The Times of India Group and Nimbus Communications have signed a deal, according to which Times Group will own a small stake in Nimbus as well as Neo Sports (its associate company). In return, Times Group will advertise regarding the sports and broadcasting business through their media vehicles which reaches extensively to premium Indian audiences.

Akash Khurana, V-C, Nimbus, said, “This alliance provides an opportunity for drawing on strengths and synergies between the organizations. Our businesses are at inflection points and this deal will help us strengthen and accelerate growth in market shares and revenues of our businesses.”

Ravi Dhariwal, Chief executive officer, Times Group spoke further on the deal, “We can contribute strongly to Nimbus’ and Neo Sports’ growth through our leadership position and our strong reach across media platforms in multiple markets. Their leadership position in sports rights, production and sports broadcasting is well known and we hope to enhance the momentum of their growth story.”

Through the deal, Nimbus Communications plans to utilize Times media vehicles to promote events, like the upcoming Asia Tour Golf, US PGA Tour Golf and Seria A Football.

Spikes Asia announced the TOI Group as the winner for its initiative to bring a new breed of political leaders into the political arena by creating a highly-visible platform where new candidates could showcase their vision, ideas and skills to lead the country. Times Group was given the ‘‘Advertiser of the Year’’ award at the film festival which took place in Singapore.

The Times Group also walked away with seven more awards, including the Grand Prix in the Integrated and Direct Marketing categories for ‘‘Teach India’’; three silvers for the ‘‘Chennai Naka Muka’’ film (one in the Media and Publications category, two for craft, that is, best film and art direction); and two in the digital category for the Chennai website ‘‘Jallikattu’’.

Most of these Times campaigns had been designed by JWT, which won the ‘Agency Network of the Year.’