningen) B.V. |
Holland |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Africa BV |
Holland |
|
Ogilvy Interactive BV |
Holland |
|
OgilvyOne Communications BV |
Holland |
|
OgilvyOne Connections BV |
Holland |
|
Ogvily & Mather Amsterdam BV |
Holland |
|
Ogvily Groep Nederland BV |
Holland |
|
PMS & VW Communication House B.V |
Holland |
|
PPGH/JWT Groep VOF |
Holland |
|
Process Blue BV |
Holland |
|
Promotion Makers BV |
Holland |
|
Promotional Campaigns BV |
Holland |
|
Red Cell Not Just Film BV (fka Bates Not Just Film BV) |
Holland |
18
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Reddion BV |
Holland |
|
Relationship Marketing Group/WPP BV |
Holland |
|
Research International Nederland B.V. |
Holland |
|
Research Resources Rotterdam BV |
Holland |
|
Research Sa. BV |
Holland |
|
Russell Square Holding B.V. |
Holland |
|
Santo Europe BV |
Holland |
|
Scribble Beheer BV |
Holland |
|
Sirolf II BV |
Holland |
|
TBK/G2 BV |
Holland |
|
The Office Advertising Group BV |
Holland |
|
Trafalgar Square Holding BV |
Holland |
|
Trefpunt Sports & Leisure Marketing BV |
Holland |
|
UFO Centrum BV |
Holland |
|
Uforce BV |
Holland |
|
VBAT BV |
Holland |
|
Vincent Square Holding BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Equity Portugal B.V. |
Holland |
|
WPP France Holdings BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Frankfurt Square BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Herald Square BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Holdings (Holland) B.V. |
Holland |
|
WPP International Holding B.V. |
Holland |
|
WPP Japan Holding BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Kiev Square BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Kraken 2 BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Kraken BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Madison Square BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Management Services (Holland) B.V. |
Holland |
|
WPP Marketing Communications Germany BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Media Holding BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Mexico BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Minotaur BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Netherlands B.V. |
Holland |
|
WPP Ontario Square BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Rio Square BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Sheridan Square BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Square 3 BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Square One BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Square Two BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Superior Square BV |
Holland |
|
WPP US Holdings BV |
Holland |
|
WPP US Investments BV |
Holland |
|
WPP Washington Square BV |
Holland |
|
Wunderman BV |
Holland |
|
Young & Rubicam Amsterdam BV |
Holland |
|
Young & Rubicam Diversified Group Netherlands B.V |
Holland |
|
Young & Rubicam Group Netherlands BV |
Holland |
|
Young & Rubicam International Group BV |
Holland |
|
Young & Rubicam International Holdings BV |
Holland |
|
Young & Rubicam Netherlands BV |
Holland |
|
J Walter Thompson SA |
Honduras |
|
141 Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Advertising & Design Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Atlas Communication Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
19
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Bates Asia Ltd (fka Cordiant Holdings Ltd) |
Hong Kong |
|
Bates China Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Bates Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
BatesAsia Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Batey Consultants (HK) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Batey Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Beyond Communications Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Beyond Interactive Co. Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Burson-Marsteller (Asia) Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Burson-Marsteller (Hong Kong) Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Carl Byoir Asia Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Conquest Marketing Communications (Taiwan) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Conquest Marketing Communications Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Contract Advertising Company Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Dataconsult Asia (Hong Kong) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
David Communications Group Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Design Direct (Hong Kong) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Enterprise Identity Group Asia Pacific Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Enterprise IG Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Era Public Relations Company Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Fitch Design Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Freeway Communications Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
G2 Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Grey Advertising Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Grey Advertising Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Grey Direct Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Grey Healthcare Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Grey Interactive China Company Limited (fka Grey Insight Company Limited) |
Hong Kong |
|
Grey Interactive Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Grey International Ltd. |
Hong Kong |
|
Grey Public Relations Company Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Grey Relationship Marketing Company Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Group M Ltd (fka Group Mindshare Edge (Hong Kong) Ltd) |
Hong Kong |
|
Hill & Knowlton Asia Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Hill & Knowlton Asia Pacific Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
H-Line Worldwide Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
HWGL Investment (Holding) Company Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
IMRB Millward Brown International Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
IPR Ogilvy (China) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
IPR Ogilvy (Holdings) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
IPR Ogilvy Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
J Walter Thompson (North Asia) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
J Walter Thompson (Taiwan) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
J Walter Thompson Company Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Landor Associates Designers & Consultants Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Maximise (Hong Kong) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Maxus Communications Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Maxx Marketing Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Media Investments Holdings Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Mediacom Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Mediacompany Communications Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Mediaedge: CIA Hong Kong Pte Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Millward Brown Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
MindShare Communications Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
MindShare Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
20
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Motivator Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy & Mather (China) Holdings Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy & Mather (China) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy & Mather (Hong Kong) Private Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Communication Services Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Management Services Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Marketing Communications Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Marketing Services Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Results (Taiwan) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy ActIvation Global Launch Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy Interactive Asia Pacific Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy Interactive Worldwide Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy Outreach Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Oracle Added Value Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Promotional Campaigns (Asia) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Pulse Communications Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
QCI Consulting Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Red Works Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Relationship Marketing Group Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Research International Asia Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
RMG Connect Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Sapphire Bright Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Shengshi International Media (Group) Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Signature Promotions Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Teledirect Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
The Bridge Communications Company Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
The Red Room Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Total Glory International Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Underline: Fitch Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Whizzbangart Hong Kong Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
WPP Captive Holdings Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
WPP Group (Asia Pacific) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
WPP Holdings (Hong Kong) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
WPP Marketing Communications (Hong Kong) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
XM Hong Kong Limited |
Hong Kong |
|
Young & Rubicam (HK) Ltd |
Hong Kong |
|
Barci es Partners Kft |
Hungary |
|
Bates 141 Hungary Advertising Kft |
Hungary |
|
Dorland Reklamugynoki Kft |
Hungary |
|
Grey Budapest Reclamügynöki Kft |
Hungary |
|
Grey Hungary Group Financing Ltd |
Hungary |
|
Hill and Knowton Hungary Kft |
Hungary |
|
JWT Eastern Europe Marketing Szolgaltato Kft |
Hungary |
|
Mac-Mester Kft |
Hungary |
|
MC MediaCompany Nemzetkozi Mediaugynoki Kft |
Hungary |
|
MEC Interaction Hungary Kft |
Hungary |
|
Media Zone Hungary Kft (fka CIA Hungary Kft) |
Hungary |
|
Mediaedge.cia Hungary Kft |
Hungary |
|
Millward Brown Hungary Kft |
Hungary |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Budapest Reklámügynökség ZRT |
Hungary |
|
OgilvyOne Budapest Direkt Marketing Kft |
Hungary |
|
Team Hungary Kft (fka Y&R Kft) |
Hungary |
21
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
TGI Hungary Marketing Research Company Limited |
Hungary |
|
The Media Edge (fka Mediapolis Hungary) |
Hungary |
|
Wunderman Kft |
Hungary |
|
Archetype Communication Ltd. |
India |
|
Atlas Advertising Private Ltd |
India |
|
Bates India Private Ltd |
India |
|
Brand David Communications Pvt Ltd |
India |
|
Contract Advertising Pvt Ltd |
India |
|
Enterprise Nexus Communication Private Ltd |
India |
|
Fortune Communication Ltd |
India |
|
G3 Communications Pvt. Ltd. |
India |
|
Genesis Public Relations Pvt Ltd |
India |
|
Grey Advertising (Bangladesh) Ltd. |
India |
|
Grey Worldwide (India) Pvt.Ltd |
India |
|
Group M Media India Pvt Ltd |
India |
|
Hindustan Thompson Associates Private Limited |
India |
|
Icon Added Value Private Ltd |
India |
|
Indian Market Research Bureau Ltd |
India |
|
IPAN Ltd |
India |
|
Matrix Publicities & Media India Pvt Ltd |
India |
|
Mediacom India Ltd |
India |
|
Mediaedge:cia India Pvt Ltd |
India |
|
Meritus Analytics India Pvt Ltd ( fka Maximize Media India Pvt Ltd) |
India |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Pvt Ltd |
India |
|
Optima India Private Ltd |
India |
|
Options Communications India Ltd. |
India |
|
Portland India Outdoor Advertising Private Ltd |
India |
|
Qasar Media Private Ltd |
India |
|
Ray & Keshavan Design Associates Pvt. Ltd. |
India |
|
Sercon India Private Ltd |
India |
|
Sudler & Hennessey India Pvt Ltd |
India |
|
Trikaya Grey First Serve Advertising (P) Ltd |
India |
|
141/Red Cell Limited |
Ireland |
|
Arena Productions Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Bell Advertising Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Culverbridge Limited |
Ireland |
|
Dearadh Tearanta ("Interact") |
Ireland |
|
Drumgoff Holdings Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Enterprise IG Ltd |
Ireland |
|
EWA Ireland Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Grey Advertising Ltd (Ireland) |
Ireland |
|
Hill & Knowlton Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Hunter / Red Cell Production Ltd (fka Hunter Production (Dublin) Ltd) |
Ireland |
|
Imagecom Graphics Ltd |
Ireland |
|
John Hunter Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Lansdowne Market Research Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Mediaedge:cia Ireland Ltd (fka Mediaedge Ltd) |
Ireland |
|
Millward Brown Ireland Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Millward Brown Irish Marketing Surveys Ltd |
Ireland |
|
MindShare Limited |
Ireland |
|
Mindshare Media Ireland Limited |
Ireland |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Group Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Ltd. |
Ireland |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Pembroke Publicity Ltd |
Ireland |
22
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Rational Decisions Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Red Cell Dublin Ltd (fka Bates Ireland Advertising Group Ltd) |
Ireland |
|
Rmg:connect Ireland Ltd |
Ireland |
|
The Helme Partnership Ltd |
Ireland |
|
The Helme Production Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Wilson Hartnell Public Relations Ltd |
Ireland |
|
WPP Ireland Ltd |
Ireland |
|
Media Edge Israel Ltd |
Israel |
|
Meishav Hfakot Ltd |
Israel |
|
Shalmor Avnon Amichay Advertising Ltd |
Israel |
|
Y&R Interactive Ltd |
Israel |
|
24/7 Real Media Italy Srl |
Italy |
|
Added Value Srl |
Italy |
|
Bates Srl |
Italy |
|
Blumedia Srl |
Italy |
|
BRB Srl |
Italy |
|
Brouillard Srl (fka Etnocom Srl ) |
Italy |
|
Burson Marsteller Srl |
Italy |
|
Carl Byoir Srl |
Italy |
|
CIA Medianetwork Club Srl |
Italy |
|
CIA Medianetwork Milano Srl |
Italy |
|
CIA Medianetwork Team Srl |
Italy |
|
Cohn & Wolfe Srl |
Italy |
|
Digital PR srl |
Italy |
|
Easy Media Srl |
Italy |
|
Ethos Srl |
Italy |
|
Fast Srl |
Italy |
|
G2 Srl |
Italy |
|
GCI Italy Srl |
Italy |
|
GEA Srl |
Italy |
|
Grey Healthcare Italia Srl |
Italy |
|
Grey Interactive Srl |
Italy |
|
Grey Roma Srl |
Italy |
|
Grey Worldwide Italia SpA (fka Milano & Grey Spa) |
Italy |
|
GroupM srl |
Italy |
|
Healthworld Srl |
Italy |
|
Hill & Knowlton Gaia Srl (fka Gaia Srl) |
Italy |
|
Impact Italia Srl |
Italy |
|
International Strategic Communications Srl |
Italy |
|
Intramed Communciations Srl |
Italy |
|
J Walter Thompson Italia SpA |
Italy |
|
J.W. Thompson Roma Srl |
Italy |
|
Kinetic Srl (fka Portland Srl) |
Italy |
|
Landor Associates Srl |
Italy |
|
Lolita Italia Srl |
Italy |
|
Lorien Consulting Srl |
Italy |
|
Mather Communications Srl (fka Spot It! Srl) |
Italy |
|
Maxus Srl (fka Maxus BBS Srl) |
Italy |
|
Media Club SpA |
Italy |
|
Media Insight Srl |
Italy |
|
Mediacom Italia Srl |
Italy |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Italy Holdings Srl |
Italy |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Italy Srl |
Italy |
|
Millward Brown Srl |
Italy |
|
Mindshare SpA |
Italy |
23
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
MindShare Trevenezie Srl |
Italy |
|
NextHealth Srl |
Italy |
|
Ogilvy & Mather SpA |
Italy |
|
Ogilvy Healthcare Srl |
Italy |
|
Ogilvy Interactive srl |
Italy |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide SpA |
Italy |
|
One Four One Srl |
Italy |
|
Promotions Italia SpA |
Italy |
|
Red Cell SpA |
Italy |
|
Red Production Srl |
Italy |
|
Research International Srl |
Italy |
|
rmg:connect Srl |
Italy |
|
Sentrix Global Health Communications Srl |
Italy |
|
Sprint Production Srl |
Italy |
|
Sudler & Hennessey Srl |
Italy |
|
Team Alfa Srl (fka Young & Rubicam Communication Srl) |
Italy |
|
Total Sponsorship Srl |
Italy |
|
WPP Holdings (Italy) Srl |
Italy |
|
WPP Marketing Communications (Italy) SRL |
Italy |
|
Wunderman Srl |
Italy |
|
Y&R Group Services Srl |
Italy |
|
Y&R Italia srl (fka Young & Rubicam Italia Srl) |
Italy |
|
Y&R Roma Srl (fka Young & Rubicam Roma Srl) |
Italy |
|
BatesAsia Japan Inc |
Japan |
|
Burson-Marsteller Co Ltd |
Japan |
|
Carl Byoir Japan Ltd |
Japan |
|
David Communications KK |
Japan |
|
Design Direct Japan KK |
Japan |
|
Grey Direct Inc |
Japan |
|
Grey Healthcare Japan Inc |
Japan |
|
Grey Worldwide Inc |
Japan |
|
GroupM KK (fka Maxus Communications KK & Maximise Japan KK) |
Japan |
|
Hill & Knowlton Japan Ltd |
Japan |
|
International Creative Marketing KK |
Japan |
|
J Walter Thompson Japan KK |
Japan |
|
Japan Kantar Research Inc (fka Research International Japan Inc) |
Japan |
|
Logic Inc |
Japan |
|
Mediacom Japan Inc |
Japan |
|
Millward Brown Japan KK |
Japan |
|
MindShare Japan KK |
Japan |
|
Neo@Ogilvy KK |
Japan |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Japan KK |
Japan |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Japan) KK (fka IBI Inc) |
Japan |
|
OgilvyOne Japan KK |
Japan |
|
Red Roof Japan Inc |
Japan |
|
RedWorks Japan KK (fka Vantage Associates Ltd) |
Japan |
|
The Brand Union Japan KK (fka Enterprise IG Japan KK) |
Japan |
|
YK 141 Worldwide |
Japan |
|
Grey Almaty LLP |
Kazakhstan |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Kazakhstan Limited Liability Company |
Kazakhstan |
|
MindShare Kenya Ltd |
Kenya |
|
Ogilvy & Mather (Eastern Africa) Ltd |
Kenya |
|
Research International East Africa Ltd |
Kenya |
|
24/7 Real Media Inc |
Korea |
|
Burson Marsteller Korea Co Ltd |
Korea |
24
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION
UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Burson-Marsteller Korea Inc |
Korea | |
Grey Worldwide Korea Inc. |
Korea | |
JWT Adventure Co Ltd |
Korea | |
Korad Ogilvy & Mather Co Ltd |
Korea | |
KumKng Ogilvy Co Ltd (fka Diamond Ad., Ltd) |
Korea | |
Lee & Jang Co., Ltd |
Korea | |
Milward Brown Media Research Inc (fka Media Research Inc) |
Korea | |
Ogilvy & Mather Korea Ltd |
Korea | |
The Lacek Group, Inc |
Korea | |
Wunderman International Co. Ltd |
Korea | |
JWT LLC (United Arab Emirates) (fka Tihama Al Mona International LLC) |
Kuwait | |
Hill & Knowlton Latvia SIA |
Latvia | |
Mediaedge:CIA Baltic Ltd |
Latvia | |
Grey Beirut |
Lebanon | |
Tihama Al Mona InternationalJ Walter Thompson S.A.R.L |
Lebanon | |
Grey Luxembourg SA |
Luxembourg | |
Luxembourg IFC SA |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Beta Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Beta Three Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Beta Two Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Delta Two Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Europe Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Gamma Four Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Gamma Five Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Gamma Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Gamma Three Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Gamma Two Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Holdings 2003 Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Holdings Eight Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Holdings Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Holdings Seven Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Holdings Six Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Holdings Three Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Holdings Two Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg IH2001 Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Square LLC Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Theta Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg Union Square Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg US Holdings Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
WPP Luxembourg YMC Sarl |
Luxembourg | |
J Walter Thompson Company (Malawi) Limited |
Malawi | |
AMS Dorland Integrated Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Art & Magic Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Artistree (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Bates Advertising Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Bates Malaysia Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Batey Retail Sdn Bhd (fka John Hagley Communications Sdn Bhd) |
Malaysia | |
Conquest Marketing Communications Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Dentsu, Young & Rubicam Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Equinox Communications Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Essence Communications Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Fitch Design Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Grey Healthcare Group Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
J Walter Thompson Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia |
25
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Kobs & Draft Asia Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Market Data Solutions Global Consulting Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
MDK Consultants (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Mediacompete Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Mediacompete Singapore Pte Ltd |
Malaysia | |
Mediaedge:cia Malaysia Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
One Four One (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Research International Asia (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Salesplus Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
Underline Design Group (M) Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
XM Expanded Media Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
ZenithOptimedia Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia | |
WPP Holdings (Mauritius) Ltd |
Mauritius | |
141 Worldwide, SA de CV |
Mexico | |
Agencia de Comunicación Interactiva, SA de CV |
Mexico | |
Burson-Marsteller Mexico SRL de CV |
Mexico | |
Compañía Hill & Knowlton México, SA de CV |
Mexico | |
Comunicaciones Connect, SA de CV |
Mexico | |
Dinamica Multiple SA |
Mexico | |
Empresas del Sur, SRL de CV |
Mexico | |
Goldfarb Consultants Mexico, S.A. de C.V. |
Mexico | |
Grey Mexico S.A. De C.V. |
Mexico | |
Greycomex S.A. De C.V. |
Mexico | |
GroupGCI Mexico, S.A de C.V. |
Mexico | |
J Walter Thompson de Mexico S.A. |
Mexico | |
Mercadeo Deportivo de México, SA de CV |
Mexico | |
Millward Brown Mexico SA de CV |
Mexico | |
MindShare de Mexico SA de CV |
Mexico | |
Multidim SA |
Mexico | |
Mystery Shopper Mexico SA de CV |
Mexico | |
Ogilvy & Mather SA |
Mexico | |
Ogilvy RW SA de CV (fka Design Direct SA de CV) |
Mexico | |
Ogilvyinteractive SA de CV |
Mexico | |
OgilvyOne SA |
Mexico | |
Research International SA de CV |
Mexico | |
Servicios de Publicidad Interactivos SA de CV (fka Grey Interactive Mexico SA de CV) |
Mexico | |
Servicios Gráficos del Centro, S.A. de C.V. |
Mexico | |
ShareMind, S.A. de C.V. (fka Soho Square SA de CV, Red Cell, SA de CV & Conquest Comunicacion SA de CV) |
Mexico | |
Tacticum SA de CV |
Mexico | |
The Media Edge S de RL de CV |
Mexico | |
Walter Landor y Asociados, SRL de CV |
Mexico | |
Worldwide Mediacom México, S.A de CV |
Mexico | |
WPP México, SRL de CV |
Mexico | |
Wunderman SRL de CV |
Mexico | |
Young & Rubicam S de RL de CV |
Mexico | |
Grey North Africa Network (Grey Morocco) |
Morocco | |
J Walter Thompson Morocco SARL |
Morocco | |
Thompson Nepal Private Ltd |
Nepal | |
Financial & Media Services (NZ) Ltd |
New Zealand | |
Goldsack Harris Partnership |
New Zealand | |
Grey Global Group New Zealand Ltd |
New Zealand | |
Grey Worldwide New Zealand Ltd. |
New Zealand |
26
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Hill Maximize Ltd |
New Zealand |
|
J Walter Thompson International (NZ) Limited |
New Zealand |
|
Maximize Ltd |
New Zealand |
|
MediaCom (New Zealand) Ltd. |
New Zealand |
|
Millward Brown (New Zealand) Ltd |
New Zealand |
|
PR Dynamics Ltd |
New Zealand |
|
Professional Public Relations NZ Holdings Limited |
New Zealand |
|
Professional Public Relations NZ Ltd |
New Zealand |
|
Research International NZ Ltd |
New Zealand |
|
The Communications Group Ltd (NZ) |
New Zealand |
|
WhizzbangArt (New Zealand) Ltd. |
New Zealand |
|
WPP Holdings (New Zealand) Ltd |
New Zealand |
|
Young & Rubicam (NZ) Ltd |
New Zealand |
|
Young & Rubicam Holdings Ltd |
New Zealand |
|
J Walter Thompson SA |
Nicaragua |
|
Young & Rubicam Nigeria Ltd |
Nigeria |
|
Aqvilo Norway AS |
Norway |
|
Bates Gruppen AS |
Norway |
|
Bates United AS |
Norway |
|
Brindfors Enterprise IG AS |
Norway |
|
Burson-Marsteller AS |
Norway |
|
Gambit Hill & Knowlton AS |
Norway |
|
GCI Monsen AS |
Norway |
|
Grey Worldwide AS |
Norway |
|
GroupM Norway AS |
Norway |
|
Maxus Communications AS |
Norway |
|
Media.com Interactive A/S |
Norway |
|
MediaCom Norge AS |
Norway |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Norway AS |
Norway |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Norway Holdings AS |
Norway |
|
MediaPLUS AS |
Norway |
|
Mindshare Norway AS |
Norway |
|
Ogilvy & Mather AS |
Norway |
|
Research International AS (fka Feedback Research & Consulting AS) |
Norway |
|
Uncle Grey Oslo AS (fka Greyhound Production AS) |
Norway |
|
WPP Norway AS |
Norway |
|
Group M Pakistan (Private) Ltd |
Pakistan |
|
WPP Marketing Communications (Pvt) Ltd |
Pakistan |
|
J Walter Thompson S.A. |
Panama |
|
JWT SA |
Paraguay |
|
Ad-Hoc SA |
Peru |
|
Energia Publicitaria SA |
Peru |
|
GCG Peru SAC |
Peru |
|
MindShare Peru SAC |
Peru |
|
Momentum Ogilvy & Mather SA |
Peru |
|
The Media Edge SA |
Peru |
|
Y&R SA |
Peru |
|
Bates Poland SP Zoo |
Poland |
|
Design Direct Sp z.o.o. |
Poland |
|
Grey Worldwide Warszawa Sp z.o.o |
Poland |
|
Group M Sp.z.o.o. |
Poland |
|
Gruppa 66 Ogilvy Sp zoo |
Poland |
|
GSP Warsaw (fka Argonauts Sp z.o.o. Wrasawa) |
Poland |
|
Guideline Sp.z.o.o |
Poland |
|
Healthworld Sp.z.o.o |
Poland |
27
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
J Walter Thompson Parintex Sp.z.o.o |
Poland | |
Mather Communications Sp.z.o.o |
Poland | |
Maxus Spolka Z.o.o. |
Poland | |
MediacomWarszawa Sp.z.o.o. |
Poland | |
Mediaedge:CIA Sp z.o.o. |
Poland | |
MindShare Polska Sp.Z.o.o. |
Poland | |
Ogilvy & Mather (Poland) Agencja Rekalama Sp z.o.o. |
Poland | |
Ogilvy PR Sp.z.o.o |
Poland | |
OgilvyOne Sp.z.o.o |
Poland | |
Parallel Sp.z.o.o. |
Poland | |
Pentor Research International Poznan SA |
Poland | |
Pentor Research International SA (fka Pentor Instytut Badania Opinii & Rynku S.A) |
Poland | |
Raymond Sp.z.o.o |
Poland | |
SMG/KRC Poland Media Sp.z.o.o |
Poland | |
Soho Square Sp. Z.o.o. (fka 141 Worldwide SP Zoo) |
Poland | |
Testardo Red Cell Sp. Zoo |
Poland | |
Testardo TTL Sp Z.o.o. |
Poland | |
The Media Insight Polska Sp zoo |
Poland | |
Wunderman Polska Sp z.o.o. |
Poland | |
Young & Rubicam Poland Sp z.o.o. |
Poland | |
APPAgencia Portugesa de Producao ACE |
Portugal | |
Bates Red Cell PortugalPublicidade e Marketing SA |
Portugal | |
Easy Media Central de Meios de Publicidade SA |
Portugal | |
FutureCom (Portugal)Marketing, Telemarketing e Sistemas de Informacao Lda |
Portugal | |
Grey Lisboa S.A. |
Portugal | |
GroupM Publicidade Advertising SA |
Portugal | |
J Walter Thompson Publicidade S.A. |
Portugal | |
Media InsightTempo e Meios Publicitarios, Lda |
Portugal | |
Mediacom Iberia Sucursal em Portugal |
Portugal | |
Mediaedge: CIA Servicos Publiciarios SA |
Portugal | |
MindSharePlaneamento e Compra de Tempo e Meios Publicitarios ACE |
Portugal | |
Mindshare IIMeiso Publicitarios, Lda |
Portugal | |
NR Hill & KnowltonNero & Rosendo Consultores SA |
Portugal | |
Ogilvy & Mather, Communicacoe & Imagem, Unipessoal Lda |
Portugal | |
Ogilvy & Mather ActivationSolucoes De Marketing Promocional, Unipessoal Lda |
Portugal | |
Ogilvy & Mather Design, Unipessoal Lda |
Portugal | |
Ogilvy & Mather Portugal Directo Servicos SA |
Portugal | |
Ogilvy & Mather Portugal Publicidade SA |
Portugal | |
Publimeios Publicidade e Distribucao de Meios SA |
Portugal | |
Segarra, Cuesta, Puig, Fernandez de Castro, SL (Portuguese Branch office) |
Portugal | |
Synergy ConnectCommunicacao De Publicidade Interactive, unipessoal Lda |
Portugal | |
The Media Edge Servicos Publicitarios Lda |
Portugal | |
WPP PortugalServicos Partihados, Unipessoal, Lda |
Portugal | |
WPP(Portugal) Sociedade Gestora de Participacoes Sociais Lda |
Portugal | |
Wunderman Cato Johnson (Portugal) Lda |
Portugal | |
Young & Rubicam (Portugal)Sociedade Gestora de Participações Sociais, Unipessoal, Lda |
Portugal | |
Young & Rubicam (Portugal) Publicidade, S. A |
Portugal | |
Group M Puerto Rico Inc. (fka Mediacom Puerto Rico Inc) |
Puerto Rico | |
Hill & Knowlton PR Inc. |
Puerto Rico | |
J Walter Thompson Direct Promotions, Inc. |
Puerto Rico |
28
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
J Walter Thompson Puerto Rico, Inc |
Puerto Rico | |
Mediafax Inc |
Puerto Rico | |
West Indies & Grey Advertising Co Inc |
Puerto Rico | |
Young & Rubicam Puerto Rico Inc |
Puerto Rico | |
Grey Bucuresti Srl |
Romania | |
Mather Communication Srl (FKA Ogvily Public Relations Srl) |
Romania | |
Media Insight Srl |
Romania | |
MediaCom Romania Srl |
Romania | |
MindShare Media Srl |
Romania | |
Ogilvy & Mather Advertising SRL |
Romania | |
OgilvyAction Romania srl (fka 141 Romania SRL) |
Romania | |
OgilvyOne Advertising Srl (fka Red Cell Advertising Romania SRL) |
Romania | |
LLC "Maximise" |
Russia | |
LLC "Mindshare Interaction" |
Russia | |
LLC "Mindshare" |
Russia | |
LLC Ogilvy Propaganda |
Russia | |
Wunderman LLC |
Russia | |
Young & Rubicam FMS LLC |
Russia | |
Arab for Advertising (Grey Saudi Arabia) |
Saudi Arabia | |
Tihama al Mona International Advertising Ltd |
Saudi Arabia | |
Grey d.o.o. Belgrad |
Serbia | |
141 Worldwide Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Bates 141 Pte Ltd (fka One Four One Design Pte Ltd) |
Singapore | |
Bates 141 Singapore Pte. Ltd. (fka Bates Indochina Pte Ltd) |
Singapore | |
Bates Singapore Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Batey (Pte) Ltd |
Singapore | |
Batey Holdings Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Batey Public Relations Marketing Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Batey Retail Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Blue Interactive Marketing Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Burson-Marstelller (Sea) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Carl Byoir (SEA) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Carlyle Brands Consultant Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
CIA Pacific Singapore Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Cybersoft OgilvyInteractive Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
David Communications Group Pte Ltd (fka Net X Ogilvy Interactive Pte Ltd) |
Singapore | |
Demand Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Dentsu Young & Rubicam Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Fitch Design Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Grey Global Group : SEA Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Grey Global Group Singapore Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
GroupM Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd ( fka Mediaedge:CIA Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd) |
Singapore | |
GroupM Singapore Pte Ltd (fka CIA Medianetwork Singapore Pte Ltd) |
Singapore | |
Hill & Knowlton (SEA) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
IMRB Millward Brown International Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
J Walter Thompson (Singapore) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Landor Associates Designers & Consultants Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Ogilvy & Mather (Singapore) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Ogilvy & Mather Creative Services (S) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Ogilvy & Mather Promotions (S) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
OgilvyOne (S) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Ogvily & Mather Public Relations (S) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Redworks (Singapore) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Research International Asia Pte Ltd |
Singapore |
29
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
SpafaxAirline Network (Singapore) Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Spring Design Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
The Brand Union Pte Ltd (fka Enterprise IG Pte Ltd) |
Singapore | |
WPP Singapore Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Wunderman Asia Holdings Pte Ltd (fka Impiric Asia Holdings Pte Ltd) |
Singapore | |
Wunderman Singapore Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
XM Asia Pacific Pte Ltd |
Singapore | |
Creo/Young & Rubicam s.r.o |
Slovak Republic | |
MediaCom Bratislava s.r.o. |
Slovak Republic | |
Mediaedge:cia Slovak Republic s.r.o |
Slovak Republic | |
Mindshare Slovakia s.r.o. |
Slovak Republic | |
Grey Ljubijana Agencija za truze kommunique d.o.o. |
Slovenia | |
Aqua Online (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Bates 141 (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
BLGK Bates (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) |
South Africa | |
Enterprise Identity Group (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Glendinning Management Consultants South Africa (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
GrappelGroup 141 (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Grey Group South Africa (Proprietary) Ltd. |
South Africa | |
GroupM Media South Africa (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Hamilton Russell South Africa (Proprietary) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Interactive Edge (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
J Walter Thompson Cape Town (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
J Walter Thompson Company (CT) Pty Ltd |
South Africa | |
J Walter Thompson Company (JHB) Pty Ltd |
South Africa | |
J Walter Thompson South Africa (Proprietary) Ltd |
South Africa | |
J Walter Thompson South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
KSDP Group (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
KSDP Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
KSDP Pentagraph (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
KSDPBrandafrica (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Mediacompete (Proprietary) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Mediaedge:CIA (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Millward Brown (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
MindShare South Africa (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Nota Bene Media Planning Agency (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Quickstep 394 (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Research International (South Africa) (Proprietary) Ltd |
South Africa | |
The Added Value Group (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Thompson Connect (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa | |
WPP Memza Holding Pty Ltd (fka Y&R RSA Holdings Pty Ltd) |
South Africa | |
Young & Rubicam Holdings (SA) (Proprietary) Ltd |
South Africa | |
Young & Rubicam South Africa Pty Ltd |
South Africa | |
AbrinicioPublicidade e Comunucacao Lda |
Spain | |
Ad Hoc SL (fka Adhoc Young and Rubicam SL) |
Spain | |
Added Value Planners SL |
Spain | |
Adhoc Share Holdings SL |
Spain | |
Agora GCI Barcelona SL |
Spain | |
Atletico International Advertising SL |
Spain | |
Bassat Ogilvy Comunicacion SL (fka Bassat Ogilvy Consejeros de Comunicacion SL ) |
Spain | |
Bassat, Ogilvy & Mather Barcelona SA |
Spain | |
Bassat, Ogilvy & Mather Madrid SA |
Spain | |
Bates International Advertising SL |
Spain | |
Beaumont Bennett Madrid SA |
Spain |
30
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Beaumont Bennett SA (Barcelona) |
Spain |
|
Boole Relaciones Inteligentes con Clientes SL |
Spain |
|
BSB Publicidad Asturias SL |
Spain |
|
BSB Publicidad SA |
Spain |
|
BSB Publicidad Tenerife SL |
Spain |
|
Burson-Marsteller SL (fka B-M S.A.) |
Spain |
|
CBa Graell Design SL |
Spain |
|
Centro de Investigacion y Compra de Medios SL |
Spain |
|
CIMEC Millward Brown SL |
Spain |
|
Comunicacion y Servicio Consultores de Marketing y Publicidad SL |
Spain |
|
Contacto Total SL |
Spain |
|
Cordiant Advertising Holding SA |
Spain |
|
Customer Focus SL |
Spain |
|
Delvico 2IN SL |
Spain |
|
Delvico Communications (fka Delvico Red Cell SL and Delvico Bates SA) |
Spain |
|
Digital Bates SL |
Spain |
|
Enterprise IG Brand Agency SL |
Spain |
|
Espacio Direct CGT SL |
Spain |
|
Espacios en Medios SL |
Spain |
|
Estudio Graphic Line SL (fka Graell Graphic Line SL) |
Spain |
|
Expansion de Ventas SL |
Spain |
|
Focus Media SA |
Spain |
|
Futurecom Imagination Spain SL |
Spain |
|
GMBG Holdings Spain SL |
Spain |
|
Grey Direct SA |
Spain |
|
Grey Espana SA |
Spain |
|
Grey Iberia SL |
Spain |
|
Grey Trace SA |
Spain |
|
Group M Publicidad Worldwide SA |
Spain |
|
Healthworld Espana SL |
Spain |
|
Hill & Knowlton Espana SA |
Spain |
|
Icon Marketing y Consultoria SA |
Spain |
|
Indesca Research International SA |
Spain |
|
J Walter Thompson SA |
Spain |
|
Kantya Estrategias de Marca SA (fka Formula M&E S.A.) |
Spain |
|
Loyalty Network SL |
Spain |
|
Madrid Redes de Campo SA |
Spain |
|
Mass Media Station SA |
Spain |
|
MEC Interaction Worldwide SL |
Spain |
|
MEC Sponsorship Worldwide SL |
Spain |
|
Mediacom Iberia SA |
Spain |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Mediterranea SA |
Spain |
|
Mediaedge:CIA, SL |
Spain |
|
Mediasur Agencia De Medios SA |
Spain |
|
Millward Brown Spain SA |
Spain |
|
Mindshare Spain SA |
Spain |
|
MR John Sample, SL (fka Dogma Scpf Iberia SL) |
Spain |
|
Ogilvy Action SA (fka Mark Line SA) |
Spain |
|
Ogilvy Action SA(fka Mark Line BCN SA) |
Spain |
|
Ogilvy Healthworld Barcelona SA (fka Ogilvy Healthcare SA) |
Spain |
|
Ogilvy Interactive SA |
Spain |
|
OgilvyOne Data Services SA |
Spain |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide SA |
Spain |
|
PRISM Iberoamericana SL |
Spain |
|
Real Media Spain SA |
Spain |
31
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Red Cell Spain SA |
Spain |
|
Red de Medios SA |
Spain |
|
Red Shots, SL (fka Play Films Centro de Producciones SL) |
Spain |
|
RMG Connect SA (fka Asesores de Comunicacion y Publicidad Thompson SA) |
Spain |
|
Segurra Cuesta Puig Fernandez De Castro SL (SCPF ) |
Spain |
|
Tapsa Agencia de Publicidad SL |
Spain |
|
Tapsa Barcelona Agencia de Publicidad SL |
Spain |
|
Technical Full Marketing SL |
Spain |
|
Tempus Media Holding SL |
Spain |
|
Ulmara SL |
Spain |
|
Unimedia Central de Medios SA |
Spain |
|
Valverde de Miquel & Dorland SL |
Spain |
|
Vinizius Y&R SL |
Spain |
|
Vizcaino Lara SA (fka Senora Rushmore United SA) |
Spain |
|
WPP Holdings Spain SA |
Spain |
|
Wunderman SL |
Spain |
|
Young & Rubicam SL (fka Y&R S.A.) |
Spain |
|
Batey Public Relations Marketing Pvt Ltd |
Sri Lanka |
|
J. Walter Thompson Private Ltd |
Sri Lanka |
|
Phoenix O&M (Pvt) Ltd |
Sri Lanka |
|
AB Frigga |
Sweden |
|
Adaptus International Stockholm AB |
Sweden |
|
Adrians Perch AB |
Sweden |
|
Aqvilo Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
Bates Red Cell Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
Becker Spielvogel Bates Goteborg AB |
Sweden |
|
BG Intressenter 1997 AB |
Sweden |
|
Brando Design A.B. |
Sweden |
|
Brindfors Enterprise IG AB |
Sweden |
|
Burson-Marsteller AB |
Sweden |
|
Cronert & Co AB |
Sweden |
|
Fitch Helsingborg AB |
Sweden |
|
G2 Stockholm AB (fka Grey Synchronised Partners AB) |
Sweden |
|
GCG Media Communications Holding AB |
Sweden |
|
GCI Rinfo AB |
Sweden |
|
GCI Rinfo Göteborg AB |
Sweden |
|
GCI Rinfogruppen AB |
Sweden |
|
Grey Direkt AB |
Sweden |
|
Grey Global Group Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
Grey Holdings AB |
Sweden |
|
Grey Reklambyra i Malmo AB |
Sweden |
|
Grey Worldwide Stockholm AB |
Sweden |
|
Group M AB |
Sweden |
|
Hall & Cederquist/Young & Rubicam AB |
Sweden |
|
Halson Partners AB |
Sweden |
|
Hill & Knowlton Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
J. Walter Thompson Oresund AB |
Sweden |
|
KGM Datadistribution AB |
Sweden |
|
Maxus Communications AB (fka Inserator AB) |
Sweden |
|
MBP Outcom AB |
Sweden |
|
Media Insikt AB |
Sweden |
|
Media Support Scandanavian AB |
Sweden |
|
Mediabroker AB |
Sweden |
|
Mediacom Nordic AB |
Sweden |
32
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Mediacommunication Öresund AB |
Sweden |
|
Mediacommunications Göteborg AB |
Sweden |
|
Mediacommunications Services AB |
Sweden |
|
Mediacommunications Stockholm AB |
Sweden |
|
Mediaedge:cia AB |
Sweden |
|
Mediaedge:cia Content AB (fka Mediaedge:CIA Sweden Direct AB) |
Sweden |
|
Mediaedge:cia Nordic AB (fka Mediaedge:CIA Sweden Holdings AB) |
Sweden |
|
Mediaedge:cia Radiokonsulterna AB |
Sweden |
|
Mediaedge:cia Sweden HB |
Sweden |
|
Mindshare BroadMind Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
Mindshare Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
Moller Mortensen Annonsbyra AB |
Sweden |
|
Navigare Medical Marketing Research AB |
Sweden |
|
O&A Purchaser AB |
Sweden |
|
Observera Grey Annonsbyrå AB |
Sweden |
|
Ogilvy Activation AB (fka Ogilvy Action & Events AB) |
Sweden |
|
Ogilvy Advertising AB |
Sweden |
|
Ogilvy Nordic AB (fka Ogilvy Events AB) |
Sweden |
|
Ogilvy Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide AB |
Sweden |
|
Ogvily Group AB |
Sweden |
|
Ogvily PR AB (fka Pirho Externae och externa relationet A.B.) |
Sweden |
|
Old Bates AB |
Sweden |
|
Outrider Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
Promedia AB |
Sweden |
|
PS International AB |
Sweden |
|
Real Media Scandinavia AB |
Sweden |
|
Research International AB |
Sweden |
|
Scan Partner Goteberg AB |
Sweden |
|
SIFO International AB |
Sweden |
|
Sifo Management Group AB |
Sweden |
|
SIFO Sweden AB(fka SIFO Nordic Monitor AB) |
Sweden |
|
Stenstrom & Co Annonsbrya AB |
Sweden |
|
Storecom AB |
Sweden |
|
Tidningsstatistik AB |
Sweden |
|
WPP Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
Wunderman Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
Young & Rubicam Sweden AB |
Sweden |
|
24/7 Real Media Europe Holding SA |
Switzerland |
|
24/7 Real Media Technology SA |
Switzerland |
|
Advico Young & Rubicam AG |
Switzerland |
|
All Access AG |
Switzerland |
|
Burson-Marsteller AG (fka Jaggi Burson-Marsteller Zurich) |
Switzerland |
|
Dr Schlegel Pharmamarketing AG |
Switzerland |
|
FutureCom Interactive AG |
Switzerland |
|
Grey Worldwide AG |
Switzerland |
|
Guye Benker Werbeagentur AG |
Switzerland |
|
J Walter Thompson (Zurich) AG |
Switzerland |
|
Landor Associates (Switzerland) Sarl |
Switzerland |
|
MC Media Company AG |
Switzerland |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Switzerland AG |
Switzerland |
|
Mindshare AG |
Switzerland |
|
Ogilvy & Mather AG (fka Grendene Ogilvy & Mather AG) |
Switzerland |
|
Ogilvy PR AG |
Switzerland |
|
Red Cell AG |
Switzerland |
33
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Wunderman AG |
Switzerland |
|
Y&R Business Communications S.A. |
Switzerland |
|
Young & Rubicam Holding AG (fka RBK Holding AG) |
Switzerland |
|
Bates Taiwan Co Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
Batey Ads (Taiwan) Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
David Advertising (Taiwan) Co. Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
Dentsu Young & Rubicam Co Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
G2 Taiwan Co Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
Mediaedge:cia Taiwan Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
Ogilvy & Mather (Taiwan) Co Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Direct (Taiwan) Co Ltd (fka Ogilvy One Taiwan Co Ltd) |
Taiwan |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Identity Management Limited |
Taiwan |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Co Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
Team-Mate Marketing Development & Services Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
Teledirect Taiwan Ltd |
Taiwan |
|
141 (Thailand) Co. Ltd |
Thailand |
|
141 Worldwide Ltd |
Thailand |
|
Bates (Thailand) Co. Ltd |
Thailand |
|
Conquest Communicatons Co Ltd. |
Thailand |
|
Contract Advertising (Thailand) Co. Ltd |
Thailand |
|
Dentsu Young & Rubicam Ltd |
Thailand |
|
Enterprise IG Limited |
Thailand |
|
Glendinning Management Consultants (Asia Pacific) Ltd |
Thailand |
|
Grey Direct Ltd |
Thailand |
|
Grey Thailand Ltd. |
Thailand |
|
MDK Consultants (Thailand) Ltd |
Thailand |
|
MediaCom Ltd |
Thailand |
|
Milward Brown Firefly Ltd (fka Firefly Ltd) |
Thailand |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Limited |
Thailand |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide Limited |
Thailand |
|
Research International Asia (Thailand) Ltd |
Thailand |
|
WBA Ltd |
Thailand |
|
WPP (Thailand) Ltd |
Thailand |
|
WPP Marketing Communications (Thailand) Ltd |
Thailand |
|
J Walter Thompson (Tunisia) Limited |
Tunisia |
|
Capitol U.BI. Reklamcilik AS |
Turkey |
|
Grey Worldwide Istanbul Reklamcilik Ltd Sti |
Turkey |
|
MediaCom Istanbul Medya Hizmetleri LTD Sti |
Turkey |
|
Milward Brown Pazar Arastirmalari Tic.LTd. Sti |
Turkey |
|
Mindshare Medya Yonetimi AS |
Turkey |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Recklamcilik AS |
Turkey |
|
Ogilvy One Doğrudan Pazarlama A.S. |
Turkey |
|
Ogilyvy Healthworld Reklamcilik Hizmetleri A.S. (fka On Ogilvy Healthcare AS) |
Turkey |
|
Studyo Reklamcilik Sanayi ve Ticaret LTD Sti |
Turkey |
|
TME Medya Hizmetleri Tanitim LTD Sti |
Turkey |
|
Young & Rubicam Reklamevi Reklamcilik LTD Sti |
Turkey |
|
gsFitch FZ LLC |
UAE |
|
J Walter Thompson LLC |
UAE |
|
141 Blue Skies Ltd |
UK |
|
24/7 Real Media UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Added Value Group Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Added Value Ltd |
UK |
|
Addison Corporate Marketing Ltd |
UK |
|
Addison Investments Ltd |
UK |
34
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
All Global Limited |
UK |
|
Allan Burrows Ltd |
UK |
|
Alton Wire Products Ltd |
UK |
|
Ambassador Square |
UK |
|
Artwork Direct Ltd |
UK |
|
Asset Marketing Ltd |
UK |
|
Atlas Advertising Ltd |
UK |
|
Automotive Marketing Ltd |
UK |
|
B1 Media Ltd |
UK |
|
B1.com Ltd |
UK |
|
Bamber Forsyth Ltd |
UK |
|
Banner Corporation plc |
UK |
|
Banner Public Relations Ltd |
UK |
|
Bates Communications Ltd |
UK |
|
Bates Europe Ltd |
UK |
|
Bates Healthcom Ltd |
UK |
|
Bates Integrated Communications Ltd |
UK |
|
Bates Overseas Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
BDG MCCOLL LIMITED |
UK |
|
BDG Workfutures Ltd |
UK |
|
Beaumont Square |
UK |
|
Belgrave Square |
UK |
|
Bisqit Design Ltd |
UK |
|
BJK & E Media Ltd |
UK |
|
BJK&E Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Black Cat Direct Ltd |
UK |
|
Black Cat RMG Connect Ltd |
UK |
|
Blanc & Otus (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
Blue Interactive Marketing Pty Ltd |
UK |
|
BMRB Limited |
UK |
|
Bone Studio Ltd |
UK |
|
Brand Ambition Ltd |
UK |
|
Brilliant Books Ltd |
UK |
|
Buchanan Communications Ltd |
UK |
|
Bulletin International Ltd |
UK |
|
Bulletin International UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Burson-Marsteller Ltd |
UK |
|
Business Design Group McColl Ltd |
UK |
|
Business Planning & Research Ltd |
UK |
|
Campaign Planning Ltd |
UK |
|
Carl Byoir (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
CCG.XM (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
CCG.XM Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Cheetham Bell JWT Ltd |
UK |
|
CIA Media Solutions Ltd |
UK |
|
CIA Medianetwork Ireland Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
CIA Scotland Ltd |
UK |
|
City & Corporate Counsel Ltd |
UK |
|
Clarion Communications (Corporate PR) Ltd |
UK |
|
Clarion Communications (PR) Ltd |
UK |
|
Cockpit Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Cockpit Two Ltd |
UK |
|
Cohn & Wolfe Ltd |
UK |
|
Coley Porter Bell Ltd |
UK |
|
Colwood Healthworld Ltd |
UK |
35
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Communique Public Relations Ltd |
UK |
|
Conference Technical Facilities Ltd |
UK |
|
Connect Five Ltd |
UK |
|
Connect One Ltd |
UK |
|
Connect Six Ltd |
UK |
|
Conquest Creative Services Ltd |
UK |
|
Conquest Media Ltd |
UK |
|
Cordiant Communications Group Ltd |
UK |
|
Cordiant Communications Group Trustrees Ltd |
UK |
|
Cordiant Group Ltd |
UK |
|
Cordiant Overseas Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Cordiant Pension Trustee Company Ltd |
UK |
|
Cordiant Property Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Cordiant US Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Cortursel Ltd |
UK |
|
Creative Services Unit Ltd |
UK |
|
Credit Call Research |
UK |
|
Decide Interactive UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Deckchair Studio Ltd |
UK |
|
Dialogue Marketing Partnership Ltd |
UK |
|
Dickens Square |
UK |
|
Digital Artwork & Reprographic Technology Ltd |
UK |
|
DigitLondon Ltd |
UK |
|
Dovetail Contract Furniture Ltd |
UK |
|
Dr Puttner & Bates Ltd |
UK |
|
Dynamiclogic (Europe) Limited |
UK |
|
Eaton Square Ltd |
UK |
|
Enduring Organisation |
UK |
|
Enduring Organisation Three |
UK |
|
Enduring Organisation Two |
UK |
|
Enterprise IG Brand Experience Ltd |
UK |
|
Enterprise IG UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Enterprisebabe Ltd |
UK |
|
Eurocrew Limited |
UK |
|
Everystone Limited (fka Pfour Consultancy Limited) |
UK |
|
EWA Ltd |
UK |
|
FAST4WD OGILVY LIMITED |
UK |
|
Finsbury Ltd |
UK |
|
Finsbury.com Ltd |
UK |
|
Fipra EU Ltd |
UK |
|
FIPRA UK Limited |
UK |
|
Fitch Design Consultants Ltd |
UK |
|
Fitch International Ltd |
UK |
|
Fitch Live Limited (fka PCI Fitch Limited) |
UK |
|
Fitch Ltd |
UK |
|
Fitch Worldwide Ltd |
UK |
|
FITCH: Qatar Ltd |
UK |
|
Flamingo Perspectives Ltd |
UK |
|
Flexible Organisation |
UK |
|
Forsters Shelfco 50 Ltd |
UK |
|
Forward Data Management Ltd |
UK |
|
Forward Ltd |
UK |
|
Forward Publishing Agency Ltd |
UK |
|
Forward Publishing Ltd |
UK |
|
Foster Turner & Benson Ltd |
UK |
36
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
G2 Branding and Design Limited |
UK |
|
Garrott Dorland Crawford Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Genesis Studios Limited |
UK |
|
Glendinning Management Consultants Ltd |
UK |
|
Global Sportnet UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Goldfarb Consultants UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Goldfarb Focus Ltd |
UK |
|
Group Activation Ltd (fka Bates UK Ltd) |
UK |
|
Group M UK Ltd |
UK |
|
GT London Ltd (fka Good Technology Ltd) |
UK |
|
Harrison Patten Troughton Ltd |
UK |
|
Headcount Worldwide Field Marketing Ltd |
UK |
|
Headlight Vision Ltd |
UK |
|
Healthworld Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Healthworld UK Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Henley Centre Headlight Vision Limited |
UK |
|
Henley Centre Research Consultants Ltd |
UK |
|
Hereford Telecommunications |
UK |
|
Hill & Knowlton CIS Ltd |
UK |
|
Hill & Knowlton Ltd |
UK |
|
Hive Management Services Ltd |
UK |
|
Horizon Video Ltd |
UK |
|
HP:ICM Ltd |
UK |
|
Icon Brand Navigation UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Icon Business Consulting (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
Icon Holdings (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
Incline Media Ltd |
UK |
|
Intact Ltd |
UK |
|
International Presentations Ltd |
UK |
|
Interstar Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
i-syt Ltd |
UK |
|
J Walter Thompson Company (Manchester) Ltd |
UK |
|
J Walter Thompson Company Ltd |
UK |
|
J Walter Thompson Group Ltd |
UK |
|
J Walter Thompson Trustees Ltd |
UK |
|
J Walter Thompson UK Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
JWT Specialized Communications Ltd |
UK |
|
Kingsway Media Services Ltd |
UK |
|
Lambie-Nairn & Company Ltd |
UK |
|
Landor Associates Europe Ltd |
UK |
|
Lighthouse Holdings (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
Lightspeed Research Ltd |
UK |
|
Line Exchange Ltd |
UK |
|
M101 Ltd (fka Mindshare 3 Ltd) |
UK |
|
Management Ventures Europe Ltd |
UK |
|
Mando Corporation Ltd |
UK |
|
Mando Services Ltd (fka Mando Insurance Services Ltd) |
UK |
|
Market Research Bureau Group Limited |
UK |
|
Marplan Ltd |
UK |
|
Marsteller Advertising Ltd |
UK |
|
Mass-Observation (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
Mass-Observation Ltd |
UK |
|
Mather Communications Ltd (fka Universal Investment & Trading Company Ltd) |
UK |
|
Matthew Poppy Advertising Ltd |
UK |
37
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Media Insight Ltd |
UK |
|
Media Solutions Group Ltd |
UK |
|
Mediaedge: CIA International Investments Ltd |
UK |
|
Mediaedge:CIA (UK) Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Mediaedge:CIA International Ltd |
UK |
|
Mediaedge:CIA UK Investments Ltd |
UK |
|
Mediaedge:CIA UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Mediaedge:CIA Worldwide Ltd (fka CIA Europe Holdings Ltd) |
UK |
|
Metro Broadcast Ltd |
UK |
|
Metro Ecosse Ltd |
UK |
|
Milburn Finance Ltd |
UK |
|
Millward Brown Market Research Ltd |
UK |
|
Millward Brown Precis Ltd |
UK |
|
Millward Brown UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Millward Brown Ulster Limited |
UK |
|
Milton Marketing Group Ltd |
UK |
|
Milton Marketing Ltd |
UK |
|
Milton Public Relations Ltd |
UK |
|
Mindshare Media UK Ltd |
UK |
|
MJM Creative Services UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Mone Ltd |
UK |
|
Mortimer Square Ltd |
UK |
|
MRB Research Group Ltd |
UK |
|
MRB Research Ltd |
UK |
|
Newcrosse Ltd |
UK |
|
North Kent Plastic Cages Ltd |
UK |
|
Nylon Marketing Communications Ltd |
UK |
|
O&M Europe Ltd |
UK |
|
Oakley, Young Associates Ltd |
UK |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Advertising Ltd |
UK |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Group (Holdings) Ltd (fka The Ogilvy Group (Holdings) Ltd) |
UK |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Partners Ltd |
UK |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Public Relations Ltd |
UK |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Teleservices Ltd (fka OgilvyOne Teleservices Ltd ) |
UK |
|
Ogilvy 4D Ltd (f.k.a 4D Communications Ltd) |
UK |
|
Ogilvy Adams & Rhinehart Limited |
UK |
|
Ogilvy Advertising Ltd (fka Ogilvy & Mather Ltd) |
UK |
|
Ogilvy Health PR Ltd (fka Shire Health PR Ltd) |
UK |
|
Ogilvy Healthworld Advertising |
UK |
|
Ogilvy Healthworld UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Ogilvy Interactive Ltd |
UK |
|
Ogilvy Primary Contact Ltd |
UK |
|
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Limited |
UK |
|
OgilvyOne Dataservices Ltd |
UK |
|
OgilvyOne Ltd |
UK |
|
OgilvyOne Teleservices Ltd |
UK |
|
OgilvyOne Worldwide Ltd |
UK |
|
OHAL Ltd |
UK |
|
Optitech Ltd |
UK |
|
Outdoor Focus Ltd |
UK |
|
Outrider Ltd |
UK |
|
P Four Consultancy Limited |
UK |
|
PCI:Live Ltd |
UK |
|
PDM Communications Ltd |
UK |
|
Peacock Services Ltd |
UK |
38
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Permanent Organisation |
UK |
|
Permanent Organisation Two |
UK |
|
Piranhakid Communications Ltd |
UK |
|
Premiere Consultants Ltd |
UK |
|
Premiere Elite Ltd |
UK |
|
Premiere Group Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Premiere Licensing Ltd |
UK |
|
Premiere Management Ltd |
UK |
|
Premiere Recruitment Ltd |
UK |
|
Premiere Sponsorship Marketing Ltd |
UK |
|
Premiere Television Ltd |
UK |
|
Promotional Campaigns Ltd |
UK |
|
Promotional Studios Ltd |
UK |
|
Prophaven Ltd |
UK |
|
Propose Two Ltd |
UK |
|
PSD Associates Ltd |
UK |
|
Public Relations and International Sports Marketing Ltd |
UK |
|
Public StrategiesGlobal Limited |
UK |
|
QCI Assessment Ltd |
UK |
|
Rainey Kelly Cambell Roalfe Trustees Ltd |
UK |
|
Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe Ltd |
UK |
|
Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Young and Rubicam Ltd |
UK |
|
Readysquare Ltd |
UK |
|
Readysquare Two Ltd |
UK |
|
Red Cell Scotland Ltd |
UK |
|
Refrigeration (Bournemouth) Ltd |
UK |
|
Research International Group Ltd |
UK |
|
Research International Ltd |
UK |
|
Research Resources Ltd |
UK |
|
RI UK |
UK |
|
RMG:Black Cat Ltd |
UK |
|
RMG:Connect Ltd |
UK |
|
RMS Instore Ltd (fka Touchstone Contact Strategies Ltd) |
UK |
|
ROCQM Ltd |
UK |
|
Rodney Fitch International Design Consultants Ltd |
UK |
|
Sadek Wynberg Millward Brown Ltd |
UK |
|
Sampson Tyrrell Corporate Marketing Ltd |
UK |
|
Scott Stern Associates Ltd |
UK |
|
Scott Stern Ltd |
UK |
|
Secure Two Ltd |
UK |
|
SGA Research International Limited |
UK |
|
SH Benson (India) Ltd |
UK |
|
SH Benson International Ltd |
UK |
|
Sharpen Troughton Owens Response Ltd |
UK |
|
Showcase Placements (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
SJS Management Services Ltd |
UK |
|
Softmedia Ltd |
UK |
|
Sonic Sun Ltd |
UK |
|
Spafax Airline Network Ltd |
UK |
|
Squash DVD Limited |
UK |
|
Staffordshire Holloware Ltd |
UK |
|
Steam Digital Artwork Systems Ltd |
UK |
|
Stickleback Ltd |
UK |
|
Sudler & Hennessey Ltd |
UK |
|
TBU Holdings Ltd |
UK |
39
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Ted Bates Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Telephone Interviewing Centre (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
Tempest Online Marketing Ltd |
UK |
|
Tempus Group Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Tempus Group Ltd |
UK |
|
Tempus Media Technologies Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
Tempus Partners Ltd |
UK |
|
The Blue Skies Agency |
UK |
|
The Brand Union Holdings Ltd (fka The Information Design Unit Ltd) |
UK |
|
The Brand Union Ltd (fka Enterprise IG Ltd) |
UK |
|
The Brand Union Worldwide Ltd (fka Enterprise IG Worldwide Ltd) |
UK |
|
The Clever Group Ltd |
UK |
|
The Clinic Productions Ltd |
UK |
|
The Decision Shop Ltd |
UK |
|
The Farm Post Production Ltd |
UK |
|
The Food Group Ltd |
UK |
|
The Jack Morton Company Ltd |
UK |
|
The Marketing Consultancy Ltd |
UK |
|
The OgilvyOne Connections Group Ltd |
UK |
|
The Partners (Design Consultants) Ltd |
UK |
|
Thistleclub Ltd |
UK |
|
TMC International Ltd |
UK |
|
TonicHealth |
UK |
|
Tutssels Enterprise IG Ltd |
UK |
|
Tyrell Corporation Ltd |
UK |
|
Ultimate Events Ltd |
UK |
|
Ultimate Square |
UK |
|
Uncle Post Production Ltd |
UK |
|
United London Communications Ltd |
UK |
|
Voluntarily United Creative Agencies Ltd |
UK |
|
Warwicks UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Watershed Studio Ltd |
UK |
|
Wessenden Products Ltd |
UK |
|
Westbourne Terrace Management Services Ltd |
UK |
|
WG Consulting Healthcare Ltd (fka Brand Palace Limited) |
UK |
|
Wire & Plastic Products Ltd |
UK |
|
Wise Conclusion |
UK |
|
WPP 1177 |
UK |
|
WPP 1178 Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP 2005 Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP 2318 Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP 2323 Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP 2709 Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP AMC Holdings |
UK |
|
WPP ATTICUS (fka WPP Dotcom Holdings (Nine) |
UK |
|
WPP Beans Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Brandz (fka WPP Dotcom Holdings (Eighteen)) |
UK |
|
WPP CAP Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Compete (fka WPP 2177 Ltd) |
UK |
|
WPP Consulting Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP CP Finance plc |
UK |
|
WPP Direct Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (eight) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Eleven) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Fifteen) |
UK |
40
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Five) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Four) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Fourteen) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Nineteen) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (One) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Seven) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Seventeen) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Six) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Sixteen) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Ten) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Thirteen) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Three) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Twelve) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Twenty) |
UK |
|
WPP Dotcom Holdings (Two) |
UK |
|
WPP Dutch Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Enterprise Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Finance (UK) |
UK |
|
WPP Finance Co Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Flame |
UK |
|
WPP Global |
UK |
|
WPP Group (Nominees) Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Group (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Group Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP GUSA UK |
UK |
|
WPP Headline |
UK |
|
WPP India Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Insight Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Investments Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP James Holdings Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Jargon Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Knowledge |
UK |
|
WPP LN Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Magic Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Marketing Communications Holdings Ltd (fka Noho Digital Ltd) |
UK |
|
WPP Marketing Communications Spain Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Montreal Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Netherlands plc |
UK |
|
WPP No. 2337 Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP No. 2356 Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP North Atlantic Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Ottawa Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Pearls Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Phoenix 2004 |
UK |
|
WPP Phoenix Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Phoenix Two Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Predictions |
UK |
|
WPP Rasor UK |
UK |
|
WPP Rocky Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Spangle |
UK |
|
WPP Sparkle Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Sparky Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Spike Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Unicorn Ltd |
UK |
|
WPP Vancouver Ltd |
UK |
41
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
Wpp.com Ltd |
UK |
|
Wunderman Ltd |
UK |
|
XM |
UK |
|
XMSS Ltd |
UK |
|
Yes Solutions UK Ltd |
UK |
|
Young & Rubicam Development (Holdings) Ltd |
UK |
|
Young & Rubicam Europe Ltd |
UK |
|
Young & Rubicam Group Ltd |
UK |
|
Young & Rubicam Holdings (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
Young & Rubicam Investments |
UK |
|
Beaumont Bennett Ltd. |
UK |
|
Beyond Interactive Limited |
UK |
|
Chelsea Market Research Ltd. |
UK |
|
Creative Strategy Ltd |
UK |
|
Darwin - Grey Ltd |
UK |
|
Darwin Scientific Publishing Limited |
UK |
|
Direct MediaCom Ltd |
UK |
|
DirectCom Ltd |
UK |
|
Ecumedia Ltd |
UK |
|
EuroClearing Ltd |
UK |
|
G2 Data Dynamics Ltd (fka MDS Global Consulting Ltd) |
UK |
|
G2 Interactive Limited (fka Grey Interactive Services Ltd) |
UK |
|
GCI Financial (Holdings) Limited |
UK |
|
GCI Financial Group Limited |
UK |
|
GCI Group Ltd |
UK |
|
GCI Healthcare Ltd |
UK |
|
GCI Jane Howard Ltd |
UK |
|
GCI London Ltd |
UK |
|
GCI UK Limited |
UK |
|
Grey Advertising Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Communications Group Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Direct Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Entertainment and Media Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Europe Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey GB Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Global Group (UK) Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Group Services Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Healthcare London Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Interactive Europe Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey London Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Midlands Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Network Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey NT Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey PTK Advertising Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Technology Services Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Worldwide Ltd |
UK |
|
GreyCom Ltd |
UK |
|
Healthy People Ltd |
UK |
|
Hilton Advertising Ltd |
UK |
|
JoshuaG2 Ltd |
UK |
|
MediaCom Group Ltd (fka The Media Business Group plc) |
UK |
|
MediaCom Holdings Ltd (fka MediaCom TMBG Ltd) |
UK |
|
Mediacom North Ltd |
UK |
|
Mediacom Scotland Ltd (fka MediaCom Scotland TMB Ltd) |
UK |
42
WPP GROUP PLC
SUBSIDIARIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007
NAME |
JURISDICTION UNDER WHICH ORGANIZED |
|
MediaCom UK Ltd (fka The Media Business Ltd) |
UK |
|
Mellors Reay & Partners Ltd |
UK |
|
Mind Over Media Ltd |
UK |
|
Module Communications Group Ltd |
UK |
|
Moonraid Ltd |
UK |
|
Outdoor MediaCom Ltd |
UK |
|
Phase V Communications Ltd (fka Module Hardware Sales Ltd) |
UK |
|
RWG Ltd |
UK |
|
Sponsorcom Ltd |
UK |
|
Sterling Public Relations Ltd (fka derinton ltd) |
UK |
|
Telebingo Ltd |
UK |
|
The Art Company (Creative Services) Ltd |
UK |
|
The Brand Futures Consultancy Ltd (fka Grey Brand Futures Ltd) |
UK |
|
The Media Business Ltd (fka MediaCom UK Ltd) |
UK |
|
The Poster Business Ltd |
UK |
|
The Sponsorship Business Ltd |
UK |
|
Grey Kiev |
UK |
|
Ogilvy Group Ltd (fka Ogilvy & Mather Ltd) |
Ukraine |
|
Young & Rubicam Ukraine LLC |
Ukraine |
|
Despatch S.A. |
Ukraine |
|
J. Walter Thompson Uruguaya S.A. |
Uruguay |
|
Young & Rubicam S.A. |
Uruguay |
|
Burson Marsteller de Venezuela CA (fka Burson-Marsteller Relaciones Publicas C.A.) |
Venezuela |
|
J Walter Thompson de Venezuela C.A. |
Venezuela |
|
MindShare, C.A. |
Venezuela |
|
Ogilvy & Mather Andina CA |
Venezuela |
|
J Walter Thompson Company Central Africa Pty Ltd |
Zimbabwe |
43
Exhibit 12.1
Certification
I, Sir Martin Sorrell, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of WPP Group plc; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The companys other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the companys internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The companys other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the companys auditors and the audit committee of the companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the companys internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: 9 June 2008 |
/s/ Sir Martin Sorrell |
Sir Martin Sorrell |
Group Chief Executive |
(principal executive officer) |
Exhibit 12.2
Certification
I, Paul Richardson, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of WPP Group plc; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The companys other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the companys internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The companys other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the companys auditors and the audit committee of the companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the companys internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: 9 June 2008 |
/s/ Paul Richardson |
Paul Richardson |
Group Finance Director |
(principal financial officer) |
EXHIBIT 13.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of WPP Group plc (the Company) on Form 20-F for the period ending 31 December 2007 (the Report), I, Sir Martin Sorrell, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1) | The Report fully complies with the requirement of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the Companys financial position and results of operations. |
Date: 9 June 2008 |
/s/ Sir Martin Sorrell |
Sir Martin Sorrell |
Group Chief Executive |
EXHIBIT 13.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of WPP Group plc (the Company) on Form 20-F for the period ending 31 December 2007 (the Report), I, Paul Richardson, Group Finance Director of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1) | The Report fully complies with the requirement of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the Companys financial position and results of operations. |
Date: 9 June 2008 |
/s/ Paul Richardson |
Paul Richardson |
Group Finance Director |
EXHIBIT 14.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement No. 333-06378, No. 333-40516, No. 333-103888, No. 333-108149, No. 333-119949, No. 333-129640 and No. 333-129733 each on Form S-8, of our reports dated 9 June 2008 relating to the consolidated financial statements of WPP Group plc and the effectiveness of WPP Group plcs internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 20-F of WPP Group plc for the year ended 31 December 2007.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
London, England
9 June 2008