Havas Media buys Archibald Ingall Stretton
Havas Media, owner of agencies Euro RSCG and Media Planning Group among others, has acquired integrated creative agency Archibald Ingall Stretton (AIS) for an undisclosed sum, further strengthening its presence in the UK and beyond.
Havas Media’s digital brands, which include Media Contacts, will work alongside the AIS teams to enhance the group’s offering to provide integrated and creative services.
Havas Media has also unveiled a plan to launch a new global integrated network under the name “archibald ingall stretton…’’, establishing offices in a number of European, North American, Latin American, Australian and Asian regions.
This expansion will be lead by the archibald ingall stretton teams and Havas Media’s current interactive media brands: Media Contacts, Lattitud, iGlue and Mobext. New operations are planned for Spain, Portugal, USA and Mexico during 2008.
Stuart Archibald, partner at archibald ingall stretton will lead the company’s international strategy and will continue his 02 duties in the UK. Jon Ingall and Steve Stretton will remain focused on the UK.
In a statement, archibald ingall stretton directors said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us and starts a whole new chapter for the agency. For us it’s always been obvious that digital creative and digital media should work hand in hand so this move provides the perfect complement to our offering.
“Havas Media has built a tremendously successful international network of digital media brands and the chance to build our own network alongside theirs was too good an opportunity to miss.
“There is a natural synergy between the two organisations and a clear opportunity to take the skills we have built here in the UK and add them to the skills they have developed on an international basis.”
Archibald ingall stretton has recently handled campaigns for O2, Abbey and Škoda, and was also awarded the creative business for EDF.
Havas Media’s digital capacity has seen a rapid expansion over the last few years with international clients including Air France, Danone, Nike and Peugeot/Citröen. It now operates in more than 30 countries.
Alfonso Rodés, chief executive of Havas Media, said: “This has been a result of a relationship started over two years ago. archibald ingall stretton has a similar philosophy to our group and their ability to fully embrace and leverage digital media is unique. We look forward to helping them build their network within the Havas Media platform.”
