TAG Media Network (TAG), India?s first in-store television network has announced a strategic marketing tie-up with Future TV to have a pan-Indian in-store television presence. The two networks, which will continue to be separately owned, will be at over 556 stores across Big Bazaar, Spencer?s, More, Pantaloon, Central, and Home Store locations.

Talking about the tie up, Dan Ginsburg, TAG?s CEO says, ?The tie-up allows us to totally dominate the in-store television field in India. In addition to dominant size, we will be in a position to define the standards for what we expect to be a very exciting, high growth field as India emerges from the economic slowdown.?

TAG will work closely with Future Media on their product?audio levels, content and screen placement. ?The net result,? says Ginsburg, ?being a more usable and relevant experience for viewers. For advertisers, who are our customers, this will allow virtual one-stop shopping for in-store television in modern trade, providing standardised pricing, service, quality control and evaluation tools, which will add value in our medium.?

There are number of challenges, says Ginsburg. The economic situation, for example, he says, has certainly had an effect, as well as generally high prices for commodities, which have squeezed margins. But he is positive on meeting the challenges. Says Ginsburg, ?India is an exciting and vibrant market. So competition continues to increase, and based on experience in Europe and America, private labels will grow and increase their market share. So a medium like ours, which reaches shoppers at the point of purchase decision (up to 70% of brand decisions are made in-store as per research) is an asset for FMCG marketers.?

The CEO is also upbeat about new programming initiatives planned in the coming months.

New role for Sharma at Unicon

Unicon Financial Intermediaries Pvt Ltd, a financial services company, recently announced the appointment of Rajev B Sharma as the country head of wealth management and business strategy. Sharma will spearhead the wealth management, mutual fund distribution and NRI businesses of the company. He will also oversee the research, product development, investment advisory and business strategy for the Unicon Group.

Sharma was earlier with Motilal Oswal Securities Ltd as senior vice-president and head of business associate group.

Talking about his new role, Sharma says, ?This role is a very important step for me and will help me go a long way to find out wealth management solutions for mass, affluent and retail customers. ?

As a professional, says Sharma, he brings, ?a unique combination of strategic solutions, insight to consumer behaviour and application of technology for providing wealth management solutions to various kinds of customers.?

The industry, he says, is at a very critical juncture. The industry is focusing on selling financial products while the customer needs personalised solutions that are ethical, economical and easy.

?The customer is seeking simple solutions, which will help him to fulfill his own and family?s financial goals. The challenge for the industry is to provide these solutions and still earn profits from retail customers,? says Sharma candidly.

Vij?s China deal to help infra cos

Escorts Construction Equipment Ltd (ECEL), the construction equipment and material handling equipment manufacturing arm of Escorts, has signed an agreement with Hunan Zoomlion International Trade of China, a part of the $ 4-billion Zoomlion Group, to make available a wide range and all-terrain truck cranes in India.

Talking about the tie-up , Kanwal Kishore Vij, CEO & executive director, Escorts Construction Equipment Ltd, says, ?It?s another feather in our overall portfolio. It adds to our business and makes it more robust. With this tie-up we will be able to provide a one-stop solution to buyers and infrastructure companies.?

What makes the tie-up more meaningful, says Vij, is the fact that they will not just buy and import the machines but also help customers with after- sales service.

?These machines are used in terrains that are usually not easily accessible. With our local tie-ups, the consumer is tension free,? says Vij.

In the long run, if volume really picks up, says Vij, they wouldn?t mind a technical collaboration to partly manufacture the machines in India. This, of course, he says will depend on how the domestic market shapes up in years to come.

The launch of these truck cranes and all- terrain truck cranes is further expected to complement the company?s existing range of material handling equipment solution. The company hopes to cater to large construction companies, engaged in infrastructural development in the country.