AD Agencies
Media Mantra wins PR mandate for Archies
Mumbai: Media Mantra on Monday bagged the PR mandate for Archies to drive its corporate communications strategy in the country.
Media Mantra, as a PR partner, will take the responsibility of aligning regional communications and reinforcing Archies’ market leadership in India. They will work on Archies’ corporate reputation and awareness, amplifying its visibility, strategic communication counsel, and overall public relations and media relations.
Media Mantra will also be instrumental in developing effective stakeholder engagement strategies, brand positioning, and external communication management. Archies’ latest appointment is in line with its vision to inject new inspiration and creativity into the renowned brand, foraying into emerging markets and extending its long history of success in the country.
Media Mantra founder and director Udit Pathak said, “It’s a matter of great pride for Media Mantra to partner with a legacy brand like Archies. Acting on our role as strategic advisers, we intend to apply our vast knowledge and expertise to execute innovative, disruptive, and high-impact PR campaigns that will create a positive impact on Archies’ business in India.”
“With our 10th anniversary around the corner, Media Mantra has carved its own niche as a leading multi-practice and full-service PR and digital media agency across sectors. D2C is one of our strong practice areas, and the current mandate will help consolidate this practice even further. We are excited to support Archies in its bid to enhance their visibility, credibility, and prominence in the media ecosystem at large, and amongst their target audience in particular,” he added.
Archies’ executive director Varun Moolchandani said, “From a firm that just sold cards, Archies has come a long way to establish itself as a full-fledged social expression enterprise. We’ve been the trailblazers of India’s gifting ecosystem for 44 years on the back of our ability to keep innovating and improving our offerings.”
He further added, ” Building on the same vision, we’ve roped in the services of Media Mantra to help us reposition our brand and amplify our presence in the country. We look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with them.”
Founded in 1979, Delhi-based Archies has been in a league of its own, with its chain of offline and online stores being synonymous with greeting cards and popular for special occasion gifting. Having begun by selling greeting cards and gifts, the well-established company has only grown with the modern culture, increasing urbanisation and improving standards of living. It currently operates with over 250 franchises and 230+ exclusive outlets, named Archies Gallery, which are spread across 120 cities and six countries.
With sentimental value driving its brand appeal to all age groups and demographics, Archies has now reduced its dependence on greeting cards, diversifying into new categories. The firm, currently, boasts a diverse portfolio comprising different and unique products like artificial jewellery, crystalware, chocolates, soft toys, perfumes, grooming products, and their recent foray into the skincare and beauty segment.
AD Agencies
Omnicom to divest $2.5 billion businesses in 12 months: CEO John Wren
Group doubles synergy target to $1.5bn as jobs, brands and markets go
NEW YORK: Omnicom Group is preparing to divest or exit businesses generating about $2.5 billion in annual revenue, stepping up a sweeping portfolio overhaul after its $13.25 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group.
Speaking on the group’s fourth-quarter earnings call, chairman and chief executive officer John Wren said Omnicom had already sold or exited units worth more than $800 million in annual revenue and expects to complete the remaining disposals within 12 months.
The company is also scaling back in smaller markets, shifting from majority to minority ownership in businesses accounting for roughly $700 million in revenue. These markets, Wren said, are no longer central to Omnicom’s long-term strategy.
Following the IPG merger, Omnicom has doubled its targeted annual run-rate synergies to $1.5 billion over the next 30 months, from an earlier estimate of $750 million. Management expects to capture $900 million of those savings in 2026 alone, with around $1 billion coming from labour cost reductions as overlapping corporate, network and operational roles are eliminated.
Further efficiencies will flow from simplified regional and brand structures, consolidated resources, and faster outsourcing and offshoring under a unified operating model. In December 2025, the group said it would cut more than 4,000 jobs and fold several agency brands into larger networks.
Wren also underlined stepped-up investment in automation and artificial intelligence to lift margins and sharpen client servicing amid intensifying competition.
The board has authorised a $5 billion share buyback, including a $2.5 billion accelerated repurchase programme, while committing continued investment in media, commerce, consulting and data capabilities.
Omnicom reported a 27.9 per cent rise in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue to $5.53 billion, reflecting organic growth and one month’s contribution from IPG, compared with $4.32 billion a year earlier. Wren said the IPG combination strengthened the client roster, citing new or expanded mandates from American Express, Bayer, BBVA, BNY, Mercedes-Benz and NatWest Group.
