Leo Burnett Worldwide takes majority stake in Sri Lankan operation
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Ranil De Silva
Leo Burnett Worldwide, a part of the Publicis Groupe , trhis week announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the Solutions Group, the leading communications company based in Sri Lanka. As part of the acquisition, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka and Arc Worldwide Sri Lanka will now be fully integrated into Publicis Communications, one of Publicis Groupe’s four Solutions hubs regrouping all creative communications activities, the company said in a media release. “The Solutions Group was founded in 1999. Since its inception, the company has been headed by renowned communications leader, Ranil de Silva.
Today, the company has 81 of the country’s best and brightest professionals whose work have been consistently recognised globally at leading awards shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, London International, Clio, Adfest, Spikes Asia amongst others. Leo Burnett Sri Lanka’s success across creativity and business has led it to be awarded at Asia-Pacific’s premier Agency of the Year Awards by Campaign Asia three years in a row. This acquisition will complement Leo Burnett’s existing service in the market, delivering best-in-class work and campaigns across the value chain, and creating ideas that truly move people,” the statement.
“Given the tremendous growth and creative opportunities in Sri Lanka, I am thrilled to see Leo Burnett join forces with the talent and possibility that resides within the Solutions Group,” said Rich Stoddart, CEO of Leo Burnett Worldwide. Ranil de Silva, Managing Director, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka, added, “We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership and to continue our efforts to build Leo Burnett’s position as a leading creative force in the country. I am confident that all the stakeholders will benefit greatly from the access to our global footprint.” As part of this acquisition, the Solutions Group also acquired 100 per cent ownership of First Media Solutions, which represented Starcom Worldwide in Sri Lanka and was the first international media independent brand to enter Sri Lanka. First Media will now be fully integrated into the Publicis Groupe.