WPP Group to bag a deal with BioQuest

Global marketing communications holding company WPP Group Plc which is eyeing acquisitions in the high-potential pharmaceutical advertising and communications space, is in advanced discussions with Bangalore-based BioQuest Solutions Pvt. Ltd, say the reports.

BioQuest, a pharmaceutical marketing and medical communication firm, develops content such as booklets, case reports and bulletins for medical professionals.

The WPP executive said Interpublic Group's McCann WorldGroup had earlier been in acquisition dialogue with the firm.

WPP Group, with billings of £18.742 billion, has been active in acquiring specialised communications companies in emerging markets such as India.

In 2005, it announced that its global public relations and public affairs network, Burson-Marsteller, agreed to acquire the entire share capital of Indian public affairs agency Genesis Public Relations Pvt. Ltd.

A year later, it announced that it was picking up a majority stake in Banglaore-based brand and design firm Ray Keshavan Design Associates Pvt. Ltd.

And last year, WPP bought a majority stake in Encompass India, a brand, events and content creation agency.