Havas Media Network acquires Melbourne-based indie agency
Havas Media Network has announced plans to acquire Melbourne-based independent media and creative production agency, Hotglue.
Announced on Wednesday afternoon Australian time, the acquisition marks a big milestone in the local operation’s strategic growth plans. It is the latest step in the global network’s ‘converged’ strategy, and aligns with its new client-centric, audience first, integrated approach.
Hotglue joins Havas’ Australian agency village, in a bid to extend its existing media, digital and content services. The agency will be merged with Havas Media Melbourne, creating a larger team with specialists across digital, ecommerce, media and activation functions.
“Following Hotglue’s success over many years, I have always admired the pedigree of the talented team, their strategic smarts and consistent delivery of high-quality results, which has driven their agency’s growth and success,” said Virginia Hyland, chief executive of Havas Media ANZ.
“Integrating Hotglue into Havas Media Melbourne will enhance our scale and ability to offer comprehensive solutions across the consumer decision making journey for our clients. This acquisition supports our progressive Havas ‘converged’ strategy and operating system.
“I look forward to warmly welcoming the Hotglue team as we grow our Melbourne village footprint, adding even greater depth of skills and expertise to our talented team.”
Hotglue was founded in 2010, and has gained recognition for its integrated social, digital, media and content services, which have driven success for clients in various categories, including retail, FMCG, automotive and finance.
(L-R): Lewis Hearn, Virginia Hyland, Nick Smith, and Matt Hearn
The past five years in particular have seen massive growth, with clients including L’Oréal’s Garnier, Sorbent, Starward Whisky, Tempur and LaTrobe Financial, among many others.
Hotglue’s co-founder, Nick Smith, said when Havas knocked on the agency’s door and he and co-founders Matt Hearn and Lewis Hearn got to know Hyland’s future vision, the acquisition became an obvious choice.
“Since our inception 14 years ago, Matt, Lewis, and I set out to create the independent agency we always wanted to work in – one our clients deserved and an environment where our staff had the opportunity to flourish,” he said.
“It’s been a fun ride, and we’ve been successful in achieving just that.
“…It became abundantly clear that this was the next logical step for Hotglue and our team of over 55 dedicated staff,” he continued. “We’re thrilled to bring our fantastic culture, social, media, and production capabilities and incredibly skilled workforce into the Havas network. This move not only adds support to existing clients but further establishes Havas as a formidable presence in the Melbourne market.”
Upon closing of the transaction, which is subject to customary conditions precedent, the new Melbourne team will be led by Smith, M Hearn and L Hearn, with a team of over 65. This brings the total Havas presence in the city to over 120 employees across media, creative, PR, health and digital project management.
James Wright, group chief executive of the ANZ Havas Creative Network and global chair of the Havas PR Network, added: “As we look to strategically scale in Melbourne it’s important we add greater talents and capability into our media agency business.
“With the expertise and brilliance of Nick, Lewis, Matt and their team we will have a significant foundation to further attract exciting new clients and talent to the Havas Group. We look forward to bringing the team across and building an even more powerful Melbourne village.”
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the agency beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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congrats Lewis, Nick and Matt!
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