Havas today announces that it has entered into binding documents to acquire Hotglue, a market-leading independent media agency and creative production company, as part of its strategic growth plans in the Australian market. The acquisition is the latest step from Havas to accelerate its Converged global strategy and the transition to an even more client-centric, audience first, integrated approach. This move will elevate Havas’ capabilities in delivering advanced media and activation solutions throughout the customer decision journey.  Additionally, it addresses marketers’ increasing needs for integrated thinking to develop ideas that maximise consumer engagement across diverse media and ecommerce channels.   

Established to act as the “glue” that binds it all together, Hotglue is highly aligned with Havas’ integrated model. Their addition to the Havas Village Australia, enhances and further extends the group’s existing media, digital and content services. Hotglue will merge with Havas Media Melbourne, creating a larger, more dynamic team with enhanced expertise and leadership across digital, ecommerce, media and activation functions.  

Upon closing of the transaction, which is subject to customary conditions precedent, the new Havas Media Melbourne team will be led by Hotglue esteemed founders – Nick Smith, Lewis Hearn and Matt Hearn. The combined team will comprise over 65 professionals within the Melbourne agency, providing greater scale and further growth opportunities for the teams of both agency brands.  This will take the Havas presence in Melbourne to over 120 staffers across media, creative, PR, health and digital project management. 

Founded in 2010, Hotglue has gained significant recognition for its integrated social, digital, media and content services, which have driven success for clients in the beauty, retail, FMCG, automotive and finance sectors to achieve their business growth goals. Hotglue has scaled rapidly over the past five years and proudly counts among its clients leading brands such as L’Oreal, Bulla Dairy, Dulux, Transurban, Sorbent, Thirsty Camel, ISPT, Starward Whisky, IVECO, Walkinshaw, Tempur and LaTrobe Financial.   

About Havas

Founded in 1835 in Paris, Havas is one of the world’s largest global communications groups, with more than 23,000 people in over 100 markets sharing one single mission: to make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people. To meet the needs of its clients, Havas has developed a seamlessly integrated strategy and operating system, Converged, fusing all its global expertise, tools and capabilities, to create, produce, and distribute personalized and optimized content and experiences on a large scale in real-time. With creative ideas at the heart of this unique model, supercharged by the latest data, technology and AI, but powered by humans, the teams work together with agility and in perfect synergy within Havas Villages to provide clients with tailor-made solutions that support them in their positive transformation. Havas is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, that prioritizes the well-being and professional development of its talents. Havas integrated into Vivendi, a global leader in media, entertainment, and communications, in December 2017. Further information about Havas is available at www.havas.com. 

About Hotglue

Founded in 2010 by Lewis Hearn, Matt Hearn and Nick Smith. Hotglue has quickly become a major player in the integrated, independent agency scene in Australia. Proudly boasting long-term client relationships with the likes of L’Oreal, Dulux and Bulla Dairy, as well as a dedicated team of over 55 social, content and media experts, Hotglue is constantly pushing progressive media and content strategies that resonate with modern brands and audiences. For more information about Hotglue, visit www.hotglue.com.au.