WPP Group increases profits

WPP Group produced a 9.9 per cent revenue increase, in worldwide constant currency terms, to 465.8m during the three months to 31 March, according to its quarterly trading statement released on Tuesday.

In the UK, the group produced 11.7 per cent constant currency growth, behind a 13.6 per cent increase in the US and a 10.2 per cent rise in continental Europe. Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East produced a 2.5 per cent deficit, reflecting difficult trading conditions.

Of the individual sections within WPP, specialist communications – which includes seven worldwide design consultancies making up just under 20 per cent of the division – achieved a 10.6 per cent revenue growth from 107.2m in 1998 to 119.8m. The consultancies are Enterprise IG, Addison, BDG McColl, Oakley Young, BPRI, Scott Stern and Coley Porter Bell.

Advertising was again the top earner, with income up from 206.2m in 1998 to 219.5m, while information and consultancy rose from 75.1m to 89.1m. Public relations and public affairs advanced to 37.4m from 30.2m over the same period.