MAM
Grey acquires majority stake in German digital media agency
MUMBAI: WPP’s global marketing communication agency, Grey, has acquired a majority stake in the German-based digital media agency, k102 GmbH.
Founded in 2006 by Lars Moltrecht and Jan Guntner, Dusseldorf-based k102 has worked alongside Grey since January 2010.
The key clients of k102 include Deichmann, Transparo, MBT, Gard and Toshiba.
k102‘s unaudited revenues for the year ended 31 December 2011 were approximately EUR 1.3 million with gross assets as at the same date of approximately EUR 1.2 million, an official statement read.
This new investment is in line with WPP’s strategy of developing its services in fast-growing and important markets and sectors and strengthening its digital capabilities.
WPP‘s digital revenues totalled $4.8 billion in 2011, representing approximately 30 per cent of the group’s total revenues of over $16 billion.
WPP has set a target of 35-40 per cent of revenue to be derived from digital in the next five years. Collectively, WPP companies in Germany employ around 7,000 people (including associates) with revenues of approximately $1.3 billion. On this basis, Germany is WPP‘s fourth largest market after the US, UK and China.
MAM
Debkumar Dasgupta joins Dangal TV as Head of Syndication
Veteran broadcast executive to drive international and national content sales
MUMBAI: Debkumar Dasgupta, a seasoned broadcast media professional with over 30 years in the industry, has taken charge as head of syndication at Dangal TV, overseeing both international and national markets.
Dangal TV, owned by Enterr10 Television Network, is a popular 24-hour Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC). Launched in 2009 originally for Bhojpuri movies, it has since pivoted to Hindi entertainment, with a focus on family dramas, mythology, and crime shows catering to both urban and rural audiences.
Dasgupta brings a formidable track record in content acquisition, syndication sales, and P&L management across ME, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. His career spans top media organisations including IndiaCast Media, Viacom18, MTV Networks, Catvision Products and Tee-Men’s.
Most recently, he was with GoQuest Media as group partnership and strategy head, managing partnerships and monetisation strategies across the region. He also served as vice president – content acquisition and partnership for Asia and Africa, negotiating deals for Turkish dramas and other high-demand content.
Earlier stints include senior vice president and business head roles at IndiaCast Media Distribution, steering ME&A and global syndication sales, and boosting the reach of Viacom18 channels such as Colors, MTV India, Colors Rishtey and News18 India across Asia-Pacific, South Asia, ME, Africa, CIS, CEE and Latin America.
Dasgupta began his media journey as senior director – network development at MTV Networks India, managing channel carriage and affiliate revenues, before moving into content sales and international business with Viacom18. He started in cable TV sales with Catvision Limited, handling nationwide dealer and distributor networks.
Known as a creative change agent, Dasgupta has consistently driven revenue growth, market share expansion, and efficiency improvements, combining deep market insights with hands-on leadership.
With his global expertise and strong cross-functional experience across sales, legal, marketing, programming, logistics and finance, Dangal TV is set to strengthen its content syndication footprint and expand its international reach under his leadership.
Dasgupta’s appointment signals an aggressive push to leverage ethnic content opportunities and emerging markets, ensuring Dangal TV keeps pace in an increasingly competitive broadcast ecosystem.
