Havas has acquired Format in a strategic move led by Havas Paris to accelerate the development of new approaches to corporate influence communications across media relations, social media, content creators, and content production.
Founded in 2021 by Thomas Khaski, Format has established itself as a player in next-generation corporate influence communications in France.
The partnership comes at a time when executives and companies are increasingly building their own communication channels alongside traditional media, while content creators and social media continue to reshape the flow of information. Havas Paris and Format said they will combine capabilities and talent to develop modern communications consulting models.
For Havas Paris, co-headed by Mayada Boulos and Julien Carette, the acquisition is aimed at strengthening its digital influence expertise through Format’s approach while expanding its strategic consulting and media relations capabilities for scale-ups, SMEs, and mid-sized companies.
For Format, the alliance is expected to support its next phase of development by providing access to Havas’ network, creativity, and broader areas of expertise to scale its operations and offerings.
As part of the acquisition, Format’s teams will also join H/Advisors, Havas’ global strategic advisory communications network operating in more than 20 countries, enabling access to international clients.
Format will retain its name, structure, and operating model. Thomas Khaski will continue as CEO, and the agency will operate autonomously.
“We are delighted to welcome Thomas Khaski and the entire Format team to the Havas family. Their expertise strengthens our global capabilities in corporate influence communications, at a time of rapid transformation and convergence across communication channels. This partnership with Havas Paris is fully aligned with our ambition to build differentiated advisory platforms that give our clients a real competitive edge,” said Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas.
“Format was born from the belief that corporate communications must be reinvented in an era defined by a massive shift in information consumption towards social media and the rise of new opinion leaders. Joining Havas give us access to a broader playing field while preserving what defines our DNA: agility, operational excellence, and close proximity to new areas of influence,” said Thomas Khaski, Founder of Format.
“Format’s arrival within the Havas Paris ecosystem is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate today and co-create the corporate influence models of tomorrow. With Format, we are bringing in a pure-play ‘Influence 3.0’ player, a cutting-edge, AI-driven structure rooted in technology and corporate social platforms. Combined with the strength, creativity, and network of Havas Paris, our clients will benefit from the very best of both worlds,” said Arielle Schwab, VP at Havas Paris, in charge of Influence activities.
“I have been following the work of Thomas Khaski and the Format team for several years. Their approach to new forms of influence, blending digital platforms, traditional media, and content creators, is particularly relevant. With Format, we are strengthening this expertise for the H/Advisors network and building on a future ready model,” said Stéphane Fouks, Executive VP of Havas and Executive Chairman of H/Advisors.
