Havas Media has acquired independent media agency and creative production company Hotglue, which it said will power its growth ambitions locally, and growth strategy globally.
The independent agency will merge with Havas Media Melbourne, and Hotglue founders Nick Smith, Lewis Hearn, and Matt Hearn will lead the new Havas Media Melbourne team once the transaction is finalised.
Havas Media Network AUNZ CEO Virginia Hyland joined Havas when she sold her own independent media agency, HYLAND, to the holdco in 2020. Hyland said the Hotglue acquisition will boost the business’ scale, and “ability to offer comprehensive solutions across the consumer decision making journey for our clients.”
“Following Hotglue’s success over many years, I have always admired the pedigree of the talented team, their strategic smarts and consistent delivery of high-quality results, which has driven their agency’s growth and success,” Hyland added.
“This acquisition supports our progressive Havas Converged strategy and operating system. I look forward to warmly welcoming the Hotglue team as we grow our Melbourne Village footprint, adding even greater depth of skills and expertise to our talented team.”
Hotglue was founded in 2010, with clients including L’Oreal, Bulla Dairy, Dulux, Transurban, Sorbent, Thirsty Camel, ISPT, Starward Whisky, IVECO, Walkinshaw, Tempur, and LaTrobe Financial.
Co-founder Nick Smith said Havas approached his agency, and the co-founders will look to embed its “fantastic culture, social, media, and production capabilities and incredibly skilled workforce into the Havas network.”
“Since our inception 14 years ago, Matt, Lewis, and I set out to create the independent agency we always wanted to work in – one our clients deserved and an environment where our staff had the opportunity to flourish,” Smith said.
“It’s been a fun ride, and we’ve been successful in achieving just that. When Havas knocked on our door, and we got to know Virginia’s future vision, Havas’s sense of purpose, and their strategy for the future, it became abundantly clear that this was the next logical step for Hotglue and our team of over 55 dedicated staff.
“This move not only adds support to existing clients but further establishes Havas as a formidable presence in the Melbourne market.”
The now 65-person Havas Media team will grow Havas’ overall presence in Melbourne to a headcount of over 120 across media, creative, PR, health, and digital project management.
Group CEO of Havas Creative Network AUNZ and global chair of Havas’ PR Network, James Wright said the holding company wants to “strategically scale in Melbourne”, so “it’s important we add greater talents and capability into our media agency business.”
“With the expertise and brilliance of Nick, Lewis, Matt and their team we will have a significant foundation to further attract exciting new clients and talent to the Havas Group,” Wright said.
“We look forward to bringing the team across and building an even more powerful Melbourne Village.”
Yannick Bolloré, chairman and CEO at Havas, added: “Hotglue is a forward-thinking business that perfectly aligns with Havas’ global Converged strategy, sharing our deep focus on clients’ ever-increasing needs for cross-functional, fully integrated communications solutions driven by standout creativity and the best technology.
“The momentum they’ve created through their integrated approach to digital, media and content services is remarkable, and we are excited to see how their addition will support our continued, mutual growth.”
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Top image: Lewis Hearn, Virginia Hyland, Nick Smith, and Matt Hearn