WPP, the UK advertising and marketing services group, reported a 2 per cent rise in like-for-like sales for the first quarter, in line with expectations.
The company said the increase followed a growth trend during the past three quarters as the advertising industry emerged from a global downturn.
Net new billings for the quarter totalled £514 million as WPP's reported first-quarter sales rose 6 per cent and 12 per cent on a constant currency basis.
Double-digit growth was recorded in all regions except continental Europe, where sales on a constant currency basis increased 7 per cent.
Sales were up by almost 11 per cent in North America and by 12 per cent in the UK. In Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East sales rose by more than 28 per cent. Sales at constant currencies in its advertising and media planning operations rose 14 per cent.
WPP is the world's third-largest advertising group, with significant interests in Ireland including Wilson Hartnell Public Relations and Olgilvy and Mather advertising and associated companies.
