Ad firms circling Elephant Design

After Bangalore-based design firm Ray+Keshavan's acquisition by WPP, global advertising networks are eyeing the Pune-based Elephant Strategy+Design.

"We are currently evaluating some of these offers, before getting into advanced discussions," said Ashwini Deshpande, founder director and principal designer, Elephant Strategy, without disclosing any specific names.

She, however, clarified that Elephant Design, which works on brands such as Procter & Gamble's Pantene and Bajaj Auto among others, is not interested in a complete sellout.

"We are keen on retaining our brand name as we expand and would prefer a strategic partnership.The company is also considering options of acquiring companies in the West," said Deshpande.

Elephant Design executives, however, said this was not the first time they had been approached by potential investors. "We are actively being pursued by almost all MNCs in the design and communications space," said Deshpande, whose outfit was founded in 1989.