WPP looks forward to the Olympics
WPP, which handles the advertising for brands such as Ford and Unilever, said its key sales measurement rose by 3.2 per cent, putting it on track for its full year target of more than 3 per cent growth.
WPP said clients are cautious due to the uncertain global outlook but that the major events of 2016 such as the Olympic Games, the European soccer tournament and the US Presidential election would help it through the year.
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Hide AdThe solid update from WPP echoes similar performances from its rivals, Omnicom, Publicis and Interpublic, which have all reported solid trading due to buoyant demand in North America.
WPP, led by the high profile businessman Martin Sorrell, attributed the solid start to the year to a strong performance in North America where a raft of major advertising contracts have come up for review. It also traded well in Britain and the big markets of Europe.
It secured net new business of £1.3bn in the first quarter, helping it to top net new business league tables.