Shunya Communications Group

Shunya Partners with Omnicom Agencies to Enhance Competitive Strength in China

Shunya Communications Group, one of China’s leading integrated communications companies, is forming strategic alliances with four agencies belonging to Omnicom Group, the world’s largest advertising and communications holding company. The partnerships will firmly strengthen Shunya Communications Group’s position as a top communications brand in China.

(Beijing January 7, 2008) Shunya Communications Group (Shunya) today announced that it is forming partnerships with Omnicom Group Inc.’s BBDO, Pleon, Porter Novelli and Proximity. The partnerships follow Omnicom’s recent minority investment in Shunya.

Under the agreement, Shunya’s four principal operating agencies -- Shunya International Ad Inc., Shunya PR Inc., Shunya International PR Inc. and Shunya Profuture Events Marketing Inc. – will join the networks of BBDO, Pleon, Porter Novelli and Proximity. The agencies will be majority-owned by Shunya.

The partnerships will bring together Shunya’s local expertise and Omnicom agencies’ global capabilities across a broad range of advertising, marketing, public relations and event marketing services, enabling the companies to deliver best-in-class solutions and execution to clients.

Mr. Li Daoyu, former US Ambassador and currently Chairman of China International Public Relations Association (CIPRA), commented, "Building a harmonious society requires sound internal and external environments, where public relations can play an indispensable role. By integrating global resources, talent, team strength and cultures, and creating more effective communications capabilities, the Shunya-Omnicom partnership will help improve interactive communications, deepen mutual understanding and eliminate unnecessary barriers towards building a more harmonious business and social environment."

Mr. Liu Libin, Chairman of China International Advertising Association, points out, "Integration and innovation are the key trends in this age of economic globalization. The Shunya partnership with four famous Omnicom brands will strongly support the active development of the Chinese communications industry in terms of professionalism, standardization and internationalization. It is also meaningful to see that Shunya takes the majority stake in the partnership, which again reflects the confidence and foresight of local leading Chinese brands in the international integration trend. We all look forward to seeing how Shunya will innovate and develop itself in the new era with the partnership."

Shunya’s founder and Chairman David Zhang said, “This strategic partnership with Omnicom’s leading agencies opens the door to significant opportunities for both parties. Since its establishment in 1999, Shunya has become one of the fastest-growing and strongest integrated communications groups in China. Shunya is well regarded as a leading, professional and highly integrated communications brand. I am confident that the leadership of Shunya in premium and high added-value integrated communication services will be further strengthened by bringing together the unique capabilities of both parties across all advertising and communications disciplines.”

Michael Birkin, Omnicom’s Vice Chairman and Chairman and CEO Asia Pacific, said, “Omnicom continues to be very ambitious in China. Our agencies have gone from strength to strength by focusing on offering the best creative solutions to their clients. This strategic investment in Shunya underscores our commitment to creativity, as Shunya is recognized as the strongest integrated communications group and the most creative local brand in China – as such, they are perfect partners for Omnicom agencies.”

Serge Dumont, Omnicom’s Senior Vice President and President Asia Pacific, said, “The pace of development of China’s advertising and communications industry over the last few years has been nothing less than remarkable, and we have witnessed the emergence of significant Chinese communications groups such as Shunya. This partnership is particularly meaningful as top-quality marketing and communications services become increasingly important for multinational companies in China and Chinese companies expanding abroad. It also allows BBDO, Pleon, Porter Novelli and Proximity to tap into Shunya's comprehensive network in China's interior provinces, which are a key priority to our clients ”

Shunya’s CEO Joan Ren said, “With the new partnership, Shunya will continue to bolster its investment in talent development, client experience and business innovation. Our employees also will benefit professionally through the increased exposure to Omnicom agencies’ global networks. We will continue to capture the best growth opportunities in the world’s highest growth market, maintain our firm commitment to customer value and pursuit of excellence in each and every discipline we operate, and strive to become the best and most respected integrated communications services brand in China.”

Welcome to visit the newly launched Shunya corporate website at www.shunyagroup.com for more information.

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Shunya Communications Group

Founded in 1999, Shunya is known as one of the leading integrated communications groups in the Chinese market. Shunya provides professional business communications services in advertising, public relations, event management, marketing services and interactive business. Shunya is headquartered in Beijing with branch offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu cities with nearly 500 professionals.

Omnicom Group

Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

BBDO

BBDO Worldwide, a member of Omnicom Group Inc., has 287 offices in 79 countries. BBDO develops and executes marketing and communications plans for some of the world's best known brands. In 2007, BBDO was named the winner of The Gunn Report as the most awarded agency network in the world for the second year in a row, and was named the first ever “Network of the Year” at Cannes. BBDO was also the winner of the Won Report, as the most awarded agency network in direct and interactive.

BBDO Asia Pacific (www.bbdoasia.com), part of BBDO Worldwide, operates in 14 countries throughout Asia for clients such as FedEx, Visa, Pepsi, KFC, ICI, DaimlerChrysler and Fonterra. BBDO Asia Pacific won Campaign Brief Agency of the year from 2004 to 2006 and was the most awarded agency for print and TV at Adfest in 2006.

Pleon

Pleon (www.pleon.com) is Europe's leading international consulting firm, creating and implementing strategies for private and public sector organizations around the world. With a deep understanding of business, politics and communications, Pleon is uniquely placed to devise compelling solutions that deliver measurable and tangible results. Blending the best of local market knowledge and leadership with global resources and best practice, Pleon provides a one-stop resource for communications in Europe. Pleon was named ′European Agency of the Year′ according to the Holmes Report 2008. The agency has 31 branded offices in 15 European countries and associate agencies in 14 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Pleon is part of the Brodeur/Pleon Worldwide network with a presence throughout the United States, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Porter Novelli

Porter Novelli is one of the world’s leading public relations agencies and is represented in all major markets. With a focus on effective stakeholder communications and adopting a holistic, media-neutral approach, Porter Novelli develops public relations programs that deliver value and impact to its clients' business. Porter Novelli was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1972.

Proximity

Proximity Asia (www.proximityasia.com) is a leading direct and promotional marketing and corporate communications company of BBDO Worldwide. As a leader in direct, digital, promotional, and live marketing, Proximity Asia provides award-winning communications solutions in more than 8 countries throughout Asia for clients such as Visa, ICI, KFC, Pepsi, Mitsubishi, Tiger Beer and Masterfoods. Proximity was ranked No. 1 CRM agency in the world by The Won Report for two consecutive years, 2004-2005.

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