M&C Saatchi Worldwide acquires creative agency February

The acquisition will see the launch of a new entity called M&C Saatchi February, which will offer solutions in advertising, design, digital, social, mobile, events and activation.

M&C Saatchi Worldwide has strengthened its presence in India by acquiring Delhi-based independent creative agency, February. The new entity, M&C Saatchi February, will offer advertising, design, digital, social, mobile, events and activation services. Initially, February's partners, Gopal Krishnan and Nirmal Pulickal, will have a majority stake in the venture. M&C Saatchi Worldwide will become the majority shareholder, over an agreed time frame.

Both Krishnan and Pulickal will take over leadership of the combined operation and will be supported by M&C Saatchi Delhi's CEO, Anjali Nayar, who has been appointed as the president of the new venture. The new Indian agency will be headquartered in February's offices in Delhi's Shahpur Jat. The founding portfolio of blue-chip clients will include Nando's, Typhoo, Avis, Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, DLF Retail, Ananda in the Himalayas, SBI Cards and Panasonic Mobility.

Says Moray MacLennan, CEO, M&C Saatchi Worldwide, "India is a fundamental part of our global strategy, and we're delighted to join forces with a brilliant team to help us create a global hub in this critical market. In Gopal, Nirmal and the team at February, we have found our perfect partners."

Krishnan adds, "We've been doing some great work for some wonderful clients over the last couple of years, and this new partnership will help us play on an even bigger stage going forward." Pulickal too is quite excited. "When we launched February two years ago, we had a simple goal; to create great work that works for our clients' business. It's great to find a partner in M&C Saatchi," he says.

Launched in 2012, February India has worked with a broad base of local and international clients including Adidas, Panasonic Mobility, GE, Mother Dairy, Smart Global Group, Sleepwell Mattress and Avon Cycles.