Y&R network company VML acquires majority stake in Singapore-based Qais Consulting

VML, one of the world’s leading digital marketing agencies, and a strategic partner of Y&R Advertising has acquired a majority stake in Singapore-based Qais Consulting, an award-winning full-service digital agency.  Qais has joined its business operations and brand with VML and initiated operations today as VML Qais, activating a strengthened digital marketing offering for Singapore, Southeast Asia and India.  VML Qais also announced it will operate specifically as part of Y&R Asia, which will greatly enhance business opportunities throughout the region via Y&R’s extensive agency network.

VML, a U.S.-based company with operations around the globe, is one of the world’s largest wholly digital agencies. VML clients include Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, English Premier League, Gatorade, Kellogg, Microsoft, SAP, Southwest Airlines, Western Union and Xerox. Founded in 1992, VML will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012.

Qais is a strategic, full-service digital agency with offices in Singapore and Mumbai. Since 2004, it has helped clients with digital and marketing strategy, user experience, technology development, research and analytics, mobile and channel management, social media, search marketing, online advertising, and media management services. Clients include Standard Chartered Bank, Sony Electronics, Sony Pictures, Hilton Hotels, Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Tata Motors and the Singapore Ministry of Defence.

“Expanding VML operations to Singapore, Southeast Asia and India enables us to better serve our growing roster of global clients, while further expanding the VML footprint in the key markets in Asia,” said Matt Anthony, VML Global Chairman and Chief Global Digital Officer, Y&R . “Serving these markets with the combined strengths of VML Qais is an ideal approach,” added Jon Cook, VML CEO and President.

 “Since its inception, Qais Consulting was built to help our clients navigate the explosion of the digital universe,” said Keith Timimi, Chairman, Qais Consulting. “We are now able to realize that dream in partnership with the world’s leading pure-play digital network. We are proud to become the Asian arm of VML with the launch of VML Qais, and we are delighted to be able to offer best-of-breed digital solutions to the prestigious clients of the Y&R network.”

“We want to grow the Asia business in both size and reputation, and digital expertise is crucial to achieving that growth,” said Matthew Godfrey, Y&R Asia President. “VML Qais has incredible digital credentials, and aligning our core business with their digital leadership and expertise in key markets in the region will drive our business forward.”