Publicis Groupe to acquire majority stake in Watermelon

Publicis Groupe has announced their decision to acquire a majority stake in healthcare advertising agency Watermelon Healthcare Communications Private Limited

Watermelon’s founders, Abhijit Shitut and Kiran Pai, will be named joint managing directors at Publicis Life Brands Watermelon. Debasish Mukherjee, co-founder of the digital arm Watermelon Digital Solutions, now will spearhead the digital offerings of PLB Watermelon.

On completion of this transaction, this entity will become part of Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG) and will be renamed Publicis Life Brands Watermelon. This transaction is subject to customary local closing conditions.

Watermelon is a full-service advertising agency, with nearly 40 employees and a client list that includes companies like AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Merck Specialties among others.


On the news, Abhijit Shitut said, "We are excited to be a part of PHCG and believe this will help us change the landscape of healthcare communications in India."

Kiran Pai commented, "Because PHCG is revered for its excellence in global communications in the healthcare sector, we look forward to working together in leveraging their knowledge and global network in our local market."

Ash Kuchel, President, PHCG Asia Pacific region (APAC) said, "PHCG is delighted to welcome Watermelon to our network. Watermelon is the right fit and has the expertise to further develop our healthcare communications credentials in new media and best-in-class practices in this important and rapidly emerging market. PHCG will continue to expand its global presence throughout the region in the near future."