SINGAPORE, Aug. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Casual, a leading global video production company known for award-winning content, is thrilled to announce its strategic acquisition of 24 Inc for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition will strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia.
Casual has revolutionised how stories are developed and shared, while 24 Inc innovated and disrupted the agency model in Singapore by providing integrated marketing content for the world's top brands. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Casual's growth strategy, bolstering its presence in one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly expanding markets. The shared vision of both companies, to provide unparalleled video production and marketing solutions on a global scale, is a key factor in this strategic move.
24 Inc was founded over 18 years ago by serial entrepreneur Sharad Lal, who has created several successful companies, including a fitness tech platform and a leading coaching company. Sharad reflects on the acquisition: "We've proudly built 24 Inc into a trusted partner for the world's top brands. It's a privilege to pass the baton to Casual, whose extensive global network and creative talent pool will ensure we continue delivering exceptional results." Sharad will support the transition before focusing on his new venture, The How to Live Company.
Nick Francis, Founder & CEO of Casual, said, "We're continually looking to enhance our ability to provide the finest production services in the places our clients need us to be. Singapore is a hub of innovation for the region and is one of our most requested locations. This deal is an exciting step, significantly enhancing our capabilities and reach there. 24 Inc has established a strong and lasting presence among the top communication agencies in Singapore. This integration will enhance our ability to deliver cutting-edge production solutions and drive success for an even wider breadth of clients."
This strategic acquisition underscores Casual's unwavering commitment to growth and innovation in the ever evolving content landscape. Both companies are established as trusted partners for influential brands. Casual's robust portfolio spans finance, insurance, automotive, travel & hospitality, and luxury verticals. 24 Inc will further diversify its client base, bringing in prestigious FMCG and pharmaceutical clients including Procter & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser and Abbott Laboratories. This move also enhances Casual's service offerings by including cutting-edge design and shopper marketing capabilities, ensuring comprehensive support for its clients' diverse needs. The company's dedication to growth and innovation promises a bright future of continued success and client satisfaction. SI Partners, a global M&A advisory firm, advised on the deal.
About Casual
Casual is a global video content production company with a strategic approach to all challenges. This collaboration offers clients across Southeast Asia new growth opportunities and the chance to amplify their brand on a regional and global scale, ensuring they receive creative, relevant, and effective marketing solutions. With a diverse portfolio of finance, insurance, automotive, travel & hospitality, luxury, FMCG, and pharmaceutical clients, Casual delivers innovative solutions that drive engagement and success.
About 24 Inc
24 Inc is a top-tier digital and integrated marketing firm based in Singapore, specialising in creating impactful content for leading brands in FMCG and pharmaceutical verticals. Known for its deep category expertise and strategic approach, 24 Inc has established a strong foothold in the region's competitive market.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Digital Agency 24 Inc Acquired by Global Video Production Company Casual
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 3, 2026, local time, a Shanghai-themed cultural exchange event was held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., bringing a taste of Shanghai to the U.S. Titled "Future Resonance — ShanghaiEye Night," the event was also part of the "Shanghai Let's Meet" city promotion initiative and a broader series of China-U.S. people-to-people exchanges. Through a variety of cultural activities and interactions, the event built bridges between people across the Pacific and offered a glimpse of Shanghai as an open, inclusive and dynamic international metropolis.
The event, held by Shanghai Media Group, brought together nearly 100 prominent figures from China and the United States across the political, business, technology, cultural and arts sectors. Song Jiongming, President of Shanghai Media Group, and Susan Lee, Secretary of State of Maryland, attended the event and delivered remarks. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng was also in attendance.
In the afternoon, the National Mall was transformed into a "mini Shanghai" carnival. The carnival featured 50 stalls showcasing international cuisine, a "Shanghai Charm" themed exhibition area and displays of China's intangible cultural heritage.
Visitors got a glimpse of Shanghai's cutting-edge technological innovation through a model of the C919 passenger jet, explored the city's latest trends through a model of the Oriental Pearl Tower and popular Chinese cultural and creative IPs, and took a virtual journey through Shanghai's past and present with VR headsets provided by the Shanghai Museum. Time-honored brands such as White Rabbit candy, Hero fountain pens and Lao Feng Xiang offered visitors a taste of Shanghai's iconic homegrown brands. Meanwhile, an IP SHANGHAI lenticular art exhibition brought the city to life through dynamic images that changed as visitors moved around the displays.
From such an immersive experience showcasing Shanghai as a first stop for international visitors entering China to distinctive IPs spanning culture, commerce, tourism, sports and exhibitions, the carnival offered Americans and international visitors a glimpse of the city and a chance to experience Shanghai firsthand at one of Washington's most iconic landmarks. Many visitors said they hoped to visit Shanghai in person and explore the city on foot through a "city walk."
As the sun began to set, its golden glow fell over the Capitol dome. Against an iconic backdrop featuring the two cities, the "Future Resonance" outdoor concert got underway.
Young performers from China and the United States took the stage alongside renowned artists from both countries. The One Voice Children's Choir from the United States and the Manhattan Philharmonic joined forces to perform "We Are Together," a song created in Shanghai to celebrate friendship between the two countries.
The program featured a rich mix of symphonic works, traditional Chinese music, Chinese opera and anime music. Footage from Shanghai's city image film "UP! SHANGHAI" played on the large screen behind the stage throughout the concert.
Later that evening, nearly 100 guests from China and the United States, including prominent figures from politics, business, technology, culture and the arts, took part in the ShanghaiEye Night dialogue session.
Themed "Invest in China for a Win-Win Future," the dialogue highlighted the China International Import Expo and Shanghai's development as an international economic, financial, trade, shipping and technological innovation center. It also showcased the city's world-class business environment and provided a platform for high-level dialogue and practical cooperation between Chinese and U.S. companies.
The dialogue also featured a "Shanghai Charm" city image reception area. On one side, twenty selected historical photographs capturing key "Shanghai moments" in China-U.S. relations were displayed, including the signing of the Shanghai Communiqué, the launch of the first China-U.S. air route, the opening of Apple's first store in China, the Tesla Gigafactory and the 10th anniversary of Shanghai Disney Resort.
On the other side, 20 photographs from the IP SHANGHAI platform, under the theme "Chasing Dreams in Shanghai," showcased Lujiazui Financial City, Yangshan Deep-Water Port, Shanghai Grand Opera House, the North Bund shipping hub, and the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek. Together, the displays offered guests a visual introduction to the city and created lasting memories of Shanghai.
With the support of the Information Office of the Shanghai Municipal Government and co-hosted by Shanghai Media Group, the World Intangible Cultural Heritage Conservation Center and the Washington Chinese Community Alliance, the event brought together guests from a range of sectors in China and the United States.
The event brought Shanghai closer to American audiences and the international community through city promotion, cultural performances, interactive experiences and high-level dialogue. It also provided a platform for people-to-people and cultural exchange between China and the United States. Reflecting the theme "Future Resonance," the event hoped to give a warm and positive boost to people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
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"Future Resonance -- ShanghaiEye Night" Brings Shanghai to Washington, Fosters People-to-People Exchange Across the Pacific
"Future Resonance -- ShanghaiEye Night" Brings Shanghai to Washington, Fosters People-to-People Exchange Across the Pacific
