MAM
Ogilvy unveils global activation firm OgilvyAction
MUMBAI: The Ogilvy Group has announced the formation of OgilvyAction to provide a full range of brand activation services globally. In North America, OgilvyAction will be comprised of all of Ogilvy’s activation capabilities in the region, including 141 and Ben Marketing.
Rick Roth, a 25-year Ogilvy veteran, who was named CEO of 141 Worldwide in December 2004, will oversee all activation business at Ogilvy.
“In today’s cluttered and competitive world, marketers need to find new ways to connect their brands to the real lives of their consumers and the business needs of their trade customers,” said OgilvyAction CEO Rick Roth. “With studies showing that nearly 70 percent of purchase decisions are made near or in the store, OgilvyAction plans to reach consumers at key moments of truth, ultimately to influence their actions at the point of purchase.”
An official statement issued by the company states that OgilvyAction, headquartered in New York, would provide services in promotional, shopper and trade marketing, experiential (formally 141boomerang), sports and entertainment marketing (formally 141premiere), digital (formally 141xm) and retail design. The company promises to be instrumental in helping clients win in what they call “The Last Mile.”
“With activation becoming an increasing need among our clients globally, it just makes sense to bring this important business closer to the Ogilvy brand,” said Ogilvy & Mather chairman and CEO Shelly Lazarus.
In North America, OgilvyAction will have offices in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Stamford, Toronto and Honolulu. Jay Farrell will be CEO for OgilvyAction in this region.
“While other networks have begun to fold their activation groups into their advertising offerings, it’s great that Ogilvy is committed to OgilvyAction as a stand-alone, best-in-class component of its 360 Degree promise,” said Farrell.
In certain regions, 141 will continue to exist as an independent unit in servicing clients. In Asia, 141 will continue to exist as part of BatesAsia.
Brands
Sun Pharma to acquire Organon in $11.75 billion deal at $14 per share
Acquisition to create $12.4 billion pharma giant with global scale and biosimilars push
MUMBAI: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Organon & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion, marking one of the largest cross-border pharma acquisitions by an Indian firm.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon shareholders will receive $14.00 per share in cash, with Sun Pharma set to acquire 100 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares. The transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
The deal significantly expands Sun Pharma’s global footprint and strengthens its position across women’s health, biosimilars, and branded generics. The combined entity is projected to generate revenues of around $12.4 billion, placing it among the top 25 pharmaceutical companies globally.
Organon, which was spun off from Merck in 2021, brings a portfolio of over 70 products spanning women’s health and general medicines, with operations across more than 140 countries. Its established presence in key markets such as the US, Europe, and China complements Sun Pharma’s existing strengths and growth ambitions.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited executive chairman Dilip Shanghvi said, “This transaction represents a significant opportunity for Sun Pharma to build on its vision of reaching people and touching lives. Organon’s portfolio, capabilities and global reach are highly complementary to our own.”
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited managing director Kirti Ganorkar added, “This transaction is a logical next step in strengthening Sun Pharma’s global business. Together, we will become a partner of choice for acquiring and launching new products.”
From Organon’s side, Organon & Co. executive chair Carrie Cox noted, “This all-cash transaction offers compelling and immediate value to Organon stockholders, while positioning the business for continued growth under Sun Pharma.”
Strategically, the acquisition gives Sun Pharma entry into the global biosimilars space as a top 10 player and strengthens its innovative medicines portfolio, which is expected to contribute around 27 per cent of combined revenues. The deal is also expected to nearly double EBITDA and cash flow, supporting long-term deleveraging and investment capacity.
Sun Pharma plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and committed financing from global banks, while maintaining focus on disciplined integration and operational continuity post-merger.
If completed as planned, the deal signals a clear shift in India’s pharmaceutical ambitions, from scale at home to leadership on the global stage, with Sun Pharma positioning itself as a more diversified and innovation-led healthcare powerhouse.
