MAM
WPP and Providence acquire Chime for ?374 million
MUMBAI: Martin Sorrell’s WPP and buyout firm Providence Equity Partners have agreed to acquire British communication and sports marketing group Chime Communications for ?374 million.
As per the deal terms, Chime shareholders will receive 365pence in cash for each share they own. In addition, shareholders who are on the Chime shareholder register on 11 September, 2015 will be entitled to receive an interim dividend for the current year of 2.53 pence per share.
WPP and Providence are acquiring Chime thorough Bidco, which is a newly-incorporated vehicle controlled by funds managed by Providence. WPPwill acquire an indirect minority interest in Bidco in exchange for transferring its existing 20.03 per cent stake in Chime to Bidco’s parent company – Bell Topco. The remaining ordinary shares in Topco will be held indirectly by funds managed by Providence.
As WPP is a joint offeror, it will not be entitled to vote its Chime shares at the Court Meeting. However, WPP will be entitled to vote at the general meeting and Bidco has received an undertaking from WPP in the Bid Conduct Agreement to vote in favour of the resolution to be proposed at the general meeting in respect of, in aggregate, 20,158,421 Chime shares, representing approximately 20.03 per cent of the share capital of Chime in issue on 30 July, 2015.
Commenting on the offer, Chime chairman Lord Davies of Abersoch said, “Chime has achieved great success to date in building a leading position in the global sports marketing and communications industry, which is reflected in the attractive premium being offered to shareholders. However, to fulfill Chime’s considerable growth potential, significant new capital is required. Providence and WPP offer Chime both the capital and the industry expertise to fast-track our ambitions to build a full scale, global sports marketing and communications business. Taking this into account, Chime’s independent Directors unanimously recommend that shareholders vote in favour of the resolutions at the General Meeting and in favour of the Scheme at the Court meeting.”
Bidco director Andrew Tisdale added, “Chime’s history is one of innovation, creativity and consistent delivery of superior results for its clients. We believe Chime’s true assets are its people, and are excited to have the opportunity to partner with them as we embark on the next phase of the company’s growth.”
Chime, which was founded in 1989 by Margaret Thatcher’s media adviser Lord Bell, will be delisted from the London Stock Exchange on completion of the deal.
Brands
Charlotte Tilbury opens first flagship store in India
Luxury beauty brand bets on immersive retail as India expansion gathers pace
NEW DELHI: Charlotte Tilbury has opened its first flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, planting a high-glamour marker in New Delhi as global beauty brands double down on the country’s fast-growing premium market.
Located at Nexus Select Citywalk in Saket, the store is operated end-to-end by Nykaa, deepening a partnership that began with the brand’s digital launch in India in 2020 and has since scaled across retail, marketing and distribution. The opening signals a shift from marketplace presence to standalone brand environments as companies chase long-term equity and consumer loyalty.
The launch was marked by an event on April 9 featuring actor Sobhita Dhulipala, the brand’s first beauty muse in India, underscoring Charlotte Tilbury’s growing cultural push in the market.
“Darlings, I am so excited to open my first-ever flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, in its vibrant and iconic capital, New Delhi,” said Charlotte Tilbury. “This is such a magical milestone for the brand as we continue to grow in one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting beauty markets.”
Tilbury highlighted the brand’s connection with Indian consumers. “India has always been a place of incredible beauty, celebration and transformation. I have been so inspired by the artistry, creativity and passion of our community here. They are true beauty connoisseurs that appreciate next-generation formulas,” she said.
The store is designed as an immersive retail experience, blending the brand’s Art Deco and old Hollywood aesthetic with local cues. A bespoke Royal Indian Arch anchors the space, alongside personalised makeup services tailored to Indian trends and occasions. A dedicated bridal looks wall nods to the country’s strong wedding-led beauty market, while interactive elements such as the Pillow Talk photowall and in-store masterclasses aim to drive engagement.
For the first time in India, the full Charlotte Tilbury portfolio is available under one roof, spanning makeup, skincare and fragrance, including the Fragrance Collection of Emotions and bestsellers such as Magic Cream, Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer and Pillow Talk products.
Nykaa, which operates 57 doors for the brand alongside its app and website, will now lead end-to-end management of Charlotte Tilbury’s exclusive boutiques in India, covering retail operations, staffing, supply chain, marketing and omnichannel integration.
“Charlotte Tilbury has been one of our most successful and strategic global partnerships,” said Anchit Nayar, executive director and chief executive officer, Nykaa Beauty. “The launch of the first exclusive boutique, fully operated by Nykaa, is a natural next step and reflects our shared long-term commitment to building the brand in India.”
Nykaa’s broader beauty playbook, built on digital-first entry followed by omnichannel scale, now reaches over 42 million consumers and has become a template for global brands entering India. The retailer currently serves 52 million customers through its platforms and runs 276 offline beauty destinations, reinforcing its position as a gateway for international labels.
Charlotte Tilbury, founded in 2013, now operates in over 50 markets with more than 3,000 employees and 500 products across categories, with over 3,000 distribution points globally.
A second standalone store is slated to open at Mall of India in Noida in May 2026, signalling an aggressive retail push.
In a market where beauty is fast turning from aspiration to everyday indulgence, Charlotte Tilbury is not just selling products. It is building theatre, and betting that Indian consumers are ready to buy into the spectacle.
