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WPP emerges as the front-runner in Cordiant acquisition
NEW YORK: The world’s third largest agency WPP, owned by Sir Martin Sorell, has emerged as the front runner to buy Cordiant. Cordiant is ?250m in debt but a number of disposals, including the sale of PR firm Financial Dynamics, are on the cards. Media reports indicate that rival French bidder Publicis appears to be going slow on the idea of a bid.
A report in the UK’s Guardian says that WPP is expected to offer Cordiant shareholders close to 3p per share, compared with the 7p at which the stock ended last week. But the report added that it was unclear last night how much Cordiant’s banks would be expected to lose on the deal.
Reports indicate that WPP is ready to take on ?90m of Cordiant’s debt leaving ?160m to be found through disposals or written off by its banks. Including the ?10m paid to shareholders the deal would be worth ?100m. However, WPP insiders dismissed these reports as “pure speculation”.
Reports also indicate that Publicis may approach WPP after a deal is struck to see whether it can buy out media buyer Zenith Optimedia, which it co-owns with Cordiant.
The WPP bid is likely to scupper plans for a rescue of Cordiant being put together by German bank WestLB with the support of UK Active Value, the predator fund run by Julian Treger and Brian Myerson. Active Value holds just over 14 per cent of Cordiant and will see the vast majority of its investment wiped out if WPP gains board approval for its offer.
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.
