Astus Group, a renowned global media trading company, is thrilled to announce the official opening of its independent office in India. Spearheading this venture is Sparsh Ganguli, who assumes the role of India Head. Sparsh brings with him a wealth of experience from working with prestigious agencies and media houses, including Star, Sony, and BAG Films. His instrumental role in creating essential partnerships has paved the way for this exciting launch. With his expertise in the Indian advertising ecosystem and prior experience in launching media trading companies in the country, Sparsh is poised to bring significant value to clients and media owners alike.
Founded in London in 2003, Astus Group now operates in 20 countries, serving over 300 clients and conducting trades amounting to over US$400 million annually. Astus collaborates with advertisers to optimize their media budgets, leveraging their products or services. The company caters to a diverse range of industries, including FMCG, Airlines, Automotive, Telecoms, Tourism, Food & Beverage, Hotels, Events/Hospitality, Electronic Goods, Entertainment, Education, and Charities. Working closely with clients’ agencies, Astus ensures that the media solutions they provide align seamlessly with the clients’ communication strategies, maximizing the overall value delivered against the brief.
Throughout the media planning and buying process, the Media Agency retains control, ensuring that quality is never compromised. Astus also collaborates with hundreds of Media Owners across various channels, enabling them to offset their hard cash costs by bringing complementary business opportunities. This is achieved by facilitating the exchange of media space or soft currency for goods and services that Media Owners require. As a result, Astus generates media with added value, which is then passed on to their clients in the form of incremental product sales.
Astus firmly believes that this approach not only benefits their clients but also fosters greater value and transparency for media owners and all other stakeholders involved. By adhering to this process, Astus aims to create a win-win situation for all parties, setting a new standard of excellence in the media trading industry.
Speaking on the development, Astus’ Joint Chairmen and founding members Frances Dickens (who was recently awarded the OBE on the King’s Birthday Honours List for Services to Media Trading) and Paul Jackson, said, “We are fully committed to India as a market where we can help deliver incremental value for advertiser, agencies and media owners alike, ensuring that all parties get what they want as part of the process. We look forward to deepening our existing relationships and growing many more new ones over the coming years.”
Sparsh Ganguli, India Head, Astus Media, added, “Astus solves a real problem for clients who had to previously compromise on media to offset redundant or slow-moving products. In my experience working with clients and media houses in India, Astus business model can create synergies to enhance the efficiency of each media plan and add value to both parties.”
Sparsh’s appointment comes with immediate effect and will directly report to the founding members. He will be based in Mumbai.
