RIAA Advises WPP on Acquisition of Media Businesses in Pakistan

WPP Inc., a global leader in media and marketing communications, has completed a landmark transaction in Pakistan. The WPP Pakistan acquisition gives WPP full ownership of three entities: Ogilvy & Mather Pakistan (Private) Limited, Mindshare Pakistan (Private) Limited, and Soho Square Pakistan Private Limited. This ends longstanding local partnership arrangements and consolidates WPP’s control over its advertising and media operations in the country.

RIAA Barker Gillette advised WPP throughout the deal. The firm provided comprehensive legal support on corporate, regulatory, and competition law matters across every stage of the process. Notably, the team drafted and negotiated share purchase agreements for each of the three entities. Additionally, RIAA managed pre-merger filings with the Competition Commission of Pakistan and handled competition exemption applications. This coordinated approach enabled the transaction to close without regulatory delays.

The WPP Pakistan acquisition also involved complex cross-border elements requiring careful navigation. Fund transfers into Pakistan required compliance with foreign exchange regulations and the requirements of the State Bank of Pakistan. Accordingly, RIAA advised on remittance procedures, foreign exchange compliance, and tax withholding obligations under Pakistani law. By addressing these regulatory requirements early in the process, the team helped WPP manage cross-border risk effectively and achieve a smooth closing.

“Completing this acquisition marks an important milestone for WPP in Pakistan,” said Shafaq Rehman, Partner at RIAA Barker Gillette. “The deal required navigating multiple regulatory frameworks simultaneously. Our team delivered a comprehensive solution addressing corporate, competition, and cross-border considerations.”

This transaction reflects the growing confidence of multinational corporations in Pakistan’s media and advertising sector. As global companies increasingly seek direct control over their regional operations, expert advisory on regulatory compliance and cross-border deal structuring remains essential. The deal also underscores the strategic importance of Pakistan’s advertising market to global industry players. It highlights the role of experienced legal counsel in facilitating complex multinational transactions in emerging markets.

The team advising on the WPP Pakistan acquisition was led by Shafaq Rehman (Partner – Pakistan) and our team also included Ahsan Amir (Associate).

For further information on corporate transactions and acquisitions in Pakistan, contact Shafaq Rehman.

This article is not legal advice; it provides information of general interest about current legal issues.

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RIAA Barker Gillette is Pakistan’s premier law firm, with an on-the-ground presence in three major cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore, and affiliated offices in Dubai (DIFC) and London. 

The firm practices in all areas of corporate, commercial and dispute resolution law. Leading international legal directories consistently recognise the firm as a top-tier law firm in Pakistan.

RIAA Barker Gillette is the exclusive member firm in Pakistan for Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms with in-depth experience in over 125 countries worldwide.