MAM
Havas post 7.7% rev growth for H1 2012
MUMBAI: The Havas Group posted revenue of $654.41 million for H1 2012 ended 30 June 2012. This is a 7.7 per cent increase from $607.58 in H1 2011.
The group‘s income from operations for H1 2012 increased by 4.21 per cent to $125.72 million, compared to $120.64 million reported for H1 2011.
Geographically, Europe continued to be the media group‘s strength with $529.34 million coming in revenue from the region followed by North America ($358.10 million) and Asia Pacific and Latin America bringing in $165.08 million.
The group‘s Q2 revenue stood at $561.28 million, a 9.40 per cent rise from Q2 FY12‘s $513.03 million. During this period too, Europe led the share of revenue with $284.45 million followed by North America with $185.40 million and APAC+Lat Am bringing in $$91.43 million.
Havas CEO David Jones said, “All our regions continued to deliver growth in the first half led by Asia, Latin America, digital, media and healthcare. New Business performance strengthened in H1 2012, delivering one of the best half-year new business results in recent years with major wins including Novartis, GSK, Hershey‘s (digital), Intel Asus, (global), Sony Playstation, New York Life, Atlantic City, Lycra (USA), Yili in Asia, Nokia in India and Volvo in China, to name but a few. We made a number of targeted acquisitions during the first half of 2012, bringing into the group innovative agencies and talent adept at using digital technology and creativity to meet the future needs of our clients.”
Over the first half of 2012, Havas made a number of acquisitions of agencies representing a total investment of approximately $44.45 million. These targeted acquisitions made to reinforce the group‘s digital, technology and creative resources and are in line with the Group‘ strategy.
The group acquired agencies Boondoggle, Ignition, Victors and Spoils, Creative Lynx, Mediaxis and launched Havas Media Ortega in Philippines.
The agency won some prominent accounts like Expedia (Euro RSCG 4D Matrix), Nokia (digital business won by Euro RSCG), Parle (media account won by MPG) and TVS Tyres (media account won by MPG) in India.
Brands
RR Kabel expands FMEG portfolio with kitchen appliances and air coolers
Company forays into mixers, cooktops and hand blenders under RR Signature brand.
MUMBAI: RR Kabel has just cooked up something new and it’s not just another wire. The leading wires and cables manufacturer has announced a significant expansion of its Fast-Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) portfolio by entering the kitchen appliances segment and strengthening its air coolers range under the premium RR Signature brand. The company has introduced Mixer Grinders, Electric Cooktops (both Induction and Infra-Red variants), and Hand Blenders. These products mark RR Kabel’s strategic foray into everyday kitchen essentials, allowing it to reach deeper into Indian households beyond traditional electrical categories.
The Induction and Infra-Red Cooktops are seeing particularly strong demand amid global developments affecting LPG pricing and supply. Consumers are increasingly shifting to electric cooking for its energy efficiency, precise control, and safety features. RR Signature is reinforcing its ‘Aapke Kaam Ki Baat’ promise with best-in-class warranties across the range.
The company also plans to introduce additional kitchen appliance categories in FY26-27. In parallel, it has expanded its Air Cooler portfolio with new Industrial (Semi-Commercial) models featuring higher tank capacities and superior air throw, catering to both commercial users and households seeking powerful cooling during intensifying summers.
RR Kabel executive director Mahhesh Kabra said, “Our expansion into kitchen appliances allows us to connect with consumers at more touchpoints in their daily lives, while our expanded air cooler range addresses the rising need for effective cooling solutions. These launches reflect our continued focus on quality, innovation, and market relevance.”
By stepping into kitchen appliances and enhancing its cooling solutions, RR Kabel is wiring itself more deeply into Indian homes proving that even a cables company knows how to heat things up in the kitchen and keep things cool elsewhere. The move positions the brand for broader growth as it evolves from wires to a more complete home solutions player.
