News Headline
Taylor Nelson Sofres plc acquires NFO WorldGroup
LONDON: Taylor Nelson Sofres plc (TNS), a world leader in market information, announced the proposed acquisition of NFO WorldGroup, Inc. (NFO) from The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (Interpublic), for $425m. The UK-based company TNS claims to be one of the world’s largest research companies, conducting political polls and opinion surveys, monitoring Internet advertising and measuring TV audience viewership.
A press release says that on the basis of 2002 revenues, the acquisition will consolidate TNS’ position as one of the top three global companies in its industry.
TNS chairman Tony Cowling was quoted as saying: “We are delighted to be acquiring NFO, a high quality company with a strong management team. As well as bringing into the group one of the US’ leading access panels, the acquisition is in line with the strategy that has delivered profitable growth over the past few years. We believe that, by combining NFO with TNS, we will be able to generate significant cost and revenue synergies and that this latest step in the group’s development provides an excellent opportunity to create further shareholder value.”
The release says that the strategic rationale is as follows:
* Brings to TNS one of the leading US access panels and strengthens its internet data collection capabilities.
* Reinforces TNS’ network in the US, the world’s largest market for market information, in Asia, where demand for market information is fast growing, and in Europe.
* Increases TNS’ competitive advantage by adding depth to sector expertise and expanding global key account activities.
* Offers increased opportunity to develop continuous tracking services.
* Widens client base for a broader portfolio of branded solutions
Media reports indicate that this move will ensure that NFO India and TNS Mode will come under a single roof. The combined entity, billed as the largest customised research company in India, will rank third after the VNU-owned AC Nielsen India (formed from the merger of AC Nielsen and ORG-MARG) and the WPP-owned Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB).
The release also mentions that the directors expect the acquisition to be earnings enhancing in the current financial year, before goodwill charges, synergies and restructuring costs, and significantly earnings enhancing from 2004 on the same basis. It says that the directors expect the acquisition to deliver annualised synergies of more than ?3m by the end of 2003 and in excess of ?10m in 2004, resulting primarily from operational costs efficiencies. The directors expect initial one-off integration costs of approximately ?5-6m in 2003.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
