Havas CEO Yannick Bolloré shuts down WPP deal rumours

Havas CEO Yannick Bolloré has dismissed speculation that the French holding group is in talks with WPP, telling staff that the company is “not in discussions” with its British rival. His comments, first reported by Bloomberg, were made in an internal note addressing mounting questions from employees and clients.

Bolloré reportedly said the rumours had triggered requests for clarification across the network, adding that it is not Havas’ policy to comment on market speculation.

He also doubled down on the group’s acquisition approach, which remains focused on targeted, small- to mid-sized deals rather than large-scale consolidation plays.

Don't miss: Agency agenda: Sir Martin Sorrell says 'Data is not the enemy of creativity' 

In recent years, Havas has continued to expand through selective acquisitions, including Australian media agency and creative production company Hotglue, as well as Singapore’s Klareco Communication, a corporate, financial and strategic communications consultancy.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Havas for more.

The CEO’s remarks follow reports that Havas is exploring a potential tie-up with WPP, including discussions around a possible minority stake. While both companies have avoided public comment, talk of the two groups joining forces has intensified amid a wave of consolidation sweeping the global advertising industry.

That shake-up has been led by Omnicom’s US$13.5 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group, which is expected to close this month and will mark the largest holding-company merger in history. The deal has already fuelled further speculation, including rumours that Omnicom may retire its DDB network as part of its integration plans.

Meanwhile, Japanese giant Dentsu is reportedly weighing the sale of its international business. The group is said to be assessing options ranging from a minority stake sale to a full divestiture of its overseas operations, with both industry players and private equity firms approached. To oversee the process, Dentsu has appointed Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities.

Related articles:   
Havas-WPP deal talks come into focus amid global ad shake-up 
Omnicom to close US$13.5bn IPG deal by November 
What Dentsu International's potential sale could mean for agency models