MUMBAI: M&C Saatchi Worldwide is strengthening its presence in India through a tie- up with Delhi-based independent creative agency, February. The tie-up sees the launch of a new Indian agency christened M&C Saatchi February with immediate effect.

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 Worldwide CEO Moray MacLennan said, “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  Shahpur Jat.

February's  founders  Gopal  Krishnan  and  Nirmal  Pulickal  will take over  the leadership  of  the combined operation. They will be supported by M&C Saatchi Delhi CEO Anjali Nayar, who has been appointed as the 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.”

Initially, the  partners  of  February  will  have  a  majority  stake  in  the  venture,  with  M&C  Saatchi Worldwide taking over the majority stake over an agreed timescale.

Krishnan 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.”

Pulickal 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.”