Business

Havas explores strategic WPP partnership amid industry reshuffle driven by Omnicom-IPG merger

Monday, 17 November 2025 5:05AM UTC

Havas is in early discussions with WPP about a potential strategic alliance, as the rapidly consolidating advertising sector accelerates with the upcoming Omnicom-IPG merger and expanding market competition.

Havas is reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions with WPP about a potential strategic arrangement that could reshape the global advertising landscape. The talks remain in an early phase, with no final agreement or specific deal structure yet decided. Various possibilities are being considered, including a full merger, a minority stake investment, or a long-term strategic partnership. Sources indicate that Havas is leaning towards acquiring a minority stake rather than pursuing a full merger with WPP. Should the deal proceed, it would notably strengthen Havas’s position within one of its primary competitors, potentially creating the world’s second-largest advertising network by revenue after the anticipated Omnicom-Interpublic Group (IPG) merger.

The broader context for this potential deal is a rapidly consolidating advertising industry, driven by major players seeking scale to compete effectively. Omnicom is progressing towards the completion of its US$13.5 billion acquisition of IPG, expected by late November, subject to regulatory approval in the European Union. This merger will establish the largest global advertising holding company, eclipsing Publicis Groupe and WPP, with forecast revenues exceeding US$20 billion. John Wren, Omnicom’s chairman and CEO, emphasised that the combination will unite talent and resources to accelerate growth across key areas such as data, media, creativity, production, and technology, while integration teams are actively working to ensure operational continuity.

However, this Omnicom-IPG merger also carries rumors of significant structural changes, including the possible retirement of Omnicom’s DDB network, one of its three main creative arms. Such realignments signal a period of transformation that competitors like WPP and Havas must navigate carefully.

Simultaneously, Japanese advertising giant Dentsu is reportedly exploring strategic options for its international business, with discussions ranging from minority stake sales to full divestiture. The company has retained major financial advisors, including Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley and Nomura Securities, to identify potential buyers in what could become a multi-billion-dollar transaction. Dentsu maintains it has not made any definitive decisions regarding these plans but acknowledges an ongoing process to enhance corporate value through strategic alternatives.

Havas’s interest in forging a deal with WPP follows its December 2024 spin-off from Vivendi, which has given the company greater autonomy to pursue partnerships or structural changes. Industry observers note that Havas is actively exploring alliances, including possibilities with other players like Dentsu, to bolster its competitive positioning amid the evolving marketplace. For WPP, any large-scale acquisition would require careful deliberation, given CEO Cindy Rose’s public emphasis on portfolio simplification and operational streamlining to sharpen the company’s focus.

Moreover, Havas is also reportedly in advanced talks to acquire a majority stake in Madison Group, a significant independent advertising and communications entity in India valued around Rs 1,000 crore. Publicis is said to be pursuing parallel interest in Madison World, highlighting intensified competition among global agencies to expand their presence in key emerging markets like India.

The industry-wide disruption caused by the Omnicom-IPG merger appears to be a catalyst for these developments, prompting competitors like WPP, Havas, and Publicis to consider strategic moves to maintain or enhance their market positions. According to industry analysts, the combination of Omnicom and IPG, with combined staff numbering some 130,000 and revenues around $23 billion, will reshape the competitive dynamics, potentially forcing WPP and others to act decisively by seeking acquisitions or partnerships with players such as IPG, Havas, or Dentsu.

While talks between Havas and WPP are still exploratory, the potential transaction carries significant implications for clients, talent, and the future landscape of global advertising networks, underscoring a period of significant change and realignment.

📌 Reference Map:

^[1] (Marketing Interactive) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
^[2] (MediaPost) - Paragraph 1
^[3] (Adweek) - Paragraph 1
^[4] (Storyboard18) - Paragraph 5, 6
^[5] (Financial Express) - Paragraph 7
^[6] (Social Samosa) - Paragraph 7
^[7] (Economic Times) - Paragraph 8

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.marketing-interactive.com/havas-wpp-deal-talks-come-into-focus-amid-global-ad-shake-up - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/410731/report-havas-held-talks-about-ma-deal-for-wpp.html - MediaPost reports that Havas has been in discussions with WPP regarding a potential merger or acquisition. The talks are at an early stage, with no agreement or structure finalised. Options include a full merger, minority stake investment, or long-term strategic partnership. Havas is considering a minority stake rather than a full merger. Acquiring a share in WPP could strengthen Havas's position in the industry, especially amid large-scale consolidations like the pending Omnicom-Interpublic merger. The transaction could create the world’s second-largest advertising network by revenue, reshaping the competitive landscape for clients and talent.
https://www.adweek.com/agencies/havas-reportedly-exploring-a-deal-with-wpp/ - Adweek reports that Havas is reportedly exploring a deal with WPP. The discussions are at an early stage, with no agreement or structure finalised. Options include a full merger, minority stake investment, or long-term strategic partnership. Havas is considering a minority stake rather than a full merger. Acquiring a share in WPP could strengthen Havas's position in the industry, especially amid large-scale consolidations like the pending Omnicom-Interpublic merger. The transaction could create the world’s second-largest advertising network by revenue, reshaping the competitive landscape for clients and talent.
https://www.storyboard18.com/agency-news/after-omnicom-ipg-mega-merger-industry-eyes-possible-wpp-havas-tie-up-84267.htm - Storyboard18 discusses the potential for a WPP-Havas tie-up following Omnicom's acquisition of Interpublic Group. The renewed interest around Havas follows its December 2024 spin-off from Vivendi, giving the company greater flexibility to pursue partnerships or structural deals. Havas has shown interest in exploring alliances across the industry, including considering a strategic partnership or transaction with Japan-based Dentsu. For WPP, any large-scale acquisition would come at a delicate time, as CEO Cindy Rose has spoken openly about the need to simplify WPP’s portfolio and streamline operations.
https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-havas-targets-madison-takeover-3867402/ - The Financial Express reports that Havas is in advanced talks to acquire a 70–75% stake in Madison Group at a valuation of Rs 1,000 crore. This move could mark the end of Madison's independence amid global ad industry consolidation. The discussions are at an early stage, with no agreement or structure finalised. Options include a full merger, minority stake investment, or long-term strategic partnership. Havas is considering a minority stake rather than a full merger. Acquiring a share in Madison Group could strengthen Havas's position in the industry, especially amid large-scale consolidations like the pending Omnicom-Interpublic merger.
https://www.socialsamosa.com/industry-updates/publicis-havas-pursue-madison-world-acquisition-talks-majority-stake-8885932 - Social Samosa reports that Publicis and Havas are pursuing Madison World in independent acquisition talks for a majority stake. Madison World, established by Sam Balsara in 1988, remains the only major independent advertising and communications group in India. The renewed interest from French advertising groups appears to have been sparked by Omnicom Group's recent acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG), creating a global advertising powerhouse. This merger could potentially disrupt other major groups, including Publicis, WPP, Havas, and Dentsu.
https://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/omnicom-publicis-merger-could-force-wpp-to-make-a-move-for-ipg-havas-or-dentsu/articleshow/21475036.cms - The Economic Times reports that the merger between Omnicom and Publicis could force WPP to make a move for IPG, Havas, or Dentsu. The combination of Omnicom and Publicis creates a company with 130,000 staff and annual revenues of around $23 billion, dwarfing WPP. The two companies plan $500 million in cost savings. However, the deal is likely to face scrutiny from competition authorities as advertising's big four—WPP, Omnicom, Publicis, and IPG—becomes a big three.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative is recent, with reports from November 15, 2025, indicating that Havas is in early talks about a deal involving WPP. ([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-15/wpp-draws-interest-from-havas-and-private-equity-times-reports?utm_source=openai)) This suggests the content is fresh and not recycled.

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The report includes direct quotes from unnamed sources, such as "Havas is understood to have held talks internally about acquiring some or all of the struggling London-based ad group." ([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-15/wpp-draws-interest-from-havas-and-private-equity-times-reports?utm_source=openai)) These quotes appear to be original, with no exact matches found in earlier material.

Source reliability

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative originates from Bloomberg, a reputable news organisation, enhancing its credibility. ([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-15/wpp-draws-interest-from-havas-and-private-equity-times-reports?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about Havas exploring a deal with WPP align with recent industry developments, including Havas's interest in strategic partnerships and WPP's financial challenges. ([adweek.com](https://www.adweek.com/agencies/havas-reportedly-exploring-a-deal-with-wpp/?utm_source=openai)) The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications, and the report includes specific details such as dates and company names, supporting its plausibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is recent and original, sourced from a reputable organisation, and presents plausible claims supported by specific details. No significant credibility risks were identified.

Advertising industry
Mergers and acquisitions
Global market