MAM
Aegis Q3 revenue growth better than rivals
MUMBAI: Amid slowdown in Asia Pacific and Europe, Aegis Group has posted fiscal-third quarter revenue growth of 14.5 per cent. Even the organic revenue (excluding acquisitions and disposals) growth was at 6.3 per cent for the three-month period ended 30 September, higher than rivals WPP Group, Havas and Publicis Grooupe who ran slower at around two per cent.
Aegis, which houses media agencies such as Carat and Vizeum and digital network Isobar, did not provide revenue figures as it is in the process of being acquired by Dentsu.
By geographical region, Aegis‘ organic revenues in the Asia Pacific region saw a slump to four per cent compared to 14.4 per cent in the trailing quarter. Europe, Middle East and Africa slowed from 3.8 per cent in Q2 to 2.8 per cent in Q3. The Americas grew by 15.2 per cent in the third quarter which is down 18 per cent in the second quarter.
Aegis Media grew at 6.3 per cent while its research arm Aztec grew at 6.7 per cent.
The Group made a number of acquisitions and investments in the third quarter of 2012, including Catch Stone in China, Hablar in Japan, C2 in India, D2D and iSpy in the UK, W Garden in France, Irokeesi in Finland, and IQ Mobile in Austria.
The group‘s total revenue for the first nine months ended 30 September increased by 16.3 per cent while its organic revenue saw an increase of 7.9 per cent. Aegis Media delivered total net new business wins of $2.9 billion during the first nine months of the year as compared to $2.4 billion in 2011.
Aegis Group chief executive officer Jerry Buhlmann said, “Aegis produced another strong performance in the third quarter of 2012, with continued market-outperformance and sector-leading organic growth. Our strong business mix, supported by targeted acquisitions, gives Aegis a unique opportunity to deliver the integrated campaigns our clients require in the convergent media environment.”
Earlier on 12 July Japanese media company Dentsu Inc. and Aegis announced that they had reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer by Dentsu for Aegis. Shareholders approved the transaction at shareholder meetings on 16 August 2012.
On 6 November, it was announced that all antitrust clearances identified in Part A of Part Three of the Scheme Document have been obtained, with the exception of clearance from the Ministry of Commerce of the People‘s Republic of China (“MOFCOM”) pursuant to the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People‘s Republic of China (the “Anti-Monopoly Law”).
“Dentsu and Aegis remain confident that the Scheme will become effective on or prior to 28 February 2013 (the long stop date referred to in the Scheme Document),” Aegis said.
Brands
Hyundai Venue crosses 1 lakh bookings, adds HX8 Diesel AT variant
New top-spec automatic diesel trim brings ventilated seats, OTA updates and paddle shifters.
MUMBAI: Hyundai Venue just hit the jackpot and upgraded the prize because when you cross 1 lakh bookings, you don’t just celebrate, you throw in paddle shifters and ventilated seats for the ride. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced that the all-new Hyundai Venue has achieved 1 lakh bookings, cementing its strong position in the compact SUV segment. To mark the milestone and further enhance customer choice, the company introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant.
The HX8 Diesel AT is powered by the proven U2 1.5L CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It adds a host of premium comfort, safety and convenience features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-tone leatherette seats with VENUE branding
- Electric 4-way driver seat adjust
- Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Rear disc brakes
- Ambient lighting on crash pad and central console
- Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
- Traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow)
- Paddle shifters
HMIL, managing director & CEO Tarun Garg said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 1 lakh bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience.”
Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the Venue continues to appeal to buyers seeking a feature-rich, comfortable and future-ready compact SUV. The new variant reinforces HMIL’s focus on delivering advanced technology, safety, comfort and value while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
In a segment where bookings are the real horsepower, Hyundai isn’t just counting milestones, it’s handing drivers an automatic upgrade that makes every journey feel like the victory lap.
