News Headline
Technicolor buys Mikros Image; strengthens position in animation market
MUMBAI: Technicolor has entered into an exclusive agreement with Mediacontech to acquire Mikros Image, a French production and postproduction company, implanted in Paris (France) and Montreal (Canada).
Mikros Image is an award-winning French production services company that has long-standing relationships with a large number of French-based customers and encompasses aspects of production and postproduction for feature animation, advertising, feature film and TV. The feature animation division, mainly located in Montreal, has developed a proven and tested pipeline, built a strong team of artists and become a reference in this market. Its feature animation portfolio includesAsterix: le Domaine des Dieux, Mune le gardien de la lune and le Petit Prince.
Mikros Image generated €44 million of revenue in 2014.
The acquisition of Mikros Image would immediately strengthen Technicolor’s position in the animation market, which is identified as a major growth driver for the Group as part of its Drive 2020 strategic plan.
The transaction complements Technicolor’s animation services, which recently grew with the acquisition of Ouido Productions, a French-based production house specializing in animated TV series. With Mikros Image, whose work in advertising includes campaigns for Evian, Dior and Audi, combined with MPC Paris’ advertising activities, Technicolor becomes the leader in France’s advertising market.
Mikros Image would leverage Technicolor’s cutting-edge technologies, access broader resources to scale its offering and benefit from operational synergies. Mikros Image would retain its own brand, management and culture of creativity and would be added to Technicolor’s brands portfolio, that already includes MPC, Mr. X, Ouido and Technicolor. The Group’s strategy is to offer clients empowered and innovative brands that support clients’ service and market needs.
“The acquisition of Mikros Image aligns with our strategic objective to grow in animation and advertising. Their proven expertise in feature animation film and advertising will strengthen our offering,” said Technicolor CEO Frederic Rose.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2015 subject to the labor law requirements. The transaction is expected to be accretive on a full year basis.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
