Dentsu forays into Sri Lanka with acquisition of Grant Group

Dentsu Aegis Network has announced its entry into Sri Lanka with the acquisition of Grant Group.

 

Grant Group was set up in 1958 by Deshabandu Reggie Candappa. Following the acquisition, Grant Advertising will be rebranded Dentsu Grant, while Grant Media will be part of Dentsu’s global media brand Carat.

 

The other Grant entities will integrate with Dentsu’s global network and provide expertise in the Sri Lankan market. The entities include Response Marketing, a second creative agency, RN Media, an OOH agency, Grant Public Relations, a reputation management firm, Juice Productions, content creation studios and Magnetic, the digital business.

 

Nick Walters, CEO, DAN Apac, said, "With social and economic stability in the country, Sri Lanka is set to reap the peace dividend. Grant represents a unique opportunity as a top quality advertising and communications group to get into a strong position in a fast-growing market.” 

 

Grant Group leader Neela Marikkar will remain in charge as chairperson and managing director of the Dentsu Aegis Network Grant Group. She will report to Ashish Bhasin, chairman and CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network South Asia.

 

Marikkar said, “We are very excited to be able to tap on the network’s resources and work with the 38,000 great people at Dentsu Aegis Network. We are beginning a new chapter in the wonderful story of the Grant Group.”