DUBAI--Cohn & Wolfe's global expansion continues with the acquisition of a minority stake in Middle East agency BPG PR.

The WPP firm has bought 40 percent of BPG, a 34-person firm that is based in Dubai and has offices in Abu Dhabi, Baghdad, Doha, Jeddah and Kuwait.

Established in 1995, BPG clients include Rolls Royce, Visa International and Omega. "It will enable us to share best global practices and bring new concepts to our clients in the region, while offering our local as well as regional clients a global network,” said BPG Group chief executive Avi Bhojani.

“The Middle East is one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing regions and is becoming increasingly important for our global clients," said Cohn & Wolfe global CEO Donna Imperato. "When it came to finding an established, credible partner that understands the complexities and opportunities of this market, and its demand for world class communications services, BPG | pr was best in class.”

Over the past two years, Cohn & Wolfe has expanded into Southeast Asia via the acquisition of XPR; boosted its Greater China presence by buying Impact Asia and launched a startup operation in India.