Lowe Asia on a roll - new business drives growth

MANILA, Philippines - Against the backdrop of a macro-economic slow down, Lowe Asia has consolidated its position as a power house of advertising and allied communication services in the Region. Lowe Asia comprises of: India, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines. Lowe’s offices in these emerging markets are booming and are well on track for strong growth in 2009.

Revenue growth in 2008 was a formidable 19 percent over the previous year. The past quarter, in particular, has been a strong one for Lowe Asia – especially on the new business front. Significant New Business gains have been made from clients like Thai Airways International (Thailand), BBC World (India), Unilever for Knorr (Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia), IKEA Friends CRM (Malaysia), Nestle for Nescafe Mixes and Nescafe Classic (Indonesia) and Zong (China) among others.

 “Creating campaigns that are rooted in key consumer insights and our expertise in understanding the multicultural consumer is the key to our success in Asia,” says Charuvarn Vanasin, chairman, Lowe Thailand with responsibility for South-East Asia. “Our biggest reward is the respect and recognition that we get from our clients for helping them break through category clutter and exploring new strategic marketing directions,” she added.

Lowe Bangkok is one of Thailand’s largest agencies. It’s a diversified business with disciplines including Digital, activation and PR. It is also the Hub office for Lowe SEA. Lowe India (where Unilever accounts for 25 percent of business) has the largest network of offices, being present in five of its main metros. Says Stephen Gatfield, Chief Executive Officer of Lowe Worldwide, “Lowe is leading the charge for IPG’s investment in Asia. We have a clear focus for our network in this region. Lowe plans to boost investment in Asia and build up diversified services including digital capabilities, improving the marketing services offerings and bolstering its ability to deliver fully integrated solutions to our clients and hence providing a platform to lead global campaigns.”

Lowe’s agencies in Asia are creative forces in their markets and are committed to delivering the highest standards in the region - in terms of work, people and high value ideas. Last year Lowe Thailand was ranked in the Top 50 Creative Agencies Worldwide by the respected Gunn Report.

New business won in the last few months includes the following: Lowe Philippines – Lemon Squares Design Assignment (Snack Cakes); Lady’s Choice Mayonnaise Activation, A 3 Brand Unilever Activation Assignment (Surf/Vaseline/Knorr); Lowe Indonesia – Nu Green Tea, Nescafe Mixes, Nescafe Classic, RTD Nescafe, RTD Milo; Lowe Thailand – Thai Airways International, Knorr (global win) and AIS GSM (Telecom); Lowe Vietnam – Unilever Knorr, SHARP AQUOS and Nestle Corporate; Lowe India – ET Now, BBC World News and Kwality Walls ice cream; Lowe China – Zong, Bimbo; Lowe Malaysia – Unilever Knorr, IKEA Friends CRM.