Michele Majidi
Researcher
Havas - statistics & facts
From its origins as the world’s first news agency to a burgeoning solo star in the global AI era, Havas has worn many hats throughout its almost two-century-long history. Founded in 1835 by French writer and translator Charles-Louis Havas as Agence Havas, the company went on to found Agence France-Press (AFP), securing its role in the world of communications. Since then, it evolved into the sixth-largest advertising agency group worldwide, part of the ‘big six’ alongside industry stalwarts like WPP and Omnicom Group, and employing more than 23 thousand people.
Since 1998, Havas was owned by French conglomerate Vivendi, one of the top media companies worldwide. In December 2024, Havas CEO Yannick Bolloré confirmed his approval for Havas – along with Canal+ and the Louis Hachette Group – to split from Vivendi. The same month, it debuted as an independent Dutch publicly limited liability company – with Bolloré as the main shareholder – on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange, valued at 2.5 billion euros. One month before the spinoff, Bolloré revealed the group would leverage the listing to boost potential mergers and acquisitions.
Havas has also fashioned itself as a pioneer in the realm of corporate social responsibility (CSR), defining six CSR commitments as early as 2009. In recent years, the group has made strides in reducing its carbon footprint, diminishing its greenhouse gas emissions between 2018 and 2023. Furthermore, Havas ramped up its efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with initiatives such as its global “All In” program, which tackles topics such as ethnic representation, gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, disability, and age. As of 2023, women made up the majority of Havas’ workforce across all regions.
With its successful listing heralding a self-described “new era of growth and innovation,” Havas is positioning itself for the future, aiming to firmly cement its place within the ‘big six’ along with Dentsu, IPG, Omnicom, Publicis, and WPP.
Since 1998, Havas was owned by French conglomerate Vivendi, one of the top media companies worldwide. In December 2024, Havas CEO Yannick Bolloré confirmed his approval for Havas – along with Canal+ and the Louis Hachette Group – to split from Vivendi. The same month, it debuted as an independent Dutch publicly limited liability company – with Bolloré as the main shareholder – on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange, valued at 2.5 billion euros. One month before the spinoff, Bolloré revealed the group would leverage the listing to boost potential mergers and acquisitions.
Revenues remain on steady upward path
In 2023, the global revenue of Havas added up to nearly 2.9 billion euros, up from the previous year’s 2.8 billion. The company’s profitability slightly decreased in 2023 compared to the preceding year. Despite its modest dip, the groups’ overall growth trajectory remained solid, particularly through its creative and media branches.Growth in healthcare comms and confident acquisitions
Havas is divided into three different operational divisions: media agency Havas Media, ad agency Havas Creative, and healthcare communications company Havas Health. Havas Creative accounted for the largest share of Havas’ revenue in 2023, with Havas Media not far behind. Havas Health has also proven to be increasingly important, with the healthcare and wellness sector being the most represented among Havas clients. When it came to Havas’ regional performances, Europe ranked as the group’s largest market, followed by North America. Latin America, on its part, boasted the highest growth rate, with organic revenue there nearly doubling in 2023. Concerning mergers and acquisitions, Havas came in second to Accenture among its peers in 2023, with ten deals finalized that year. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts was one of the high-profile accounts secured by Havas in 2024.Advancing in AI, CSR, and DEI
Havas has earned recognition for innovation and insight in 2023, with its Havas Creative subsidiary placing sixth among the most creative agency networks worldwide, and its BETC agency topping a similar ranking in Europe. The group also kept up with competitors in the artificial intelligence arms race. In June 2024, it announced it would invest 400 million euros in AI over the following four years. This followed similar pledges made by fellow media groups such as Publicis and IPG.Havas has also fashioned itself as a pioneer in the realm of corporate social responsibility (CSR), defining six CSR commitments as early as 2009. In recent years, the group has made strides in reducing its carbon footprint, diminishing its greenhouse gas emissions between 2018 and 2023. Furthermore, Havas ramped up its efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with initiatives such as its global “All In” program, which tackles topics such as ethnic representation, gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, disability, and age. As of 2023, women made up the majority of Havas’ workforce across all regions.
With its successful listing heralding a self-described “new era of growth and innovation,” Havas is positioning itself for the future, aiming to firmly cement its place within the ‘big six’ along with Dentsu, IPG, Omnicom, Publicis, and WPP.
