MPG, the media agency for the global marketing communications group Havas, has announced the launch of its new venture in the Middle East — the first step of its aggressive expansion strategy within the region. MPG Middle East is a joint venture between MPG and Euro RSCG Promopub, part of the Chalhoub group — one of the leading players in luxury brand marketing distribution and retail in the region. “Both partners have great expectations for this project. Mixing the local expertise of Chalhoub with MPG’s international approach represents a dynamic offering in one of the fastest growing markets in the world,” Alfonso Rodes, chief corporate development officer MPG worldwide, said. “As Euro RSCG Promopub, we were already one of the leading media buying companies in the Middle East. Together we now have more international planning and research tools at our disposal,” Pierre Soued, COO Communication, Chalhoub Group, said.