MAM
RECMA names Vizeum as ‘World’s Fastest Growing Media Network’
MUMBAI: RECMA has named Vizeum as the world’s fastest growing media network in its ‘Overall Activity Billings 2014’ report published this week. Across the 16 global agencies assessed by RECMA, Vizeum increased activity billings year-on-year by +29.1 per cent, 9 per cent more than the second ranked agency.
Vizeum managing director Indian subcontinent S Yesudas said, “It is indeed a matter of pride for all of us that Vizeum has achieved this great recognition in such a short span. This belongs to our passionate and committed team and the ever-supportive clients. Vizeum was launched in India towards the end of 2009. We have already been able to carve out an interesting niche for ourselves within five years. We are on the path to achieving excellence in everything we do.”
The top 5 growth rates of ‘Overall Activity’ Billings 2014 are:
1- Vizeum + 29.1 per cent
2- BPN + 20 per cent
3- Arena + 12.3 per cent
4- MediaCom + 11.5 per cent
5- Dentsu media + 11.1 per cent
In absolute volume, Vizeum increased its OA Billings by + $m 2183 (the 3rd highest growth).
Launched in 2003, the network has now grown to 65 offices in 45 markets. The agency was founded by Thomas Le Thierry in France, who was later appointed the agency’s global president in 2013.
The network manages global clients from seven global hubs in London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo and Wiesbaden. Key wins for the network in 2014 included ABinBEV (Europe), Burger King (Europe) and Shiseido (Global). Vizeum also expanded its relationships with Sonos, Ikea and BMW in new markets.
Key wins in India during 2014/15 include: BMW, Jet Airways, HDFC, Hindware, Allied Blenders and Distillers, Saint-Gobain, Jet Privilege and Viacom 18 Media.
Thierry said, “We have achieved this impressive growth through our single-minded focus on making innovation in media create value for clients. We have built a consistent network which now has real momentum. This growth helps us to keep the agility required in the fast moving environment. It’s the only way we can credibly remain on the edge of the industry doing best in class work for our clients.”
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
