Havas Invests in Uncommon Studios in A Bold Pledge to Creativity

Havas Media, a Paris-based agency network, acquired a majority stake of 51% in UK’s Uncommon Creative Studio. Havas is a relatively small agency compared to the big six agencies with respect to revenue and workforce. Hence, this acquisition is a breakthrough for them. Founded in 2017, Uncommon Creative Studio is the UK’s most award-winning and rapidly growing independent creative agency. They have already garnered the attention of some of the world’s largest and most prominent companies. 

Massive news. So proud to welcome one of the best independent creative agency in the world @uncommon_LDN to the Havas family!@donna_murphy @nilsleonard @LucyJameson_ @nattergraeme https://t.co/1NnwElX90R

— Yannick Bolloré (@YannickBollore) July 12, 2023

As part of its commitment to foster creativity, Havas signed this deal to invest in significant brands. The deal also reflects their business methodology and values future potential at £80-120 million considering Uncommon Studio’s growth projections. Uncommon will preserve its brand, vision, and freedom in decision-making across its clients, partners, internal teams, and productive turnout. Management will retain a 49% material stake in the business, maintaining entrepreneurial zest. As a result, it will allow them to expand the brand globally, and share best practices across Havas and its parent company, Vivendi.

Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO, Havas stated,

Uncommon will bring new energy, creativity, and audiences into Havas’ already leading-edge creative network, igniting, inspiring, and supporting every aspect of creativity.

He also added,

Uncommon have created a new space and energy in the industry. They are a once-in-a-decade company and having them join the Havas family is an exciting prospect.

Uncommon previously rejected deals proposed by other agencies. Nils Leonard, one of the three founders of Uncommon said,

This deal is different: it relies on freedom of choice, the ability to break down barriers, and the removal of dependency. We can create the industry we wish we worked in.

International Exposure for Uncommon Creative Studio

The London-based creative agency boasts a high clientele in the UK including ITV and British Airways. The agency has recently received the prestigious Cannes Lions Grand Prix for “A British Original Billboard campaign” designed for British Airways. They have twice been named UK’s Creative Agency of the Year and International Agency of the Year by Ad Age.

Additionally, Uncommon hosts an extensive list of clientele in the U.S. This was attainable because of their diversified and global mentality, reputation for creativity, and distinctive studio style. As a result, the Uncommon-Havas deal will boost the former’s international expansion plans.

Uncommon Creative Studios will also enjoy collaborating with Havas’ strong network and top-notch entertainment brands. They will also be in a position to work with leading companies like Universal Music Group, Gameloft, and Canal+ with this partnership

The Advertising Industry Scenario

Most agencies are scrambling to propose contracts with data and technology-focused companies. The ad industry is determined to leverage artificial intelligence to reduce expenses and increase momentum. Forrester reports that by 2030, ad agencies will automate 7.5% of their jobs.

Amidst all this, Havas has placed importance on the human creativity aspect of the industry. As such, this acquisition comes in as a ray of hope for creative agencies. Uncommon Creative Studios has 169 employees working under them. The company also does not plan to lay off anyone in the near future or because of the deal. Instead, they plan to hire qualified staff for their U.S. office. Uncommon is estimated to be worth £156 million by 2030 with this deal. As a result, this deal would make Uncommon one of the most successful creative agency start-ups in the UK.

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