Havas, fresh from a successful 2023, is continuing its growth by acquisition strategy.
The global advertising group announced the acquisition of social marketing agency Wilderness which will join Havas Play.
Havas reported 4.4% organic growth in the year to December, with net revenue €2.695 billion.
The company pursued its strategy of targeted acquisitions, said Arnaud de Puyfontaine, chairman of Vivendi, Havas’ parent.
“Havas continued its strong dynamic of targeted acquisitions with ten new agencies joining the group in 2023," he said.
Acquisitions included Uncommon, the UK's most awarded independent creative agency, Pivot Roots and PR Pundit in India, HRZN and Eprofessional in Germany, Noise in Canada, Australian Public Affairs, Cunha Vaz & Associados in Portugal and Klareco in Singapore.
The latest acquisition, Wilderness, was founded by Tom Jarvis in 2015 and grew as an in-house partner to major entertainment brands including Sony Pictures, 20th Century, and Universal Pictures.
Havas says Wilderness quickly scaled this approach to new verticals such as food and drink, FMCG, travel, fashion and technology.
Wilderness’ London-based staff will move to Havas Village London. Nick Wright, chief growth officer of Havas Media Network UK, will be responsible for the strategic integration of Wilderness.
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