Human resources consulting firm Noble & Hewitt and global management consulting firm Hewitt Associates have decided to integrate operations in India and create a `wholly owned' Hewitt operation. At present, Noble & Hewitt was a 67:33 partnership. The integration process will become effective after obtaining the necessary approval from the Indian government. Hewitt has 13 offices in the Asia-Pacific. Paul Howes, MD of Hewitt's Asia-Pacific region, said:``With this new business arrangement, India becomes even more a focus for us and a substantial contributor to our overall strategy.''

Bacardi honours contest winners

At a glittering `Batstage with Bacardi' night in Mumbai, liquor major Bacardi awarded the winners of its Summer Splash Contest. They included Mumbai's Ravi Lodha, winner of the contest, who won a trip for two on the Royal Caribbean cruise, 10 second prize winners, who won AIWA music systems; 20 third prize winners who won Killer Loopsunglasses and consolation prizes of T-shirts, caps and backpacks to over 1,000 Bacardi enthusiasts. The contest, conducted in May-June 1999, attracted 30,000 entries through a neck-tag offer on the 750 ml bottles of Carta Blanca and its internet site, www.hungama.com. The promo was aimed at positioning Bacardi white rum as a cool, refreshing drink ideal for summers.

Publicis group ranked number one in Europe

A recent survey by Campaign magazine of UK, has ranked Publicis as Europe's largest advertising and communications network on the basis of agency income. Publicis lays claim to the top slot with a total income of $ 727 million, up 45 per cent over 1998, ahead of both Young & Rubicam and Euro RSCG.

Diamonds for the denim brigade

Inter Gold, the makers of branded jewellery, will be launching Denim Diamonds - their latest range of jewellery targeted at youth and teenagers. Priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 6,000, the range will be available at Inter Gold's showroom on Hughes Road,Mumbai.

Parle Agro launches Bailley family pack

Parle Agro Limited has introduced the new Bailley 1.5 litre pack, designed to suit varying consumer needs. Easy to carry and drink from, the Bailley 1.5 litre pack is ideal for long distance travel and family outings.Priced at Rs 15 per 1.5 litre bottle, Bailley is also available in one litre and 500 ml bottles, 20 liter jars and 200 ml cups.