Martin Sorrell Hopes to Repeat Old Successes With New Venture

Former WPP CEO plans to use new company to acquire marketing and advertising businesses

Martin Sorrell, the former chief executive of advertising giant WPP PLC, has agreed to take the helm at Derriston Capital, a listed shell company he plans to use to acquire marketing and advertising businesses.

Mr. Sorrell will invest £40 million ($53 million) of his own money in the new venture, while a bevy of institutional and other investors have agreed to commit an initial £11 million to become shareholders in Derriston, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Mr. Sorrell has secured nonbinding letters of support...