Havas is keeping a close watch on potential acquisition opportunities as rivals Omnicom and WPP reportedly prepare to offload parts of their businesses.
The France-based group has historically focused on bolt-on and targeted acquisitions, but says it is open to larger deals if the right opportunity emerges.
Bolt-ons still the priority
Havas has maintained steady deal activity, acquiring five agencies in 2025, including the Australian independent Kaimera, which is now part of Havas Media Network.
The deal lifted Havas ANZ’s headcount to around 450.
So far in 2026, the group has taken majority stakes in four agencies, including Acento Public Affairs in Spain, Ctrl Digital in Sweden, Styleheads in Berlin and Eyesight in France.
Open to bigger deals
Speaking during a March quarter results briefing, CFO François Laroze said the company is prepared to consider larger acquisitions.
“We know maybe there will be some agencies to sell by Omnicom, also we saw some rumours on WPP businesses,” he said.
“We will obviously look at all of these, but today we are very happy with our bolt-on strategy.
“We remain open to any bigger deal; we will contemplate any opportunity.”
Competitors in transition
The potential deal activity comes as both Omnicom and WPP undergo significant strategic shifts.
WPP is reportedly considering selling its global public relations firm, Burson, as part of a broader restructuring under CEO Cindy Rose aimed at returning the business to profitability.
According to The Times, Goldman Sachs advisors have been engaged to review strategic options for the global communications business, including a potential sale. Burson recorded a 6% decline in revenue for the full year of 2025, underscoring the challenges facing the business.
Meanwhile, Omnicom is integrating its takeover target, IPG, and has flagged plans to offload “non-strategic and underperforming” assets, with around $US2.5 billion expected to be raised.
The company has not disclosed which businesses are up for sale.
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