AD Agencies
MiQ helps Indian brands expand globally with smarter ads
With a presence in 20 plus countries, MiQ guides Indian firms towards global growth
MUMBAI: Indian brands are no longer content with ruling the home market. From pharma to fashion, tech to tourism, businesses are increasingly setting their sights on international audiences. Stepping in to smooth that journey is MiQ, the global programmatic advertising specialist, which is helping Indian enterprises scale beyond borders with sharper targeting, smarter activation and measurable results.
With operations in more than 20 countries, MiQ is working closely with Indian companies eager to establish a lasting foothold in markets across North America, Europe, Apac, Latam, China and the Middle East. As global trade dynamics evolve, brands are diversifying not just where they sell, but where and how they advertise.
Categories such as health and pharma, retail, technology and travel are leading the charge, recognising that international growth now demands more than ambition. It requires intelligence, local expertise and the ability to adapt campaigns to distinct cultural and media landscapes.
Connected TV is one channel driving this shift. In India, CTV households are projected to reach between 60 and 70 million in 2025, reflecting growth of over 87 percent. Meanwhile, it is already deeply embedded in mature markets, with household penetration exceeding 60 per cent in North America and 55 per cent in Europe. Global media platforms including Roku and Teads have helped accelerate adoption overseas, while Pixability continues to set benchmarks in measurable YouTube advertising.
MiQ aims to position itself as the go-to partner for Indian brands keen to harness these new-age channels, both domestically and abroad. Its upcoming launch of MiQ Sigma in India, an AI-powered advertising platform already active in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and South East Asia, promises deeper insights and greater precision for marketers shaping global strategies.
MiQ chief commercial officer India Varun Mohan, said India is no longer simply a fast-growing domestic market but a global powerhouse. As geopolitical and trade alignments shift, he noted, Indian brands are rethinking where they show up and how they engage audiences. MiQ’s regional presence, localisation capabilities and partnerships enable brands to expand with confidence and clarity.
As India strengthens its position as both an innovation hub and a source of global brand ambition, MiQ is betting that data, technology and on-the-ground expertise will be the passport Indian enterprises need for sustainable international success.
AD Agencies
Publicis posts €4.19bn Q1 revenue, 6.4 per cent growth; backs FY outlook
Ad giant signals Q2 acceleration as AI and new deals power momentum
PARIS: Publicis Groupe continues to outperform the industry, delivering a strong start to 2026 under Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. Despite a volatile global macro environment, the company has now outpaced the industry for nearly 20 consecutive quarters.
For Q1 2026, total revenue reached €4,191 million, up from €4,161 million last year, with organic growth of 6.4 per cent. Net revenue, which excludes pass-through costs, stood at €3,460 million, reflecting organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
Exchange rates had a negative impact of €268 million, mainly due to a weaker US dollar and pound sterling. Acquisitions, including Adge.AI and 160over90, contributed an additional €46 million.
Performance across regions was largely positive, with some variation:
- North America, accounting for 59 per cent of net revenue, grew 4.7 per cent
- Europe recorded growth of 3.9 per cent, led by the UK at 6.2 per cent, while France grew 1.6 per cent
- Asia Pacific posted 5.9 per cent growth, driven by China at 11.7 per cent
- Latin America grew 13.3 per cent
- Middle East and Africa declined 5.1 per cent due to geopolitical challenges
AI-powered marketing services, which now make up 86 per cent of the business, grew 5.6 per cent. However, the technology segment, representing 14 per cent of revenue, declined slightly as clients reduced spending on large-scale transformation projects.
Sharing his outlook, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “Publicis had a very strong start to the year, outperforming the industry for almost 20 quarters in a row despite the volatile macro environment. Organic revenue growth reached 6.4%, leading to 4.5% in net and further increasing the gap with our peers.” He added that the company remains confident of delivering industry-leading performance. “We are confirming our industry-leading organic growth guidance of 4 to 5%, with the 4% rock solid, and a sequential organic growth acceleration in Q2 despite a higher comparable.”
Publicis continued its expansion with the acquisition of Adge.AI in March, followed by 160over90 in April to strengthen its sports and culture marketing capabilities.
Net financial debt stood at €1,156 million at the end of March, reflecting a seasonal shift from the net cash position at the end of 2025. Average net debt over the past twelve months was €1,035 million.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue organic growth of 4 to 5 per cent in 2026. It also anticipates an operating margin slightly above 18.2 per cent and free cash flow of approximately €2.1 billion.
With expectations of stronger performance in the second quarter, Publicis remains well positioned to sustain its growth momentum.
