M+C Saatchi faces renewed structural uncertainty as activist investor builds stake
M&C Saatchi ANZ CEO Dani Bassil
M+C Saatchi is facing renewed speculation over its future structure after high-profile activist investor Harwood Capital lifted its stake in the network, fuelling talk of a potential sell-off or break-up.
The fund manager increased its holding in M+C Saatchi from 3.6% to 4% on 22 October, making it the seventh-largest shareholder in the advertising group.
As reported by UK publication The Telegraph, the move comes as Harwood pushes for change at M+C Saatchi, with options reportedly including a break-up or sale of the entire company.
Harwood has pursued similar campaigns in the past, notably at UK residential property firm PRS REIT and business services group Journey Group, where it agitated for strategic reviews and asset sales.
Its growing stake is likely to signal to the market that the activist firm sees potential value in selling or splitting M+C Saatchi’s assets, which include offices in London, Australia, and New York.
In addition to its flagship creative agency, the network has divisions specialising in sport and entertainment, PR, performance marketing, and mobile and media.
M+C Saatchi only recently fended off an unsolicited offer of around £50 million (A$101 million) from Brave Bison Group for its Performance division, which the agency said undervalued the business.
The activist interest follows M+C Saatchi’s recent financial warning of a “like-for-like” decline in sales in 2025, citing a challenging economic environment and weak client spending, particularly in its Australian business.
The Australian arm, the network’s largest international operation, was highlighted in the company’s half-year results for weak client spending and losses from the previous year.
Net revenue at M+C Saatchi Australia fell by 26.5% in the first half of 2025.
This has prompted a restructure of the Australian advertising and consulting divisions, including the closure of its media arm Bohemia, a broader restructuring program, and leadership changes, according to the report. These measures are estimated to have saved the company around £7 million (A$14 million).
Following the financial period, leadership changes included the resignation of chief creative officer Steve Coll and the promotion of Melbourne creative lead Emma Robbins to a consolidated national leadership role.
Speaking at the time, M+C Saatchi ANZ CEO Dani Bassi said: “I just cannot think of anyone better to lead this agency into the future, and I’m delighted she agreed to step into the role.”
The agency’s local representative declined to comment at the time of publication.
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