Chennai Print Wars & Update on FoodWorld shake-up

Deccan Chronicle Vs The Hindu

The verdict is out

Deccan Chronicle has notched up an initial circulation of 150,000 copies. This is not bad at all considering the fact that it had to fight with the mighty Hindu. Out of 150,000 copies, 20,000 have come from the joint promotion they did with ICICI Bank Credit Cards (Annual Subscription of Rs. 99 only). The Hindu's redesign has helped the national newspaper in striking a chord with the younger crowd (no surprise that all the older folks are cribbing that the new font is a strain on their eyes). The Hindu has been able to hold on to its existing circulation. In effect, the Chennai market looks like it has expanded after the launch of Deccan Chronicle. There is no update about the circulation figures of also-ran New Indian Express.

[via BusinessWorld]

Tata Group buying RPG stake in FoodWorld

The Tata Group is likely to pick the 51% stake of the RPG Group in the FoodWorld. I had talked about the negotiations between RPG and Dairy Farm International (DFI) in my earlier postings. DFI will take charge of all the Health & Glow stores as well.RPG Group will retain ownership of their flagship stores in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune. These will be run in the name of Spencers. Tata Group might chose to continue the JV by joining with DFI Group.

[via BusinessWorld]