Havas acquires Format to expand influence offering

Havas has acquired French corporate influence communications agency Format in a move designed to strengthen its capabilities across media relations, social media, creator partnerships and content production. The acquisition will be led by Havas Paris as the group looks to expand its position in next-generation corporate communications.

Founded in 2021 by Thomas Khaski, Format has built a presence in the French communications market through its focus on digital influence strategies that combine corporate communications, creator ecosystems and social platforms. Under the agreement, the agency will retain its name, leadership structure and operating model while gaining access to Havas’ international network and broader service offering.

Havas Paris expands digital influence capabilities

Havas said the acquisition reflects broader changes in the communications landscape, with brands and executives increasingly relying on owned channels, creators and social platforms alongside traditional media.

The group said combining Havas Paris’ strategic communications expertise with Format’s digital and content-led approach would support the development of new influence models for clients ranging from scale-ups to mid-sized businesses.

Yannick Bolloré, chairman and CEO, Havas: “We are delighted to welcome Thomas Khaski and the entire Format team to the Havas family. Their expertise strengthens our global capabilities in corporate influence communications, at a time of rapid transformation and convergence across communication channels. This partnership with Havas Paris is fully aligned with our ambition to build differentiated advisory platforms that give our clients a real competitive edge.”

Format’s teams will also join H/Advisors, Havas’ strategic advisory communications network operating across more than 20 countries.

Format retains independent structure

Havas said Format will continue operating autonomously under the leadership of founder Thomas Khaski, preserving the agency’s entrepreneurial approach while expanding its scale and access to international opportunities.

Thomas Khaski, founder, Format: “Format was born from the belief that corporate communications must be reinvented in an era defined by a massive shift in information consumption towards social media and the rise of new opinion leaders. Joining Havas gives us access to a broader playing field while preserving what defines our DNA: agility, operational excellence, and close proximity to new areas of influence.”

The partnership will combine Havas Paris’ editorial, strategic and creative capabilities with Format’s expertise in content production and activation across digital platforms.

Corporate influence becomes strategic growth area

Havas executives positioned the acquisition as part of a broader push to strengthen influence and advisory services as communication channels continue to evolve.

Arielle Schwab, vice president, Havas Paris in charge of influence activities: “Format’s arrival within the Havas Paris ecosystem is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate today and co-create the corporate influence models of tomorrow. With Format, we are bringing in a pure-play ‘Influence 3.0’ player, a cutting-edge, AI-driven structure rooted in technology and corporate social platforms.”

Stéphane Fouks, executive vice president, Havas and executive chairman, H/Advisors: “I have been following the work of Thomas Khaski and the Format team for several years. Their approach to new forms of influence, blending digital platforms, traditional media, and content creators, is particularly relevant. With Format, we are strengthening this expertise for the H/Advisors network and building on a future ready model.”

Havas said the acquisition supports its wider ambition to build advisory platforms focused on emerging communication behaviours and evolving audience engagement models.

www.havas.com

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