Havas Group has acquired UK-based communications agency So What Global, which will join its Havas Health & You unit under the name Havas SO.
The brand will cover SO’s two agencies – SO Healthy and SO Active – and the move adds to the Havas Group’s service offering.
Existing Havas Group agency Health for Brands London (H4B London) will become part of the Havas SO Group as part of the deal, and will offer services such as PR, creative and digital.
The group’s new division will focus on life communications including health, well-being and lifestyle, and the agency will bring its proprietary mapping and development framework RelationSHIFT, which helps define client’s reputation and subsequently creates a tailored pathway that builds upon key stakeholder relationships.
Yannic Bolloré, CEO of Havas Group, said: “Bringing SO What Global into Havas Health & You is a strong strategic move to expand our healthcare and wellness capabilities.
“Their entrepreneurial mindset within the Havas Village will work to stimulate even more business growth and drive. I wish the teams a warm welcome to the Havas family.”
Following the acquisition, founders and managing partners of So What Global, Scott Clark and Oliver Parsons will continue to head up the team of health, wellbeing and lifestyle communications as part of the deal.
Both Clark and Parsons will report to Havas Health & You’s CEO Donna Murphy and will work closely with European senior leaders on day-to-day operations.