JWT all set to acquire stake in Converge Technologies in Pakistan

JWT has agreed to acquire a minority stake in Converge Technologies (Pvt) Limited, one of the fastest growing digital agencies in Pakistan, subject to regulatory approvals.

Founded in 2007, Converge is based in Karachi and employs 90 people. Clients include Unilever, PTCL, Mobilink, HP, Bank Alfalah, Nokia and Pakistan State Oil.

Converge offers a wide spectrum of services, including digital media strategy, social media planning and management, platform, content, technology enablement, game and app development, mobility campaign planning and execution.

The acquisition of this stake will further strengthen JWT's dominant position in Pakistan, where it ranks among the largest creative ad agencies.

"This partnership will put both Converge and JWT Pakistan in a position to leverage each other's strengths and scale up our integrated offering for our clients," said Mansoor Karim Shaikh, CEO of JWT Pakistan.

JWT Asia Pacific has moved aggressively into the digital space over the last year, expanding both organically and through acquisitions. JWT signed an agreement in 2011 to acquire A4A, one China's most dynamic digital and social media marketing companies; and on March 12 announced that XM Asia, a JWT company, acquired Magnivate, Indonesia's leading digital agency.

"As one of the "Next 11" growth economies, Pakistan is very strategic market for JWT," said Michael Maedel, President of JWT Asia Pacific. "This deal adds yet more momentum to our regional digital growth strategy. We will continue to add depth and breadth to our Asian digital offerings over the coming months."