Havas seeks social media solutions in the wilderness

GLOBAL agency group Havas has acquired UK-based digital-first agency Wilderness. The company says the deal will bring “deep social marketing expertise to Havas globally and enhance the existing social media services offered within Havas Village London, its PR agencies, and Havas Play.” At the same time, it will help “accelerate clients’ transition to become more customer-centric organisations”.

Nick Wright (left), chief growth officer, Havas Media Network UK; Safiya Pommel, deputy managing director, Wilderness; Tom Jarvis, managing director, Wilderness; Jamie Maple, executive creative director, Wilderness; Rosie Holden, president, Havas Play UK

Founded by Tom Jarvis in 2015, Wilderness rose to prominence working as an in-house partner to entertainment brands including Sony Pictures, 20th Century, and Universal Pictures where the firm built specialism in areas including branded content, shoppable experiences and always-on production. Subsequently, the firm diversified into verticals such as food and drink, FMCG, travel, fashion, and technology.

Yannick Bolloré, chairman and global CEO, Havas, said: “Wilderness is a forward-thinking business that perfectly aligns with Havas’ unique positioning at the crossroads of entertainment and advertising, helping clients reach their customers in innovative and meaningful ways. We are excited to see how the addition of Wilderness will enhance complementary specialisms provided by Havas Play and others across Havas globally.”