Havas Amplifies Asia-Pacific Presence with Klareco Communications Acquisition
In a strategic move to bolster its global advisory services, Havas has announced the acquisition of Klareco Communications, a prominent Singapore-based agency and a leader in corporate, financial, and strategic communications in Southeast Asia. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Havas’ strategic communications advisory arm, H/Advisors, in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Importance of Corporate Reputation in the Current Climate
The timing of this acquisition is pivotal. In today’s world, where corporate reputation is increasingly influenced by climate change, technological advancements, and geopolitical events, strategic communication has become more vital than ever. Singapore, known for its status as a global business and innovation hub, will serve as a crucial base for H/Advisors. This move is set to enhance Havas’ integrated Village approach in Singapore, adding new capabilities to meet evolving client needs effectively.
Strategic Growth and Enhanced Capabilities
Headquartered in Singapore, with a strong presence in Southeast Asia, Klareco Communications’ integration into H/Advisors marks a key advancement in the latter’s strategic growth plan. Upon finalization of the acquisition, the agency will be rebranded as H/Advisors Klareco. Known for its award-winning communication strategies, Klareco has been a trusted advisor for world-leading multinationals and major Asian companies, adept at managing complex challenges such as financial transactions and cybersecurity issues.
Global Expansion and Network Strengthening
This addition is a significant milestone for H/Advisors, following its expansion in Dubai and acquisitions of Australian Public Affairs and Cunha Vaz & Associados in Portugal. In just one year since reorganization, H/Advisors has grown into a dynamic global network, present in 23 countries with over 1,500 experts. This expansion aligns with the growing client demand for diversified and comprehensive transformation support.
Leadership and Future Prospects
The senior management team of H/Advisors Klareco, including CEO and Co-Founder Ang Shih-Huei, and Managing Director and Co-Founder Mark Worthington, will play a pivotal role in the strategic advisory network. They will join the Asia board to lead the expansion of H/Advisors in the Asia-Pacific region.
Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and Global CEO of Havas, and Chairman of Vivendi, commented on the partnership: “Our partnership with Klareco allows us to draw on their breadth of experience and knowledge of the Asian market as we continue to expand our Havas presence in APAC. We are delighted to welcome the well-respected Klareco team onboard and look forward to achieving great things together.”
Stéphane Fouks, Executive Chairman of H/Advisors, and Vice President of Havas, reflected on the year’s growth: : “2023 has been an outstanding year of growth for H/Advisors, with the opening of our Dubai office and the acquisitions of CV&A (Portugal) & APA (Australia) and now our partnership with Klareco, which will strengthen our offering not only in APAC but globally. Klareco is the leading communications advisory in Southeast Asia, and we are delighted to welcome Shih-Huei, Mark and the talent and experience they will bring to H/Advisors.”
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Ang Shih-Huei, CEO and Co-Founder of H/Advisors Klareco, expressed excitement about the new chapter: “As an independent firm, we have already been working with some of the largest MNCs and leading Asian headquartered companies. H/Advisors allows us to deepen our core communications offering across corporate, financial, digital and public affairs, and expand our expertise in fast growing areas such as sustainability and change communications, to ensure we continue to deliver best practice for our clients. Our teams are excited for this new chapter ahead.”
Mark Worthington, Managing Director and Co-Founder of H/Advisors Klareco, shared his perspective:“We are delighted to partner with H/Advisors to enhance our standing as a landing point for international firms coming to, or expanding in Asia. Increasingly, boards and management face complex communications challenges as they expand internationally. We are excited to build on our offering to support these challenges, ensuring we have expertise and relationships in the markets our clients need.”
With this acquisition, Havas not only reinforces its foothold in Asia-Pacific but also demonstrates its commitment to addressing the evolving challenges in the field of strategic communications and corporate reputation management.
