MAM
AdColony to be acquired by Opera Software to strengthen mobile advertising
NEW DELHI: Norwegian mobile phone software firm Opera Software ASA is to buy US -based mobile video advertising platform AdColony.
The aim is to deliver mobile video advertising to publishers and advertisers with a combined reach of more than 700 million global consumers.
“Opera is growing rapidly and we are constantly looking for opportunities to bring best-of-breed services to the market. AdColony is a natural fit for Opera and our mobile advertising subsidiary, Opera Mediaworks. This acquisition will augment our services with a robust specialisation around mobile video – the fastest growing segment within the mobile advertising industry,” according to Opera Software CEO lars Boilesen.
AdColony’s skills are largely in delivering innovative, clear video ads instantly in HD across iOS and Android smartphone and tablet apps in the world. AdColony’s customers include Fortune 500 brands, performance advertisers and more than 70 per cent of the world’s top grossing app publishers, according to Digital Market Asia.
“AdColony’s team, technology and execution will elevate Opera Mediaworks’ already strong position in the mobile advertising industry. The combination will deliver an even better results-oriented, end-to-end offering for brands, agencies and publishers globally,” said Opera Mediaworks CEO Mahi de Silva said.
AdColony will continue to support its existing customers as usual following the acquisition. Will Kassoy will continue to lead AdColony as CEO, and he will additionally take on the role of chief marketing officer of Opera Mediaworks.
“Opera Mediaworks shares our vision to enhance the mobile ecosystem and deliver the highest quality mobile video experience in the world. Our keen focus on the consumer experience in mobile apps combined with the massive growth of mobile video consumption worldwide, has catapulted our growth and made us a go-to partner for app developers and advertisers. We are excited to now be part of Opera Mediaworks’ renowned global organisation and look forward to unlocking tremendous synergies together,” said Kassoy.
The addition of AdColony will make Opera Mediaworks the most comprehensive suite of brand and performance-based mobile ad solutions, delivering creative, targeting, analytics, measurement, programmatic buying, and video and rich-media offerings. The combination should offer the world’s largest mobile-focused ad server along with a larger scope of managed, self-service and programmatic tools creating powerful ways to monetise their inventory effectively.
Mobile video advertising is the fastest-growing advertising segment in all of digital advertising. Mobile advertising spend is expected to grow to $ 41.9 billion by 2017, with mobile video advertising showing the highest growth rate, according to Gartner.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
