Havas explores strategic WPP partnership amid industry reshuffle driven by Omnicom-IPG merger

Havas is in early discussions with WPP about a potential strategic alliance, as the rapidly consolidating advertising sector accelerates with the upcoming Omnicom-IPG merger and expanding market competition.

Havas is reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions with WPP about a potential strategic arrangement that could reshape the global advertising landscape. The talks remain in an early phase, with no final agreement or specific deal structure yet decided. Various possibilities are being considered, including a full merger, a minority stake investment, or a long-term strategic partnership. Sources indicate that Havas is leaning towards acquiring a minority stake rather than pursuing a full merger with WPP. Should the deal proceed, it would notably strengthen Havas’s position within one of its primary competitors, potentially creating the world’s second-largest advertising network by revenue after the anticipated Omnicom-Interpublic Group (IPG) merger.

The broader context for this potential deal is a rapidly consolidating advertising industry, driven by major players seeking scale to compete effectively. Omnicom is progressing towards the completion of its US$13.5 billion acquisition of IPG, expected by late November, subject to regulatory approval in the European Union. This merger will establish the largest global advertising holding company, eclipsing Publicis Groupe and WPP, with forecast revenues exceeding US$20 billion. John Wren, Omnicom’s chairman and CEO, emphasised that the combination will unite talent and resources to accelerate growth across key areas such as data, media, creativity, production, and technology, while integration teams are actively working to ensure operational continuity.

However, this Omnicom-IPG merger also carries rumors of significant structural changes, including the possible retirement of Omnicom’s DDB network, one of its three main creative arms. Such realignments signal a period of transformation that competitors like WPP and Havas must navigate carefully.

Simultaneously, Japanese advertising giant Dentsu is reportedly exploring strategic options for its international business, with discussions ranging from minority stake sales to full divestiture. The company has retained major financial advisors, including Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley and Nomura Securities, to identify potential buyers in what could become a multi-billion-dollar transaction. Dentsu maintains it has not made any definitive decisions regarding these plans but acknowledges an ongoing process to enhance corporate value through strategic alternatives.

Havas’s interest in forging a deal with WPP follows its December 2024 spin-off from Vivendi, which has given the company greater autonomy to pursue partnerships or structural changes. Industry observers note that Havas is actively exploring alliances, including possibilities with other players like Dentsu, to bolster its competitive positioning amid the evolving marketplace. For WPP, any large-scale acquisition would require careful deliberation, given CEO Cindy Rose’s public emphasis on portfolio simplification and operational streamlining to sharpen the company’s focus.

Moreover, Havas is also reportedly in advanced talks to acquire a majority stake in Madison Group, a significant independent advertising and communications entity in India valued around Rs 1,000 crore. Publicis is said to be pursuing parallel interest in Madison World, highlighting intensified competition among global agencies to expand their presence in key emerging markets like India.

The industry-wide disruption caused by the Omnicom-IPG merger appears to be a catalyst for these developments, prompting competitors like WPP, Havas, and Publicis to consider strategic moves to maintain or enhance their market positions. According to industry analysts, the combination of Omnicom and IPG, with combined staff numbering some 130,000 and revenues around $23 billion, will reshape the competitive dynamics, potentially forcing WPP and others to act decisively by seeking acquisitions or partnerships with players such as IPG, Havas, or Dentsu.

While talks between Havas and WPP are still exploratory, the potential transaction carries significant implications for clients, talent, and the future landscape of global advertising networks, underscoring a period of significant change and realignment.

📌 Reference Map:

• ^[1] (Marketing Interactive) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
• ^[2] (MediaPost) – Paragraph 1
• ^[3] (Adweek) – Paragraph 1
• ^[4] (Storyboard18) – Paragraph 5, 6
• ^[5] (Financial Express) – Paragraph 7
• ^[6] (Social Samosa) – Paragraph 7
• ^[7] (Economic Times) – Paragraph 8

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative is recent, with reports from November 15, 2025, indicating that Havas is in early talks about a deal involving WPP. ([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-15/wpp-draws-interest-from-havas-and-private-equity-times-reports?utm_source=openai)) This suggests the content is fresh and not recycled.

Quotes check

Score:
7

Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from unnamed sources, such as “Havas is understood to have held talks internally about acquiring some or all of the struggling London-based ad group.” ([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-15/wpp-draws-interest-from-havas-and-private-equity-times-reports?utm_source=openai)) These quotes appear to be original, with no exact matches found in earlier material.

Source reliability

Score:
9

Notes:
The narrative originates from Bloomberg, a reputable news organisation, enhancing its credibility. ([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-15/wpp-draws-interest-from-havas-and-private-equity-times-reports?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
8

Notes:
The claims about Havas exploring a deal with WPP align with recent industry developments, including Havas’s interest in strategic partnerships and WPP’s financial challenges. ([adweek.com](https://www.adweek.com/agencies/havas-reportedly-exploring-a-deal-with-wpp/?utm_source=openai)) The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications, and the report includes specific details such as dates and company names, supporting its plausibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is recent and original, sourced from a reputable organisation, and presents plausible claims supported by specific details. No significant credibility risks were identified.