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WPP group confirms being in the fray for acquiring Cordiant
LONDON: The WPP group, Britain’s largest advertising company and one of the largest advertising networks in the world, confirmed on Monday, 2 June 2003, that it is considering the purchase of the Cordiant the second-largest UK ad firm. The WPP group has joined a group of potential bidder. The UK-based Cordiant Communications is a major stakeholder in prominent ad and media agencies such as Bates and Zenith Media – which have Indian offshoots too.
In early May, an adage report stated that the communications group, which announced its preliminary results, has been given until July 15 to complete the sales of three major marketing agency holdings: PR agency Financial Dynamics; ad agency Scholz and Friends; and Australian ad agency George Patterson Bates. The fourth [the sale of its stake in Zenith Optimedia] sale is planned for January. Experts state that the four sales are expected to fetch Cordiant around $220 million — almost enough to pay off its debts — provided there are no more major client losses before the deals are completed.
A Guardian report stated that a consortium of banks led by HSBC agreed to ignore a breach to loan agreements and continue to guarantee borrowings of about ?250m until July 15 following the group’s damaging loss of big client Allied Domecq, the drinks group.
“With regards to Cordiant, we can only confirm that we are continuing to undertake due diligence,” a WPP spokesman was quoted as saying in a Reuters report.
Reports have also linked US hedge fund Cerebrus Capital Management with a possible takeover of Cordiant.
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.
