MAM
WPP’s Millward Brown buys out Cadem Advertising
MUMBAI: WPP‘s global research agency Millward Brown has acquired Chilean consumer insights company Cadem Advertising.
Millward Brown is a global company focused on brands, media and communications. It is part of Kantar Group, the insights arm of WPP plc.
Founded in 1997, Cadem has operated as a licensee of Millward Brown for many years providing brand tracking, quantitative and qualitative research services.
According to the official communiqué, Cadem employs 87 people and key clients include Coca-Cola, Falabella Retail, Nestle, Telefonica and Unilever. Its unaudited revenues for the year ended 31 December 2011 were approximately $6.55 million with gross assets of approximately $2.66 million.
This acquisition continues WPP‘s strategy of investing in fast growing markets and sectors and its commitment to developing its strategic networks throughout Latin America. The Group collectively employs (including associates) 15,000 people with revenues of $1.5 billion in Latin America.
Post acquisition, Cadem Advertising will become Millward Brown Chile, and, consequently, Millward Brown will consolidate its operations in Latin America, by being present in the entire region, with offices in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Central America.
Millward Brown Latin America CEO Fabian Hernandez said, “This acquisition is helping us to leverage our business as the most important market research company in the region. Through our presence and service throughout Latin America and by offering excellence in our methodologies and analysis, we are consolidating ourselves as strategic partners for our clients in their market research and brand, media and communication consulting projects in Latin America.”
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
