Engine, the ad agency group that owns WCRS and counts News International and BSkyB as major clients, has secured an investment of up to £62.5m for international expansion into markets including North America and China.

Engine, which claims to be the largest privately-owned UK advertising group, has received an initial investment of £32.5m from private equity company HIG Capital. Engine will also have access to an additional £30m it can draw down over the next two years. HIG has received a minority stake in the company that will grow in line with how much Engine draws down.

"With the IPO [initial public offering] market effectively closed, a strong financial partner offers the best route to provide the necessary capital for the next stage in Engine's expansion," said the Engine chairman, Peter Scott. "We will now take the Engine model and recreate it in key markets around the world, with our teams able to work together to deliver the best in integrated global solutions for the biggest worldwide businesses and brands."

Earlier this year the company established Engine USA and it is understood to be focusing first on further building a North American presence. Brazil is also thought to be a high-priority target market.

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