Sign up for afaqs! Newsletters
Some of its global units slated for launch include full service agency Rivet, promotion and event marketing firm Momentum, and a 24-hour production studio
Interpublic Group (IPG) has some aggressive plans in India, now that it has acquired a 100 per cent stake in Lintas India. For the record, Lintas India was founded in 1969 with IPG then holding 40 per cent of the equity (it acquired another 9 per cent in 1998, and the remaining 51 per cent about a month ago). Now that Lintas India and all its group companies (Lowe India, Lintas IMAG and Lintas Media Services) fall under IPG, the global network has plans on integrating its services in India.
Explaining the rationale behind the acquisition, Stephen Gatfield, EV-P, network operations, IPG, and CEO, Lowe Worldwide said India was rapidly placing itself on the world map, with its high growth and competence.
Stephen Gatfield |
Perhaps most important is that IPG is looking at launching some of its well-known global entities in India, which will work closely with Lintas India. Some of these entities slated for launch include Rivet – IPG’s agency that combines traditional and integrated marketing (a full-service agency model), Momentum Worldwide – the promotion and event marketing firm, R/GA – the digital technology and new media specialist, and Futurebrand – Lintas’ global design and brand identity unit.
In addition to these units, IPG also has plans on setting up a 24-hour production studio in India, which can therefore enable Lintas India to offer cost-effective, holistic solutions to its clientele.
Prem Mehta |
IPG fully intends to imbibe the recently redesigned Lowe Worldwide philosophy in India, that of the ‘High Value Ideas Company’. This model is a shift from the traditional approach to advertising (intrusion-driven) to the new one (engagement-driven).
Says Prem Mehta, CMD, Lintas India, “Our global clients now require integrated management teams for their brands. Similarly, our Indian clients have started demanding more services outside of the country.”
“Being a complete part of the IPG network will help us on both counts,” he adds.