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‘Outlook’ to launch ‘Marie Claire’ in the first half of 2006
Quite a few Indian publishing houses are believed to have been in the race to bring ‘Marie Claire’ to India, but it was the Outlook Group that walked away with the deal
The Outlook Group has tied up with French publishing company Group Marie Claire to publish the international women’s magazine, ‘Marie Claire’, from India. Quite a few Indian publishing houses are believed to have been in the race to bring ‘Marie Claire’ to India, but it was the Outlook Group that walked away with the deal.
The deal is quite significant from the perspective of ‘Outlook’ as well because its arch rival, the India Today Group, already owns two international women’s titles, ‘Cosmopolitan’ and ‘Good Housekeeping’.
Maheshwar Peri, publisher, Outlook Group, clarified to agencyfaqs! that the Indian edition of ‘Marie Claire’ would have mainly Indian content, with a few international articles. But the overall look and image of ‘Marie Claire’ will be kept intact as with its international counterparts. The magazine will feature fashion, beauty tips and cutting edge features stories. ‘Outlook’ is hopeful that the new edition will make the Indian woman think, laugh and cry.
Group Marie Claire publishes 12 quality magazines in France and 39 international editions of ‘Marie Claire’ and its sister magazines in 26 countries and 14 languages.
The first issue of ‘Marie Claire’ was created by Jean Prouvost in 1937 in France. It began as a weekly magazine, which was distributed every Wednesday. In 1942, Germany stopped the distribution of magazines and ‘Marie Claire’ was closed down. ‘Marie Claire’ was relaunched in 1954, this time as a monthly magazine.
In 1976, Prouvost retired from the business and his daughter, Evelyne Prouvost, created the ‘Marie Claire Album’, regrouping the feminine titles of the Prouvost empire. In 1977, the L’Oreal Group joined the capital, with Evelyne Prouvost and two of her sisters being the other shareholders.
The publication is currently working to set up an editorial team, and Peri is hopeful that the team will be in place by December. He says, “We will take three or four months after that to launch the product. This is why we hope to launch the magazine by the first half of 2005.” Shefalee Vasudev will edit the magazine.
© 2005 agencyfaqs!