LONDON – M&C Saatchi Worldwide is strengthening its presence in India through a tie- up with Delhi-based independent creative agency, February, which will see the launch of a new Indian agency: M&C Saatchi February.
Through the joint venture between M&C Saatchi Delhi and February, both companies will merge their operations with immediate effect to launch the brand new agency. Offering Advertising, Design, Digital, Social, Mobile, Events and Activation, M&C Saatchi February’s 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.

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.”
The deal follows a strategic review of the agency’s Indian operations and will see M&C Saatchi’s new Indian agency – M&C Saatchi February – headquartered in February’s offices in Delhi’s up and coming creative zone of Shahpur Jat.
February’s founders Gopal Krishnan and Nirmal Pulickal will be taking over leadership of the combined operation. They will be supported by Anjali Nayar, the current CEO of M&C Saatchi Delhi, who is appointed President of the new venture.
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.
In photo (L-R): Gopal Krishnan (Managing Director – Business), Anjali Nayar (President), Nirmal Pulickal (Managing Director – Creative)
