Buddy Media, the WPP-backed Facebook management system, is taking on Europe and opening a headquarters in London. A $54 million raise (Series D funding) is fueling a seemingly indefatigable global expansion as the company continues to dominate the social media enterprise software space.

A new group of late-stage investors, including Insight Venture Partners, joined current Buddy Media investors GGV Capital, Institutional Venture Partners and Bay Partners.

Buddy Media serves eight of the world’s top ten global advertisers including Nivea, Bacardi, All Saints, Vodafone and Mercedes Benz. In 2011, the company added 165-plus new customers, including Kraft Foods, Hanes, ESPN, Ford Motor Company and Virgin Mobile USA.Continue reading...

In a first for the Virgin Mobile USA, Sir Richard Branson is featured in a new cross-platform commercial campaign – “Keep Up With Sparah” – that spoofs the public’s obsession with celebrity.

The campaign/pop culture social experiment, bordering on branded entertainment, aims to “rescue young consumers from wireless sameness,” by manufacturing “Sparah” (Spencer + Sarah), the world’s first wireless “It” couple. Sparah will promote Virgin Mobile USA’s unlimited web and data service that starts at $25/month.Continue reading...

Facebook takes steps toward going public, creating dual-class stock. [NY Times]

GM will decide if it will shutter Saab next week. [NY Times]

Sprint finalizes purchase of Virgin Mobile USA. [WaPo]

McDonald's to "green" its operations in Germany. [NPR, Warc]

Eager to raise capital, Heinz sells its UK private-label frozen dessert units. [Times of London]

Choosing to report from Washington D.C., Washington Post closes its bureaus in other US cities. [NY Times]

"Cheap and cheerful" dominates holiday advertising. [NY Times]

(More headlines: Lindsay Lohan, Audi boosts US ops.)Continue reading...