Raitis Avots will replace the current Chief Executive Baiba Liepiņa as she has decided to focus on new professional challenges.

Margus Sameli, Aegis Media Group Baltics Managing Director: “Raitis Avots is a great asset to our managerial team, especially considering the ambitious plans of our Group regarding development of new products in the market as well as the improvement of client services. I am sure that Raitis’ experience and knowledge specifically in the business development for significant brands in Latvia, identification of client’s needs as well as understanding of new business logics, advanced technologies and export will succeed in making CARAT an even more powerful company in the market.”

The new Chief Executive of CARAT has almost 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, export and establishment of client relations while holding leading positions in various large companies – SEB Bank Latvia, Latvijas Pasts, Spilva, SCA Hygienics. R. Avots has experience with consumer goods while working with such brands as Colgate, Palmolive, Ajax, Libero, Libresse, Zewa, Edet, Spilva.

Raitis Avots, CARAT Latvia Chief Executive: “During these years I have achieved significant experience in developing local and international brands as well as new products and services. Running one of the largest media agencies will be a new experience for me and a unique challenge for professional accomplishments. I consider strengthening the collaboration with current and potential clients, participation in development of new products and services as well as successful issue of products and services in Latvia as some of the most important primary tasks in the agency.”

CARAT is an independent media agency operating in Latvia since 1997. General Motors, Nokia, Ferrero, Beiersdorf, SCA Hygiene Products, Philips, Mango, Adidas, Osram, Bigbank, Reebok etc. can be mentioned among the agency’s most significant clients and brands.

Aegis Media Group is one of the world’s leading marketing communications and market research groups handling Carat, Vizeum, Posterscope, Isobar and iProspect brands. Aegis Group helps clients communicate and form relationships with customers about their products and brands. Our services include understanding market and communications strategy while using digital, creative solutions, media planning and buying, brand research and market analysis. Aegis Group shares are quoted on the London Stock Exchange (AEGS.L).

Media advertising market in 2011 comparing to year 2010 has increased by 5 % and it is first grow in all media after 2009-2010 falls. Biggest increasement were on internet (+12%), Outdoor (+7,8%) and TV (5,9%).

TV increased its share up to 47,5% in 2011 comparing pre-crisis period 42,6% in 2008. Parliamentary elections would boost ad market in 2012 especially for outdoor media.

Biggest potential of grow in 2012 is expected be in financial and remedies sectors.

Whole year advertising investments increased by 9,4% compared to 2010, Q IV sales by 5%. Market was positive thought out the year, in I Q increase was 17%, in II Q 9% and in III Q 8%.

Most favourable was the year to internet (+16%) display and out-of-home advertising (+15%) sector, all thou magazines, radio and TV also made higher then market average growth.

From media types the whole year greater grow trend was internet, outdoor display (due 16% and 15%), in addition to magazines, radio and TV advertising they increased market sales over average growth a little bigger content. Most smaller increased was last year in print media, where newspaper sales went up ca 4%.

In general 2/3 of media advertising categories showed increase, together ca 11 million euro, rest ca 1/3 lowered their sales up to ca 4,5 million euro. Of all TOP10 categories telecommunication (140%), cars (67%), building material (20%) and alcohol drinks (18%) went up the most. Mobile service (-20%), financial institutions and services (-13%) and medicines (-4%) decreased their investments the most.

Buchlmann in interview:

Digital accountability has grown. Also the globalisation of media market.

Winning of GM this year January has increased profile of business with global and international advertisers.”

Aegis would continue an acquisition spree that has helped make it less reliant on slower-growing Western Europe. He claimed the results show the percentage of group revenues coming from North America and faster-growing markets has now hit 50%.

He said: “We do have a strong pipeline of potential acquisition targets… there are still a number of good opportunities in digital, social and mobile, in faster growing regions and in North America.

We see social as being of increasing interest to our clients.

Buhlmann also proclaimed himself to be optimistic on 2013, citing new forecasts from Carat of 5.8% global adspend growth for next year and 6% this year.

Full interview video: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/88393310/

From: http://www.mediaweek.co.uk

The Board Member of Latvian Advertising Association Ingrida Krigere – Lace commented that media advertising market in 2011 comparing to year 2010 has increased by 5 % and it meets the above expectations about slow market growth.

Media advertising market in year 2011 was 48.4 million lats.

Comparing to year 2010, newspaper-advertising market has left unchanged, environment and radio advertising marked has declined slightly, TV marked growth – 6%. The largest increase observed in internet advertising market – +17% and in magazines – +15%. The largest drop has been in cinema advertising market – - 27%.

Latvian media advertising market volume groups in year 2011 (net, LVL)

Source: LRA

* Non-Latvian online advertising resource data included

+ Information media 3 750 000LVL +9% (2011/2010)

TOP5 major advertisers

In 2011 and in 2010 the largest advertiser in Latvia was Tele2. The second largest advertiser in Latvia 2 years in a row constantly is Procter & Gamble. The rest of the Top5 has changed – LMT climbed two places, taking 3. position but Bite takes 4. place – one place in a lower position than in 2010. Top5 concludes with Maxima which comparing to 2010 in 2011 climbed five places.

TOP5 of the most advertised brands

Major changes comparing with year 2010 has identified in most advertised brand TOP5. In the first position as the most advertised brand in Latvia, climbing by three positions is Tele2. Before Tele2 took the first place in year 2009. Maxima ranks in 2. position, droving back from 1. position in year 2010. The only brand, which maintained constant position in Top5, is Bite – 3. position. Rimi and Zelta Zivtiņa ranks in 4. and 5. position, accordingly climbing by two positions and dropping by three positions.

TOP5 of most advertised industries in Latvia

In year 2011 comparing to year 2010 advertising in Latvian industry ranking remained almost unchanged. The most advertised are mobile connection followed by retail. Next is pharmacy, and then come financial institutions and services. The only in 2011 most advertised branch TOP5 new arrival is telecommunications industry, which rising by three positions, in year 2011 ranked in fifth position.

Contact:

Ingrida Krigere-Lace, The Board Member of Latvian Advertising Association
t. + 371 67325532; ingrida@lra.lv

About the biggest advertisers, industries and brands:

Oskars Rumpēters TNS Latvia ads Register senior client manager

t. +371 67 096 300; oskars.rumpeters@tns.lv

Aegis Group plc (“Aegis”), the world’s leading, focused media and digital communications group, ispleased to announce that it has reached agreement to acquire the holding company of Roundarch Inc.(“Roundarch”), the US digital agency, for an initial consideration of US $125 million (£79 million).

Roundarch is a leading digital agency which specialises in designing and building enterprise-class digitalsolutions for clients such as Avis, HBO, Bloomberg Sports, Motorola and the US Air Force. The acquisitionof Roundarch is in line with Aegis Group’s strategy to target acquisitions with a specific focus on digitalbusinesses, North America and faster-growing regions.

With offices in Chicago, Denver, Boston and New York Roundarch employs 250 staff and its serviceofferings include strategy, design, development and outsourcing across all digital channels, includingweb, mobile and social media.

Following the acquisition, Roundarch will be combined with Isobar, Aegis Media’s existing digitalcreative network in the US, to form RoundarchIsobar. RoundarchIsobar will be a top tier digital agencywith the depth and resources to compete for domestic and global assignments against the leadingdigital players in the US, consolidating Aegis’s competitive position in this important vertical.

Commenting on the acquisition of Roundarch, Jerry Buhlmann, Chief Executive of Aegis Group plc said:“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Roundarch which is a highly successful US digitalagency with a strong track record of sustained growth and performance. Combining Roundarch withIsobar places Aegis at the forefront of digital communications in the US, the world‘s largest advertisingmarket. Following its integration, we expect the proportion of Aegis Media’s total global revenues fromdigital to increase to 40%.

“After the great recent success of winning the US $3 billion global media account for General Motors,this acquisition builds on the strong momentum we have in the business, both in the US and globally.Aegis remains strongly positioned to maintain its market-leading organic growth profile and is uniquelyplaced for the convergent media environment.

“We are optimistic about the outlook for the advertising sector in 2012, which will be supported by anumber of major sporting events and the US Presidential Elections.”- 2 -

The acquisition of Roundarch is subject to a five-year earn-out structure from 2012 to 2016 with furtherannual consideration payments being made, subject to the level of future profit growth attained. Thetotal consideration for the acquisition by 2017 is expected to be around US $250 million (£159 million).If Roundarch significantly outperforms existing projections, the total consideration could be higher witha cap on the maximum amount payable of US $360 million (£228 million). All consideration paymentswill be satisfied in cash.

The audited profit before tax of Roundarch for the year ended 31 December 2010 was US $ 11.5 million(£7 million) and the value of the gross assets at that time was US $14 million (£9 million). The acquisitionwill be earnings accretive for Aegis in the first full year of ownership, during which time it is alsoexpected to meet the returns criteria set out at the Aegis Group Investor Day in November 2011(presentations from which can be found at www.aegisplc.com).

The vendor is G&J Acquisitions Inc., owned by Geoff Cubitt, Jeff Maling and other shareholderemployees. Geoff Cubitt and Jeff Maling will co-lead the new US entity of RoundarchIsobar, with DarrylGehly, President of Isobar North America.

Nigel Morris, CEO of Aegis Media Americas said: “As demonstrated by our recent win of GM’s globalmedia business, Aegis Media has real momentum in the US market and this acquisition is a verysignificant part of our overall plan and will make us even more of a force for convergence andinnovation. A powerful Isobar has been key to that plan and Roundarch is an agency we have admiredfor a long time, with great people, doing great digital work. Bringing them together with Isobar to createRoundarchIsobar will produce a new powerhouse in the US digital agency sector and add US scale to theglobal geographic depth of the Isobar network.”

Jeff Maling, President & Chief Experience Officer of Roundarch said: “Combining with Isobar NA willgive us a formidable US presence and make us a part of one of the most respected global digitalagencies. The deal will also expand our strong design and technology capabilities to include world-classmarketing.”

Geoff Cubitt, President & Chief Technology Officer of Roundarch said: “Roundarch has consistentlybeen an innovator in the digital space and we are increasingly working with our clients to create digitalexperiences that blur the lines between product and advertising. Joining Aegis Media is a naturalevolution as its gives us the ability to assist clients with creating exceptional brand experiences whetherit is bought media, earned media or owned media which has always been our specialty.”

Completion of the acquisition of Roundarch is contingent upon termination of the mandatory antitrustreview period by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Federal Trade Commission under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, which Aegis expects to occur within the next thirty days, as well as the satisfaction ofother customary closing conditions, including but not limited to obtaining certain consents andapprovals from third parties.

About Aegis Group plc:

Aegis Group plc is the world’s leading focused media and digital communications group. Made up oftwo operating businesses, Aegis Media (Carat, Vizeum, Posterscope, Isobar and iProspect) andAztec, the scan-based market and consumer insights company, Aegis Group helps clients buildconsumer relationships by communicating their products and brands effectively. Our servicesinclude communications strategy through digital creative execution, media planning and buying,brand tracking and marketing analytics. Aegis Group plc shares are listed on the London StockExchange (AEGS.L).

About Isobar:

Isobar is a modern communications agency network, made up of a committed and diverse group ofover 2,500 people in 34 markets. Established in 2003, Isobar is the global home for the world’sfinest digital pioneers and the smartest traditional marketing talent, that helps reconnect brandswith their fans and customers by creating irresistible ideas combining creative, planning, technologyand data. Together, Isobar brings people and brands together, like never before.

About Roundarch:

Roundarch is a passionate advocate for the power of digital. With offices in Boston, Chicago,Denver, and New York, Roundarch delivers digital experiences for the world’s largest organizations.This includes web experiences, rich web and mobile applications, digital marketing campaigns, SEOstrategy and more with projects range from HBO’s high-traffic consumer site to private bankingportals to Tesla Motors’ touch screen dashboard. Roundarch’s projects all reflect a common needto optimize the digital channel in highly competitive and complex environments.- 4 -Geoff Cubitt and Jeff Maling have been with Roundarch since it was founded by Deloitte and WPP in2000. In 2005, they led a management buy-out. Since taking the company independent, Geoff andJeff have overseen a 40% compound annual growth rate and have established a roster of blue chipclients. Prior to Roundarch, both were leaders in Deloitte’s Customer Relationship Managementand e-Business practices.

The appointment carries an anticipated annual media spend of US $3 billion worldwide, according to Kantar Media.

The remit of the multi-year contract includes media planning and buying, search, social media and mobile communications and the relationship will be managed and co-ordinated through Carat’s global US team. The contract will cover all three global Aegis reporting regions – EMEA, Americas and Asia Pacific – and follows Aegis Media’s appointment as GM’s media agency across Europe on 1 January 2007.

Operating in 120 countries around the world, Aegis Group is the world’s leading media and digital communications group and holding company for Carat, Vizeum, Isobar, Posterscope and iProspect. With market-leading organic growth, 34% of revenues from digital and net new business totalling US $2.7 billion in 2011, Aegis is uniquely positioned for the convergent media environment.

Joel Ewanick, GM Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer said:

“We wanted a media agency partner with the sophistication to leverage global marketing opportunities. Carat has an innovative approach to drive significant marketing value and their service model has been tailored to align well with our global and regional brands. They are uniquely positioned to help us form strong media partnerships and drive significant global efficiencies.”

Jerry Buhlmann, Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Group plc, said:

“We are extremely proud to have been selected by General Motors as their global media partner, for what is the most significant new business win in Aegis Group’s history. This win reflects Aegis Media’s unique ability to deliver integrated and specialist media and digital communications services on a global scale. We are excited about developing our relationship with GM in the future, and look forward to delivering many years of innovation and value to GM, our largest global client.”

Nigel Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Media Americas, said:

“This is a defining moment for our business and the market. We have designed our organization for convergence and globalization. We have a clearly differentiated operating model that is focused on reinventing the way we work with our clients and their brands. From the outset it was evident that the GM team was looking for a transformative approach with innovation at the core. They have a powerful vision and powerful brands and we are looking forward to it being a powerful partnership.”

“Welcome to the whole new world” (Peeter Koppel, SEB privatebank strategist)

“Estonian Media universum in six part” (Janek Luts, Eesti Ekspress chief editor)

“Tangible Solutions” (Marko Leppik, Wiseman Interactive executive director)

“Wanted..” (Liisel Kalda, Aegis Media research manager)

“Changes In Regulation Marketing” (Mihkel Miidla, Sorainen Law office)

“Media 2012” (Liis Raudsep, Aegis Media, media director)

We thank our performers and quests!

GfK, the research firm, drew on data from 42 countries throughout the continent, and predicted household expenditure would remain “robust” in the face of on-going financial uncertainty.

More specifically, the company estimated European citizens will be worth a collective €8.5tr this year when combining consumer spending and savings.

This equates to €12,774 per person across the 42 featured nations, after totals grow by a projected 3.1% in 2011.

However, the “old” 15 members of the European Union, incorporating countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, are likely to post a slightly smaller 2.3% increase here.

By contrast, emerging markets that are either full members of the European Union or partners with the organisation, including the Ukraine and Turkey, are in line to witness a more rapid improvement.

In terms of per capita purchasing power, the top three European nations according to GfK are Lichtenstein, Switzerland and Norway, the average resident of which boasts at least €29,028.

Portugal, hit particularly hard by the financial crisis, was in the middle of the 42 outlets assessed, on €10,608, but has fallen behind fast-growing markets like Slovenia.

Despite its anticipated double-digit expansion, Ukraine’s typical resident still only has a purchasing power of €1,761, considerably lagging the norm.

Similarly, Poland is also forecast to experience extremely rapid growth on this measure, although the average rating of €6,050 will be just 60% that of Portugal by the close of 2011.

Data sourced from GfK; additional content by Warc staff, 1 November 2011

Alcohol brands wanting to use social networks, blogs, mobile apps and user generated content will have to follow new guidelines, set out by the organisations in Europe and the US, from 30 September.

The guidelines will focus on consistent age checking across social media, enforce regular monitoring of brands social media pages and the removal of inappropriate content and ensuring that European drinks brands report back on commitments to prove the effectiveness of the self regulation model.

Alan Butler, Chairman of the EFRD, which represents major spirits brands including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Moet Hennessy, Bacardi, Beam Global Spirits and Wine and Brown Forman, says: “Digital marketing is becoming increasingly important in our engagement with consumers. These new guidelines will ensure that we apply the same high standards to all new media channels and technologies such as Mobile applications or social media platforms such as Facebook.”

EFRD will now launch a European road show to promote the guidelines and has invited UK alcohol regulatory organization Portman Group to head up the initiative.

In the UK The Portman Group has had guidelines for alcohol brands on social media since 2009 and the Advertising Standards Association expanded its CAP Code last year to include social media, making its alcohol regulations also applicable in the expanded remit.

Current CAP code rules, however, do not require a responsible drinking message and do not restrict access to Facebook pages.

David Poley chief executive of the Portman Group, said, “The Portman Group started regulating online alcohol marketing back in 2003 when we recognised how important the digital arena would become within the marketing mix. We have built up considerable expertise in this area and introduced detailed guidelines in 2009. We also provide training and best practice guidelines for drinks companies in this area.”

A spokesman for the ASA, said, “We welcome any initiative by industry to put guidelines in place around responsible marketing/promotion of alcohol. There are some aspects of the guidance that go beyond what is required by the CAP Code so, from an ASA perspective, we would only expect marketers to ensure they comply with the strict alcohol advertising rules.”

One issue picked up by the expanded ASA remit is the use of Facebook’s Sponsored Stories ad formats by alcohol brands. The ad formats use information including user images within ad creative, which potentially breaks the ASA guideline to prevent people who look under age appearing in alcohol ad creative.

Source: http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/sectors/food-and-drink/alcohol-brands-beef-up-social-media-regulation/3030274.article