AD Agencies
O&M launches B2B practice – Ogilvy Business Network
MUMBAI: As India emerges as a hub for IT, BT, ITES and BPO companies in the world, the need for a new channel of communications has arisen, that of Business to Business (B2B) communication. Ogilvy has tapped this area and has in turn opened its India operations – Ogilvy Business Network (OBN) that will cater to the many offshore businesses in India.
OBN has already been successfully introduced in the key Asia Pacific markets and resides in over 120 countries in the Ogilvy network. Harnessing this expertise from across the network will be a swift and smooth transfer of knowledge tools and staff training. The Ogilvy global network will provide access to expertise of a global standard that is currently servicing international clients around the world, informs an official release.
Ogilvy, being the leading communications agency in India and managing the largest share of communications spent in this market, is well-known for its B2C (Business to Consumer) communication work with several prominent brands – both local and multinational – in this segment, such as Hindustan Lever, Titan, Asian Paints, Fevicol, Hutch, etc.
OBN will aim at harnessing the existing strengths of the agency to provide clients with the best of breed solutions driven by strategy and insights. Existing services such as Ogilvy PR, OgilvyOne, OgilvyInteractive and Ogilvy Activation will complement the new initiative in their respective countries.
Commenting on the launch of the B2B service, O&M CEO India and South Asia John Goodman said, “We have a wide network of offices across the globe that share best practices and provide cutting-edge solutions to leading brands in the world each day. Ogilvy Business Network will take advantage of this strength to provide clients with a single window interface for services required in key cities in the world.”
O&M executive chairman and national creative director Piyush Pandey said, “Ogilvy is considered a power brand in India today and this is a result of our strong focus on creativity, professionalism and our vast portfolio of offerings. Ogilvy Business Network will be the latest entrant among our professional services that will help us consolidate the position even further.”
Ogilvy Asia Pacific B2B Practice group leader and director Asia Pacific – IBM Brand Services Bill Merrick explains, “This will be a focus segment for Ogilvy in the coming months and we have established suitable resources and finalised investments to support its growth. I am also happy to announce that we have already recorded business wins in B2B from Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai in the last few months.”
On a country-by-country basis, India is expected to show the highest CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 83.7 per cent in e-commerce revenue from 2003 to 2008, thus marginally exceeding the CAGR of 81 per cent expected in China, according to IDC’s forecast on Asia Pacific Internet market. Consequently B2B e-commerce is estimated to grow rapidly at a CAGR of 59.1 per cent. Ogilvy India’s B2B practice is geared to meet this growth.
AD Agencies
Havas hits 2025 targets, posts 3.1 per cent organic growth
Net revenue rises to €2.78 bn as AI push and acquisitions lift performance
PUTEAUX, FRANCE: Havas delivered a solid set of full-year results for 2025, beating its own guidance as steady organic growth, tighter cost control and an aggressive push into artificial intelligence lifted margins and cash flow.
The advertising and communications group reported organic net revenue growth of 3.1 per cent for the year, slightly ahead of its guided range of 2.5 to 3.0 per cent. Net revenue rose to €2.78 billion, while adjusted Ebit climbed to €358 million, translating into a margin of 12.9 per cent, up 50 basis points from last year.
Net income increased 11.1 per cent to €210 million, with group share of net income rising 9.2 per cent to €189 million. Operating cash flow after working capital jumped 53 per cent to €360 million, reflecting improved collections and disciplined spending.
The fourth quarter capped the year on a strong note, with organic growth of 3.7 per cent, driven by momentum across Europe and North America. For the full year, North America led with organic growth of 4.9 per cent, while Europe posted 2.0 per cent growth. Latin America returned to growth, and APAC and Africa were supported by India.
Chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré, said 2025 marked a “transformative year” for Havas, its first full year as a listed company. He credited the rollout of the group’s Converged.AI operating system and a client-centric model for delivering on guidance in a highly competitive market.
Havas continued its acquisition spree, buying majority stakes in 11 agencies during the year across Europe, Australia and New Zealand, strengthening its media, creative, health and data capabilities. The group also struck strategic partnerships with AI players Vurvey Labs and Akkio to deepen its agentic AI capabilities.
Looking ahead, Havas guided for organic growth of 2.0 to 3.0 per cent in 2026 and an adjusted Ebit margin of between 13.2 and 13.5 per cent. The group plans to maintain a dividend payout ratio of around 40 per cent and pursue five to ten bolt-on acquisitions during the year.
Havas also confirmed its medium-term ambition of lifting margins to between 14 and 15 per cent by 2028, underlining confidence in its AI-led strategy and diversified geographic footprint.
