Havas acquires indie agency Front Networks for China market
With the buy-out, Havas aims to bolster its digital storytelling and engagement capabilities in a high-value market.
Havas, the multinational advertising and public relations company headquartered in Paris, recently announced its acquisition of independent creative agency Front Networks.
The deal allows Havas to tap into the company's social and digital marketing expertise in the China market, as the smaller agency will now become part of the Havas Creative network and Havas Village.
Front Networks will retain its name and the team of more than 200 people in its Beijing and Shanghai offices. It will likely continue to provide a full suite of digital marketing services to clients looking to break into the Chinese market.
"China has always been of strategic importance to us and I am thrilled to see we are keeping up the same drive and momentum in this market," said Yannick Bolloré, chairman and CEO Havas Group.
Falencia Naoenz
The track record of Front Networks speaks for itself. Founded in 2004 by Felix Teng, the agency has served more than 200 international clients including BMW, Microsoft, Bank of China, and more.
"In the 20 years since its formation, Front Networks has proven its business strength, agility, and adaptability during China’s digital emergence and evolution. Amid the arrival of the metaverse, bringing Front Networks on board is an important strategic step to further enrich our digital solutions for our clients in China," added Karl Wu, chairman and CEO of Havas Group Greater China.
Felix Teng expressed pride in "having been recognized by Havas, the industry leader in integration and entrepreneurship," and will count on the group's "resources and empowering tools" to deliver more "meaningful things together."
The acquisition of Front Networks sees a continuation of Havas Group's global M&A strategy, following the acquisition of MedEd specialist Raison de Santé in France, PR and communications agency Tinkle for Spain and Portugal, and independent digital agency Inviqa in the UK.