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Publicis posts organic growth of 4.5 pc for second quarter
MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe which claims to be the world’s fourth largest communications group, as well as a leader in media counsel and buying has announced that revenues in the second
quarter of 2004 were EUR 981 million compared with EUR 965 million for the same period last year. This marks an organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
North America and Asia were driven by continued strong growth in advertising outlays. Europe picked up further in the second quarter despite weaknesses in the Netherlands and in some Scandinavian markets. In Latin America, the robust recovery observed at the beginning of the year continued.
In the Asia-Pacific region, organic growth of 6.7 per cent was recorded. Latin America saw growth of 35.3 per cent. Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Maurice Levy said, “Growth in all parts of the world and in all industries has been encouraging, and Publicis Groupe has taken advantage of this trend. Developments in the second quarter of this year were in line with our projections, including consolidation of growth in North America and Asia, and a slight rise in Europe.
“Organic growth at Publicis Groupe is up slightly, in keeping with our targets. We are continuing to win market share, building on existing momentum and attractiveness, as confirmed by our strong performance in new business.”
Looking to the future he added, “The first indications for the market growth next year are that Europe should equal the US which will no longer be driven by the run-up to the presidential elections. Based on current forecasts, our growth objectives should remain firm.”
In the second quarter, Publicis Groupe won new accounts representing a total $1.4 billion. Taking into account the loss of some accounts over the same period, net new business totalled $900 million. The largest single accounts lost during the quarter were Toys ‘R’ Us and Subway US in advertising, and Miramax in media buying.
One of the important accounts won was for media planning for Procter & Gamble in the US. Publicis Worldwide won several accounts including Lee Cooper in France, Fortis Bank in Belgium and Daewoo Consumer Electronics and Hyundai Card ‘S’ in South Korea.
The Starcom MediaVest Group which deals with media consultancy and media buying won the accounts of software major Oracle, Heinz Frozen Foods in the US, Kraft Foods in the UK and Sweden, Pizza Hut in the UK as well as Levi’s in Italy.
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.
