ITV

Category: Brands

  • United MediaWorks targets expansion to 350+ cinemas by March 2016

    United MediaWorks targets expansion to 350+ cinemas by March 2016

    MUMBAI: United MediaWorks’ patented product Digibutor, a digital cinema server is looking at expanding its reach across the country. The product, which so far had a presence in Gujarat and Bihar and tapped into Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Jharkhand and Maharashtra earlier this year, has now set its sight on the West Bengal and Karnataka markets.

     

    The product, which was until now available in 150 theatres across Gujarat and Bihar, has expanded its reach to over 200 theatres under its belt. This includes . This includes movie halls in Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.     

     

    The digital distribution platform aims to expand its reach to over 350 theatres all over India by March 2016.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, United MediaWorks co-founder and joint MD Ashish Bhandari said, “We launched in West Bengal and Karnataka a week back and the reason behind choosing these states was to break the monopoly of digital cinema providers in the theatre market.”

     

    According to Bhandari, 10 – 15 per cent of cinema houses in rural India still works on analogue mode. “Not just this, south Indian movies dominate the market and so for now we are focusing more on single screens and individually owned multiplex theatres, so that we can break the monopoly and enter the market,” he added.

     

    The prime focus of Digibutor is to support the growth of media and entertainment industry with futuristic and scalable technology based products and services. It has a technology through which it encrypts content in 512 bit. The platform has a distinctive digital watermarking to get the highest level of security system. This can be installed in other digital cinema equipments at cinema halls, which helps curb piracy.

     

    United MediaWorks is not spending directly on the marketing of the product, but has collaborated with many local distributors of various states who are connected with producers, who then market the product. “Cinema advertising currently stands at Rs 480 crore. All over the country, there are 10,000 screens, of which 10 to 15 per cent are multiplexes, so our main focus is on advertising in single screen theatres. Cinema advertising is more efficient than television advertising, since it has a direct impact on consumers,” said VP – media sales Satish Mundhe.

     

    The company made an initial investment of $1 million and is now looking for investors. Bhandari said, “Before asking investors to invest, I wanted to set a benchmark for them so that it’s easy to grow from there. We are looking for investors from like minded people in the industry.”

     

    Launched in 2011, Digibutor was developed in 18 months at United MediaWorks Software Development and Research Center based in the US in association with Software Labs.

     

    “Digibutor is nothing but a digital cinema server. The product is different from others, as there is no central server. Not just this, the technology is extremely easy to use as compared to the other competing companies and its very user friendly as well,” concluded Bhandari.

  • Q1-2016: Inox y-o-y box office collections up 53%, PAT more than quadruples

    Q1-2016: Inox y-o-y box office collections up 53%, PAT more than quadruples

    BENGALURU: Inox Leisure Limited reported 53 per cent increase in box office collection (GBO) to Rs 239.38 crore (68.7 per cent of Total Revenue or TR) in the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q1-2016) as compared to the Rs 156.56 crore (67.4 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 and a whopping 77.5 per cent more than the Rs 134.80 crore (61.9 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015, hence reversing falling GBO trend in FY-2015.

     

    Performance of movies like Tanu Weds Manu Returns (GBO Rs 31.11 crore, 19 lakh footfalls); Piku (GBO Rs 21.80 crore, 13 lakh footfalls), Furious 7 (GBO Rs 18.93 crore, 11 lakh footfalls), ABCD2 (GBO Rs 18.45 crore, 10 lakh footfalls) and Avengers-Age of Ultron drove the resurgence in revenue as well profit after tax (PAT).

     

    Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

             (2) Figures include Satyam Cineplexes Limited, which became wholly owned subsidiary of the company on 8 August, 2014.

    The company’s PAT in Q1-2016 more than quadrupled (up 4.52 times) to Rs 25.26 crore (7.2 per cent margin) as compared to the Rs 4.52 crore (two per cent margin) in Q1-2015. Inox had reported a loss of Rs 4.06 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    The company’s TR in Q1-2016 at Rs 348.68 crore was 50 per cent more than the Rs 232.38 crore in Q1-2015 and was 60 per cent more than the Rs 217.75 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Footfalls, occupancy rates and average ticket price:

     

    Inox reported 1.45 crore footfalls in Q1-2016 and an occupancy rate of 33 per cent as compared to the 0.99 crore footfalls and an occupancy rate of 26 per cent in Q1-2015 and 0.82 crore footfalls and an occupancy rate of 20 per cent in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Average ticket price (ATP) in Q1-2016 increased to Rs 165 as compared to Rs 159 in the corresponding year ago quarter and Rs 164 in the previous quarter.

     

    Advertising, food and beverages and other operating revenues:

     

    The company reported 38.5 per cent higher advertising revenue in Q1-2016 at Rs 20.72 crore (5.9 per cent of TR) from Rs 14.96 crore (6.4 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 and was 4.7 per cent more than the Rs 19.79 crore (9.1 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Food and Beverages (F&B) revenue in Q1-2016 increased 45.5 per cent to Rs 73.89 crore (21.2 per cent of TR) as compared to the Rs 47.21 crore (20.3 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 and almost doubled (up 97.4 per cent) as compared to the Rs 37.43 crore (17.2 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Other operating revenue increased 7.8 per cent to Rs 14.70 crore (4.2 per cent of TR) in Q1-2016 from Rs 13.64 crore (5.9 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015, but fell 42.9 per cent as compared to the Rs 25.73 crore (11.8 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Entertainment Tax, distributors’ share, F&B costs, rents, et al:

     

    Inox paid 61.8 per cent higher entertainment tax in Q1-2016 at Rs 42.63 crore (13.3 per cent of TR) as compared to the Rs 28.57 crore (12.3 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 

    and more than double (2.03 times) the Rs 22.76 crore (10.5 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Distributors’ share in Q1-2016 at Rs 85.21 crore was (24.4 per cent of TR, 35.6 per cent of GBO) was 45.9 per cent more than the Rs 58.40 crore (25.1 per cent of TR, 37.3 per cent of GBO) in Q1-2015 and was 78.5 per cent more than the Rs 47.75 crore (20.5 per cent of TR, 37.7 per cent of GBO) in Q4-2015.

     

    F&B costs in Q1-2016 increased 50 per cent to Rs 18.38 crore (5.3 per cent of TR) as compared to the Rs 12.25 crore (5.3 per cent of TR) and was 77.6 per cent more than the Rs 10.35 crore (4.8 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Inox paid 26.9 per cent higher property rent, conducting fees and common facility charges (rent) in Q1-2016 at Rs 49.05 crore (14.1 per cent of TR) as compared to the Rs 38.64 crore (16.6 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 and 5.2 per cent more than the Rs 46.63 crore (21.4 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

  • Q2-2015: Mattel gross sales down 6.5%

    Q2-2015: Mattel gross sales down 6.5%

    BENGALURU: Mattel, Inc reported a 6.5 per cent decline in gross worldwide sales at $1095.1 million in Q2-2015 (quarter ended 30 June, 2015) as compared to the $1171.1 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. 

     

    Net sales dropped seven per cent to $988.2 million in the current quarter as compared to $1062.3 million in Q2-2014.

     

    The toymaker reported a net loss of $11.4 million in Q2-2015 as compared to a net profit (income) of $28.3 million in Q2-2014. Last quarter (Q1-2015), Mattel has reported a higher loss of $58.2 million.

     

    “In the second quarter, we made solid progress as we work to return Mattel to improved growth and profitability,” said Mattel chairman and CEO Christopher Sinclair. “Our financial results in the quarter largely met our expectations, and we are encouraged by improved performance across our core brands, as well as strong momentum in emerging markets like China and Russia. Although we are still early in our turnaround effort, I believe we are taking all the right steps to be more competitive in the growing global toy industry.”

     

    Worldwide gross sales for the six-month period ended 30 June, 2015 (HY-2015) also declined 4.4 per cent to $2115.3 million from $2212.4 million in HY-2014. Net sales in HY-2015 fell 4.9 per cent to $1910.9 million as compared to the $2008.4 million in HY-2014. Mattel reported a net loss of $69.5 million during the current six month period as compared a net income of $17.1 million during the corresponding year ago period.

     

    Worldwide gross sales by brands

     

    Mattel Girls and Boys brands

    Mattel Girls and Boys brands sales in Q2-2015 declined 12.7 per cent to $601.8 million from $689 million in Q2-2014. The effect of the strong US dollar slowed the decline on a constant currency basis to three per cent. For HY-2015, gross sales of Mattel Girls and Boys brands declined 10.3 per cent to $1206.9 million from $1345.8 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change reduced the decline to just one per cent.

     

    Within Mattel Girls and Boys brands, Barbie worldwide gross sales declined 19 per cent to $130.3 million from $160.8 million, with the currency exchange rate change reducing the decline to 11 per cent. In HY-2015, Barbie gross sales declined 16.4 per cent to $276.3 million from $330.7 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change reduced the drop to eight per cent.

     

    Other Girls worldwide gross sales declined 16.6 per cent in the current quarter to $175.9 million from $201.9 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change reduced the drop to six per cent. HY-2015 Other Girls worldwide sales declined 13.8 percent to $365.4 million from $276.3 million in HY-2014, with currency exchange rate change reducing the decline to four per cent.

     

    Wheels gross worldwide sales increased 14.8 per cent in Q2-2015 to $160.6 million from $139.9 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to 26 per cent. Wheels gross worldwide sales in HY-2015 increased by 8.2 per cent to $292.6 million from $270.4 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to 18 per cent.

     

    Entertainment business, which includes Radica and Games declined 23.9 per cent in Q2-2015 to $135 million from $177.4 million in Q2-2014. In HY-2015, Entertainment business worldwide sales declined 15 per cent to $272.6 million from $320.8 million in the corresponding year ago period.

     

    Fisher-Price brands

     

    Fisher-Price brands worldwide gross sales increased 2.4 per cent to $336.8 million in Q2-2015 as compared to the $328.8 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to nine per cent. For HY-2015 worldwide gross sales for Fisher-Price brands was flat (grew by 0.7 per cent) at $600.7 million as compared to the $600.2 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to seven per cent. Fisher-Price Brands includes the Fisher-Price Core, Fisher-Price Friends and Power Wheels brands.

     

    American Girls brands

     

    American Girls brands gross sales increased 1.3 per cent in Q2-2015 to $84.2 million from $83.1 million in Q2-2014. For HY-2015, gross sales was flat (up 0.6 per cent) to $190.2 million from $189.1 million in HY-2014.

     

    Construction and Arts & Crafts Brands

     

    Construction and Arts & Crafts Brands gross sales grew 5.2 per cent to $64.8 million in Q2-2015 from $61.6 million in Q2-2014. For HY-2015, gross sales grew 67.4 per cent to $103.1 million from $61.6 million in HY-2014. Sales of Construction and Arts & Crafts products include the Mega Bloks and RoseArt brands. Mattel acquired Mega Brands Inc. on 30 April, 2014.

     

    Worldwide gross sales by region

     

    North American

     

    North American gross sales declined 2.9 per cent to $583.6 million in Q2-2015 from $601.2 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change reduced the fall to one per cent. For HY-2015, North American gross sales improved 2.5 per cent to $1181.7 million from $1153.2 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to three per cent.

     

    International

     

    International gross sales declined 10.2 per cent to $511.5 million in Q2-2015 from $569.9 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change had a appositive impact, which showed a growth of five per cent. HY-2015 gross international sales declined 11.9 per cent to $933.6 million in Q2-2015 from $1059.2 million in HY-2014, with currency exchange rate change resulting in a growth of four per cent.

     

    Dividend 

     

    The Mattel board has declared 2015 third quarter cash dividend of $0.38 per share, which is flat compared to the third quarter of 2014.

  • Apollo spends Rs 15-20 crore for Nova Hospitals’ rebranding & refurbishing

    Apollo spends Rs 15-20 crore for Nova Hospitals’ rebranding & refurbishing

    BENGALURU: Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited (AHLL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Apollo Hospitals Group, has rebranded Nova Specialty Hospitals (Nova SH) as Apollo Spectra Hospitals (ASH), which will be synonymous with ‘simplified quality healthcare.’

     

    The company has spent between Rs 15 – 20 crores for refurbishing, and this cost includes rebranding, company sources tell Indiantelevision.com. AHLL is looking to ramp up ASH revenues from the current Rs 100 crore to Rs 500 crore over the next five years.

     

    AHLL acquired Nova SH in early 2015 at a ticket size of between Rs 135 – 140 crore. Now, AHLL is all-set to re-launch the facilities under the new brand name.

     

    AHHL CEO Neeraj Garg said, “Apollo Spectra’s evolution is guided by a ‘patient-centric’ approach. The exclusive surgery centre model minimizes hospital acquired infections resulting in elimination of unnecessary hospitalization and remarkable medical outcomes. Given the immense potential and the need for quality healthcare delivery closer to home, Apollo Spectra enables AHLL to significantly expand its footprint and will catapult it into a leadership position in this segment of healthcare. Apollo Spectra is strengthened by the introduction of quality systems built on Apollo’s deep expertise in the hospitals space. We believe this format has strong potential and with the brand equity of Apollo, combined with rich hospital expertise we bring to bear, AHLL will nurture this business significantly in the next few years.”

     

    Apollo Spectra says that it will provide services ranging from consultations and surgeries at convenient neighbourhood locations to providing world class facilities, experienced doctors and latest technology and that its health management and preventive care plans are custom-designed around every patient’s unique requirements.

     

    Healthcare has slowly started advertising its services, specialities and boutique treatments, especially through BTL and through localised low cost mass media such as radio, outdoor and print, besides handouts and mobile SMS. “The company plans to spend around Rs 40 – 50 lakh this year towards this effort,” said AHLL director of secondary care Sudhir Diggikar.

  • Q1-2016: DB Corp y-o-y revenue down 3.2%; My FM revenue up 3.7%

    Q1-2016: DB Corp y-o-y revenue down 3.2%; My FM revenue up 3.7%

    BENGALURU: DB Corp Limited (DB Corp), home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Dainik Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, reported a 3.2 per cent fall in Total Income from Operations (TIO) to Rs 473.36 crore in the quarter ended 31 June, 2015 (Q1-2016, current quarter) from Rs 489.20 crore in Q1-2015 and 2.5 per cent fall from the Rs 485.60 crore in Q4-2015 on the back of lower advertising revenue.

     

    The company’s radio segment under the brand My FM reported a 3.7 per cent growth in operating revenue to Rs 21.50 crore (4.5 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2016 from Rs 20.73 crore (4.2 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015, but 19.4 per cent lower than the Rs 26.68 crore (4.2 per cent of TIO) in the immediate trailing quarter. Operating results from the company’s radio segment dropped sharply and have been mentioned later in this report.

     

    Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 Lakhs = 10 million = 1 crore

    (2) The figures mentioned in this report are consolidated figures unless stated otherwise.

     

    Advertising and Circulation revenue

    The company says that print advertising revenues declined by eight per cent in Q1-2016 to Rs 342.30 crore as against Rs 373 crore, due to base effect of election revenue in Q1-2015 along with focus on high yield growth. Ad revenue in Q1-2016 was 7.3 per cent more than the Rs 319.10 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Circulation revenue increased by 16 per cent in the current quarter to Rs 102.20 crore from Rs 88.50 crore primarily due to yield driven growth says the company. Circulation revenue increased 21.8 per cent as compared to the Rs 83.9 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Company speak

     

    DB Corp managing director Sudhir Agarwal said, “Through this quarter, we continued our efforts to consolidate our positions across our all markets with a key focus on continuing to implement our strategy of yield increase, which was undertaken last quarter with an aim to monetize better yield growth, as we progress towards achieving our ambitious long term growth plans and goals. We took some important strategic steps to strengthen the foundations of our business over the last few years which continue to hold us in good stead and Bhaskar is working fiercely in an environment that continues to demand aggressive marketing efforts across all regions with our presence. In an environment that continues to be challenging, we are confident of our current strategies and business fundamentals that are directed towards enterprise growth while ensuring that we continue to operate efficiently and in a calibrated manner for the future. Our operating efficiencies continue to be validated while we also continue to benefit from softened newsprint prices. Several market expansion initiatives are underway and we look forward to completing our Bihar foray within the next few month. As the government continues with its efforts and initiatives to boost economic growth, we remain confident of our operating strengths and highly differentiated business approach that positions us very well to capitalize on better opportunities, as we move ahead.”

     

    Let us look at the other results reported by DB Corp 

     

    DB Corp reported 16 per cent lower PAT (Profit after Tax) at Rs 66.46 crore in Q1-2016 as compared to the PAT of Rs 79.13 crore in Q1-2015 and 3.8 per cent more than the PAT of Rs 64 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    The company’s total expenditure (TE) in Q1-2016 at Rs 373.20 crore was 0.7 per cent lower than the Rs 374.99 crore in Q1-2015 and 4.7 per cent lower than the Rs 390.74 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Raw material consumption (RMC) in Q1-2016 at Rs 144.74 crore was 12.7 per cent lower than the Rs 165.88 crore in Q1-2015 and was 4.6 per cent lower than the Rs 151.7 crore Q4-2015. 

     

    Segment Revenue 

     

    The company reports revenue from five segments: Printing and publishing of newspaper and periodicals (Printing segment); Radio segment; Events; Internet; and power. Two of the segments are major contributors to the revenue – printing and radio and numbers have been considered here.

     

    Printing segment revenue at Rs 440.19 crore in Q1-2016 was 4.5 per cent lower than the Rs 461.07 crore in corresponding quarter of the previous year and was 1.8 per cent lower than the Rs 448.41 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Printing segment reported operating result of Rs 108.56 crore in Q1-20165, which was eight per cent lower than the Rs 117.95 crore in Q1-2015 but was 3.3 per cent lower than the Rs 112.21 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    The company’s radio segment (My FM) revenue has been mentioned above. My FM reported a 22.5 per cent drop in operating profit to Rs 4.08 crore in Q1-2016 as compared to the Rs 5.27 crore in Q1-2015 and a massive 59 per cent lower (less than half) than the Rs 9.95 crore in Q4-2015.

  • Q1-2016: HT Media revenue up 7.5%; radio revenue up 2.3%, PAT down

    Q1-2016: HT Media revenue up 7.5%; radio revenue up 2.3%, PAT down

    BENGALURU: HT Media Limited (HT Media) reported 7.5 per cent growth in total income from operations (TIO) for the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q1-2015) at Rs 587.18 crore as compared to the Rs 546.41 crore in Q1-2014 and 1.8 per cent higher than the Rs 576.92 crore in Q4-2015. 

     

    Its radio segment also reported a 2.3 per cent increase in revenue to Rs 24.52 crore (4.2 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2016 as compared to the Rs 23.97 crore (4.4 per cent of TIO) in the corresponding year ago quarter, but five per cent less than the Rs 25.82 crore (4.5 per cent of TIO) in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

     

    (2) The figures mentioned in this report are consolidated figures unless stated otherwise.

     

    The company’s consolidated profit after tax (PAT) in Q1-2016 fell 23.6 per cent to Rs 24.95 crore (4.2 percent of TIO) from Rs 32.67 crore (6 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2014 and fell 36.5 per cent from Rs 39.28 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Advertising and Circulation revenue

     

    HT Media’s advertising revenue grew by five per cent in Q1-2016 to Rs 467.5 crore (79.6 per cent of TIO) from Rs 445.4 crore (81.5 per cent of TIO); Circulation revenues grew by 6.3 per cent in Q1-2016 to Rs 72.9 crore (12.4 per cent of TIO) as compared to the Rs 68.6 crore (12.6 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2014. 

     

    Let us see how the segments performed

     

    Three segments contribute to HT Media’s numbers – (1) Printing and publishing of newspapers and periodicals (Publishing) (2) Radio and (3) Digital.

     

    HT Media’s publishing segment reported 6.2 per cent growth in revenue to Rs 532.44 crore (90.7 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2016 from Rs 501.54 crore (91.8 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015 and was 1.8 per cent more than the Rs 522.85 crore (90.6 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2015.

     

    The publishing segment reported operating profit of Rs 79.29 crore in Q1-2016, 22.8 per cent more than the Rs 64.55 crore in Q1-2015 and 11.6 per cent more than the Rs 70.12 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    HT Media has four FM radio stations – Fever 104 in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata.

    Radio segment revenue numbers have been mentioned above. HT Media’s radio segment reported operating profit of Rs 6.68 crore in Q1-2016 was 46.2 per cent higher than the Rs 4.57 crore in Q1-2015 but 22 per cent lower than the Rs 8.56 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    The company’s digital segment reported 28.8 per cent growth in revenue to Rs 30.56 crore (5.2 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2016 as compared to the Rs 23.72 crore (4.3 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015 and 6.9 per cent more than the Rs 28.60 crore (five per cent of TIO) in Q4-2015. Digital segment reported higher loss of Rs 23.88 crore in Q1-2016; loss of Rs 12.19 crore in Q1-2015; loss of Rs 14.02 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    The company reported unallocated losses of Rs 20.01 crore in Q1-2016; loss of 22.28 crore in Q1-2015 and loss of Rs 39.49 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Company Speak

     

    HT Media chairperson and editorial director Shobana Bhartia said, “The year started well for us although economic growth is still slow and there are mixed signals on account of global macroeconomic concerns. Our English dailies saw volume-led growth across markets. Hindustan maintained its upward growth trajectory, driven by our investments in both UP and Bihar. Our digital assets are increasingly gaining a foothold in their markets. The Radio business continues to be profitable and we aim to add to our portfolio of stations in Phase- III auctions. As the year progresses, we believe that we will continue on the growth path and deliver positive results even as the economic environment improves.”

     

    Click here for financial results

     

    Click here for earnings presentation

  • Giovani appoints Fawad Khan as brand ambassador

    Giovani appoints Fawad Khan as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: Future Lifestyle Fashions premium fashion brand for men and women Giovani has roped in Fawad Khan as its brand ambassador.

     

    Launched in 2000, the brand was acquired by Future Lifestyle Fashions last year, with an aim to make it India’s No.1 Suits & Jackets brand. The brand was re-launched at a fashion show in Mumbai.

     

    Khan said, “I’m very delighted to be associated with Giovani as the brand ambassador. The Italian Cuts and the detailing that goes in to making a Giovani suit makes it look classy, elegant and refined. It compliments my personal style.”

     

    Future Lifestyle Fashions brand division Indus League CEO Rachna Aggarwal added, “Fawad Khan is the perfect Giovani man. He is sophisticated and charming, with an inborn sense of effortless style. He is the one man I’ve seen who wears a Bandhgala like no one else can. He truly personifies the brand and we believe that this association with Fawad Khan will elevate the brand image and helps us reach out to wider customer base.”

     

    Giovani is present in over 100 retail touch points in India spread across both exclusive brand stores and shop-in-shop.

  • Marico ranks third amongst ‘India’s top 50 companies’

    Marico ranks third amongst ‘India’s top 50 companies’

    MUMBAI: FMCG major Marico has been ranked third in the FMCG category by The Economic Times’ Great Places to Work Survey 2015.

     

    The company has been tagged as one of the most definitive employer-of-choice for its strong culture of inspiring empowerment and innovation, encouraging transparency and openness, imparting mutual respect and instilling the feeling of trust, pride and camaraderie among its employees. 

     

    Along with employee feedback, the study assessed the employee-centric framework and management practices of organisations. It is also significant to note that the companies featured continue to deliver superior financial performance and Marico is one of them.

     

    Marico chief human resource officer Ashutosh Telang said, “We are proud to be recognised as one of the Best Companies to Work For in the FMCG space. At Marico, we offer all our members a well-defined talent value proposition to continuously challenge, enrich and fulfil the aspirations of Mariconians allowing them to maximize their true potential to ‘make a difference’. At Marico, we constantly strive to build a workplace that fosters innovation and growth, giving each member the opportunity to write the growth story of the company, as if it’s their own.”

  • Line partners with Games2win to launch ‘Power Cricket T20 League 2015’

    Line partners with Games2win to launch ‘Power Cricket T20 League 2015’

    MUMBAI: Life platform Line and mobile game company Games2win have entered into a strategic partnership to present ‘Power Cricket T20 League 2015’.

     

    Users can play against the best cricket teams from all across the world in three different modes – tournament, super scorer, and scenario. Through the integration, users get a chance to buy free power-up for doing certain action in the form of immersive gaming on Line platform.

     

    “Cricket is not a game but religion in India, by publishing our first game on cricket genre we reinforce our commitment to bring local content to our users,” said a spokesperson from Line.

     

    Games2win CEO and co-founder Alok Kejriwal said, “We admire Line for its ability to deliver a world class and immersive messaging app service and as a mobile games company, we have always strived to create games that delight, entertain and engage our users. Games2win partnering with Line will deliver the best of both worlds to Indian consumers who will find it extremely entertaining to chat, message and play games, all in one place. We have many #1 games to our credit in India on the Android, iTunes and Windows mobile stores and the best of these games will be integrated with Line key services.”

     

    Along with the launch of the game, Line has allowed advertisement on its platform for the global first as India is advertisement monetisation market and not follows in-app purchases. It represents Line’s more local focused strategy to adapt to the market conditions. Line has a long term view on gaming in India and is ready to develop it more by partnering with key players of the ecosystem.

  • Honda crosses 1 million sales mark in Q1

    Honda crosses 1 million sales mark in Q1

    MUMBAI: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has sold 348,793 units of its two wheelers in June 2015 against 323,136 units in the corresponding month of 2014. Continuing its positive momentum, Honda two-wheeler growth was 8 per cent (Domestic + Export) versus 6 per cent of the industry in June 2015.

     

    The domestic two wheeler sales of the company reached 331,782 units, registering a 7 per cent growth in June 2015. Also, the Q1, FY’15-16 was closed with 6 per cent growth in sales Y-o-Y for both Domestic and Domestic + Export.

     

    Honda two-wheeler exports grew 23.6 per cent, from 13,762 units to 17,011 units in June 2015.   

     

    Honda products continued to witness encouraging response with 27 per cent rise in scooter sales to 219, 650 units in June 2015 versus 166, 592 units in June 2014.

     

    Honda motorcycle sales stood at 112,132 units in June 2015 to 142,782 units last year 2014.

     

    In the month of June 2015, Honda grew at 7 per cent in domestic market which is more than double the domestic industry growth of 3 per cent. Also, the company added a phenomenal 60,677 units in Q1 gaining 2 per cent market share, while domestic two-wheeler industry declined by 1,337 units.