BANGALORE: WPP Digital has acquired 75 percent stake in the share capital of Quasar Media Pvt Ltd (Quasar), a subsidiary of Smile Interactive Technology Group, a digital marketing and Web solutions provider. WPP Digital said in a release that it would also partner with Smile in the development of the Quasar business.

"Our faith in StudioSmile's incubation program to grow the digital industry in India is again proved by our second joint venture, within three months, for the group post-Tyroo and Yahoo. It is a good feel that two of our incubations have formed joint ventures with world leaders in their respective fields. Smile is underway of launching more incubations in the fields of Auto, Mobile, Healthcare and Retail," said Harish Bahl, CEO and founder, Smile Interactive.

"Our investment continues WPP Digital's strategy of developing WPP's services in the faster growing digital media. In India, we believe that digital media will be $560 million representing almost 7 per cent of total advertising expenditure by 2009. For Quasar, WPP Digital's resources, technology and experience will support its continued growth, both in services and geography, " said Mark Read, CEO of WPP Digital.

StudioSmile in the last eight years has invested in the digital industry with successful startups like Quasar, Tyroo and Zoomtra.com. Founded in 2005 Delhi-based Quasar Media is a digital media and e-business services company, with offices in Mumbai and Bangalore. Its clients include MakeMyTrip, Monster, Microsoft, Motorola, LG, Zapak and VISA.

Harish Bahl and Manish Vij, founders of Quasar, will continue to manage the company.