Havas Group strengthens Malaysian operation with Immerse acquisition
Havas Group has acquired digital agency Immerse as it seeks to strengthen its capabilities in Malaysia.
The acquisition will see the agency integrated into the group’s creative operations and rebranded as Havas Immerse.
Immerse’s founders, Jeffrey Tang and Kerry Khoo, will lead Havas Immerse alongside Andrew Lee, managing director of Havas Malaysia, with Khoo also taking on the role of chief creative officer. They will report into Vishnu Mohan, chairman and chief executive of Havas Group Southeast Asia.
Discussing the acquisition, Yannick Bolloré, chairman and chief executive of Havas Group, said: “Immerse talent will further strengthen our expertise in Malaysia which is an extremely significant market for the Havas Group. This acquisition signifies our commitment in this region of Southeast Asia that has witnessed a great momentum in the last few years.”
In a joint statement, Tang and Khoo said they had been attracted to Havas’ “entrepreneurial spirit and the agency’s cohesive Havas Village proposition”, which brings together “the best talent and disciplines under the same roof”.
Immerse was founded in 2004 as a digital agency primarily specialising in providing strategic creative consultancy and digital marketing solutions.
“Immerse reflects Havas’ collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit and we have shared a wonderful relationship with the team for several years,” said Mohan. “Keeping in mind our shared values and Immerse’s cutting edge digital expertise, Immerse will prove to be a great addition to Havas Village Malaysia.”
The 50-people agency services a diverse portfolio of client brands in Malaysia and Singapore, including Volvo, Mitsubishi Motors, F&N, Wrigley and a wide range of Unilever brands such as Dove and Magnum.
Have your say