WPP buys US branding and content agency HZ

In the year to the end of December 2017, HZ - whose clients include Hilton Worldwide, Salesforce and Tishman Speyer's Rockefeller Center - generated revenues of almost $23.5m. Founded in 1987 and based in Rockville, MD, with offices in Baltimore, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, the agency employs nearly 200 people.

HZ's offerings include a full spectrum of multichannel digital design and development, mobile activation, social media, brand and identity creation, content, film and video production, search marketing (SEO/SEM), data and analytics and integrated media solutions.

The acquisition was made through WPP's wholly-owned operating company Burson Cohn & Wolfe.

At 1525 BST, WPP shares were down 0.9% to 1,222.50p.