NAIROBI, Kenya, May 5 – The world’s fifth largest advertising company, Havas Media International, has bought a controlling stake in Kenyan communications firm Corporate Talk Group.
The new media entity will serve Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and Madagascar and will operate under the brand name Havas Media. The partnership will see HAVAS international own 60 percent of the agency, while Corporate Talk Group (CTG) will own 40 percent.
Havas Media international operates in more than 100 territories and employs 5,000 people across its four main global brands namely, MPG, Arena Media, Havas Digital and Havas Sports and Entertainment.
With the East African market experiencing an increase in investment in the recent past, both from local and multinational investors, there has been an increase in marketing spend in these companies in a bid to maintain their respective market shares.
Brands are going all out to give themselves an edge in a renewed effort to increase their presence as well as retain existing customers in the wake of increased competition. The partnership establishment of Havas Media brings world-class media strategy and media buying capability to CTG enabling the group to offer a full suite of integrated marketing communications solutions that will guarantee optimal results and reshape the Marketing Communications landscape in the region.
Speaking during the partnership signing ceremony, the CEO of Havas Media International Jorge Irizar, said that the entry of Havas Media into the African market is a big step in the company’s history.
“Our coming into Africa is a big milestone for the company. Our partnership with Corporate Talk Group is very strategic since their expansion footprint is in tandem with ours and thus makes us compatible partners with regard to growth,” he said.
He added that, “We are injecting into Corporate Talk Group, global expertise and clientele who are looking into advertising in the East and South Eastern Africa Market.”
Corporate Talk Group Chairman Andrew Lopokoiyit said; “We are continuously seeking to be the fresh alternative to conventional agency networks. Our partnership with Havas Media International will bring a breath of fresh air on the Kenyan media landscape. We will now have a wider market reach and a much heavier presence in the region. Thanks to this partnership, we are today better equipped to serve our clients as we have received an injection of world-class expertise and experience into our business."
“With this new opportunity, we will continue to help our clients meet their communications needs, especially in this competitive age, where business entities are exploring new frontiers and facing 21st century challenges,“ he added.
Havas Media International is headquartered in France. It’s the fastest growing media group,market leaders in Europe and Latin America, and have the 2nd largest digital group and the largest sports communication network.
CTG is a portfolio of marketing communications companies that include:
Fireworks advertising – a creative hot shop.
Corporate Talk PR – the public relations agency of the CTG.
DStv AD Sales – with the exclusive rights to sell advertising on DStv in East and Central Africa.
Gray Wolf – The force behind Africa’s greatest brands by harnessing the power of brands in transforming businesses for profit, quality of life and social progress.
Broad Digital – Established to help clients explore opportunities in digital media, Broad Digital is pushing the boundaries and seeking new ways to connect with consumers through 2D and 3D animation, broadcast and motion graphics, video gaming as a branding medium, branded content and digital signage systems.
