M&C Saatchi takes stake in Delhi-based February and merges to form M&C Saatchi February

M&C Saatchi has acquired a stake in February India – the independent agency that was founded by Gopal Krishnan and Nirmal Pulickal in 2012. As of today, they are merging the operations of the current M&C Saatchi agency in Delhi with the local operations of February to create M&C Saatchi February, with immediate effect.

The new agency will be led by the February management team of Gopal Krishnan and Nirmal Pulickal, who will be supported by the current CEO of M&C Saatchi in Delhi – Anjali Nayar – who will take the role of President in the new company. The founding client list includes: Nando’s, Typhoo, Avis, Blossom Kochhar, RBS, DLF Retail, Ananda in the Himalayas, SBI Cards and Panasonic Mobility – and we begin operations tomorrow.

M&C Saatchi’s Worldwide CEO, Moray MacLennan, announcing the new partnership, said that: “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.”

MacLennan added: “In Gopal, Nirmal and the team at February, we have found our perfect partners. They’ve built an agency producing world-class work for both local and international clients. They share our obsession with ‘Brutal Simplicity of Thought’, and our laser-like focus on building business results for our clients.”

The partners of February will initially have a majority stake in the venture, with M&C Saatchi Worldwide becoming the majority shareholder over an agreed timescale.

Gopal Krishnan, co-founder of February, said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with M&C Saatchi as we embark on the next phase of February’s exciting journey. 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.”

Nirmal Pulickal, co-founder of February, added: “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 who shares our vision entirely. We’re very excited about the future of M&C Saatchi February.”

While India is the world’s second most populous country, it is currently the fourteenth largest advertising market, and has one of the lowest advertising spends per capita. However, with the advertising marketing already growing by 8% per annum, India is showing great potential for growth.

Launched in February 2012, February has built a young, dynamic agency that has worked with a broad base of strong local and international clients, including Adidas, Ameriprise, Panasonic Mobility, GE, Typhoo, Mother Dairy, Smart Global Group, Sleepwell mattress and Avon Cycles.

The launch of M&C Saatchi February follows the creation of M&C Saatchi aeiou in China last year, and the successful relaunch of the new M&C Saatchi Singapore in 2012.