Entertainment marketing agency the Cimarron Group has secured a business license from the Chinese government to operate Cimarron Asia as an official company in the region.
Deal makes Cimarron the first Hollywood marketing agency, whose clients include the major film studios and TV networks, to set up shop in China.
The license also enables Cimarron Asia, which recently opened offices in Beijing and Singapore, to operate without requiring a local partner to do business.
The Ministry of Commerce made the approval and issued the Certificate of Foreign Investment. As a result, the company is now a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise.
"This is a benchmark achievement for our company," said Cimarron CEO Bob Farina. "Our ability to operate in China as a local business gives Cimarron a clear advantage to succeed with the projects launched in this fast growing market. It will allow our team to seamlessly develop, execute and deliver the highest quality work for our clients."
Cimarron Asia will focus on filmed entertainment and hospitality as it launches in China, according to Senn Moses, president of Cimarron Asia.
Company already works with MGM Hospitality as its agency of record for multiple properties across Asia, including MGM Grand Sanya in China and MGM Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam. It will also launch the Mirage hospitality brand in China as well developing a campaign for the groundbreaking of the Bellagio Shanghai.
Cimarron Asia is currently working on the launch of 20th Century Fox Consumer Products in Shanghai, and recently shot behind-the-scenes footage for Village Roadshow Pictures' "Man of Tai Chi," directed by and co-starring Keanu Reeves, and the Pan-Asian romantic comedy, "My Lucky Star."