Kantar Buys Guardian's Data Visualization Agency

Kantar has acquired data visualization and interactive specialist Guardian Digital Agency from its parent company Guardian News & Media. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The agency was set up to offer external clients access to the Guardian's expertise in areas including site design, branding and graphics, content strategy and data visualisation. Specialisms include developing infographics to present complex information, and tailoring data to specific audiences.

As part of the deal, the company will rebrand under a new name, Graphic, and will employ a permanent staff of thirteen led by MD Emma Whitehead, alongside directors Adam Frost, John Loder and Tobias Sturt. Graphic will operate as a standalone unit which will market its services to internal and external clients, as well as to the wider WPP group.

Strategic development will be overseen by Kantar Creative Director Aziz Cami, who comments: 'The quality of the agency's work is well-recognised and numerous Kantar projects have already benefited from the guys' design and story-telling expertise. Having them available to our companies and clients, while also building the business externally, will I'm sure be a great boost to Kantar's drive toward higher creative standards.'

Web sites: www.wpp.com and www.kantar.com .