Havas acquires Acento Public Affairs to expand Europe footprint

Havas has acquired a majority stake in Acento Public Affairs, Spain’s public affairs consultancy, led by Alfonso Alonso and José (Pepe) Blanco. The firm, founded in 2019, employs more than 50 professionals across offices in Madrid, Barcelona, and Brussels.

Acento will be integrated into H/Advisors, Havas’ global communications and public affairs advisory network, expanding international advisory services in Spain alongside 1,500 professionals in 50 offices worldwide. The firm will rebrand as H/Advisors while retaining its co-CEOs.

European expansion strengthens H/Advisors network

H/Advisors has completed several acquisitions in recent years, including Gauly Advisors in Germany, Cunha Vaz & Associados in Portugal, Australian Public Affairs in Australia, and Klareco Communications in Singapore. The network has operated in Spain since 2022 following the acquisition of Tinkle.

Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO, Havas: "Spain and Portugal are strong markets for Havas, and we are very proud to mark this new phase of leadership for H/Advisors together with our colleagues at Acento, Cunha Vaz, and Tinkle. We are thrilled to welcome Alfonso, Pepe and the entire team at Acento to the Havas family. They will set the benchmark in strategic advisory communications for other regions."

Leadership continuity and global ambitions

Alfonso Alonso, co-CEO, Acento: "Joining H/Advisors represents the next natural step for us, and we feel very much at home as we share the same vision, values, and commitment to senior-level advisory for clients operating in complex environments. We are becoming part of a major multinational group that is firmly committed to top-tier public affairs, allowing us to become truly global."

Stéphane Fouks, Executive Chairman, H/Advisors and Executive Vice President, Havas: "This acquisition is a strong way to start the year and reflects the momentum of H/Advisors as we look toward 2026. Public affairs and strategic communications are increasingly central in helping our clients navigate political, regulatory, and reputational complexity. Strengthening our leadership in Spain and Europe, alongside continued investment in priority growth markets such as the United States, is essential to our ambition to build a truly international advisory group."

H/Advisors’ European strategy includes consolidating teams in Brussels, uniting Acento Brussels and Gauly Advisors under one location near EU headquarters, supporting its focus on European affairs.

www.havas.com

www.acento.es

h-advisors.global

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