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.

Havas reported a slight dip in its net revenue for Q3 2024, with a 0.5% decline from ?é¼654 million to ?é¼650 million, approximately $700 million, compared to the same period last year.Vivendi, Havas' parent company, did not disclose the agency?ÇÖs organic growth for Q3, which would normally account for mergers, acquisitions, and currency changes. In Q2 2024, Havas' organic growth had contracted by 1.7%, according to Vivendi.Havas saw positive performance in Europe, where net revenue rose by 3.5% year-on-year to reach ?é¼320 million. Latin America also experienced strong growth, with a 9.6% increase, bringing revenue to ?é¼49 million. Yannick Bollor??, chairman of Vivendi?ÇÖs supervisory board, and CEO Arnaud de Puyfontaine highlighted that Havas Media, alongside Europe and Latin America, drove much of the company's success.However, North America faced challenges, with net revenue falling by 8.6% to ?é¼219 million. Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific and African markets, Havas recorded a 3.2% rise, bringing revenue to ?é¼62 million.The Havas PR Network, which includes agencies like Havas PR, Havas Formula, Republica Havas, and One Green Bean, saw growth, aided by acquisitions contributing to 3% of the net revenue boost. Key acquisitions such as Uncommon Creative Studio, Eprofessional, Shortcut, and Ledger Bennett played notable roles in this.The report highlighted that Havas Media continued to show strong performance, while Havas Creative and Havas Health & You had mixed results commercially.For the first nine months of 2024, Havas' net revenue grew by 2.1% year-on-year, reaching ?é¼2 billion.Vivendi also confirmed progress on its plan to spin off Havas as a separate entity.

Havas agencies, including Havas London, Lemz, New York, and Immerse, have lost their B Corporation certifications following an investigation by B Lab. This decision comes after Havas Media signed a contract with Shell, raising concerns about the company's alignment with B Corp values of transparency and sustainability.A B Corporation (or B Corp) is a certification awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The certification is administered by the nonprofit B Lab, which assesses companies based on their impact on various stakeholders, including workers, customers, community, and the environment. B Corps aim to use business as a force for good, balancing profit and purpose.The B Lab, which oversees B Corp certifications, acted upon complaints highlighting the environmental impact of Havas Media's association with Shell. Clean Creatives, an activist group, led the criticism, urging agencies to avoid partnerships with fossil fuel companies?.The removal of B Corp status reflects growing pressure on agencies to uphold ethical standards, particularly concerning climate change. Activists argue that working with fossil fuel companies contradicts B Corp principles. This incident underscores the broader movement demanding greater accountability within the advertising industry?.

Havas has appointed Dara Busch, former co-CEO of 5W Public Relations, as the CEO of North America PR. Busch will be responsible for overseeing the growth and strategic direction of Havas' PR network across North America, which includes Havas Formula and Havas Red US.?Ç£I?ÇÖm thrilled to be joining Havas?ÇÖ mission of making a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people,?Ç¥ said Busch. ?Ç£I look forward to working with teams across North America to uphold these client-centric values while growing the Havas Formula and Havas Red footprints.?Ç¥During her tenure at 5W, Busch held the role of co-CEO, where she managed all agency functions, including human resources, marketing, and business development. Her nine-year career at 5W also saw her serving as co-president and executive vice president. Prior to her time at 5W, Busch spent 16 years at Rubenstein PR, where she held the position of executive vice president and managing director.?Ç£It?ÇÖs an honor to welcome Dara into the Havas family,?Ç¥ said Donna Murphy, global CEO of Havas Creative Network and Havas Health Network. ?Ç£As Havas?ÇÖ PR capabilities continue to evolve and develop, the strength of this leadership team reflects our commitment to remain at the forefront of innovation in global communications.?Ç¥James Wright, global chair of Havas PR Network and global CEO of Havas Red, added: ?Ç£We want to bring in the best talent to achieve our ambitious goals to become bigger, better, and bolder. In this next stage of our development, we want to maximize the potential for the Havas PR Network across North America and believe Dara has the ideal experience and enterprising attitude to help us achieve this.?Ç¥With Busch's appointment, Havas aims to solidify its position as a leader in global communications, driving innovative and impactful PR solutions for clients across North America.