Havas Buys Build Algerian 'Village'

Marcoms giant Havas Group has acquired a 49% stake in two Algerian-based agencies including HVS, which offers media consultancy and planning using its own tool for the measurement of ROI; and creative and communications agency GANFOOD.

The latter will be renamed as Havas Creative Alger, while HVS will become Havas Media Alger. Cherif Medjaoui, Managing Partner of GANFOOD, becomes MD in charge of Creation at the former, while HVS Managing Partner Isma Tifous will be MD of the latter. Pascal Allard, CEO Havas North Africa, will oversee the two agencies, which together will be known as the Havas Village Alger and rank in the country's top 5.

Tifous says of the deal: 'I believe that change is necessary to accomplish great things and that flexibility is key to drive and operate change. The acquisition of HVS by Havas is an excellent opportunity, a new journey that guarantees important development. My team and I are eager to seize such major change with passion, dedication and excitement to build great successes together!'

Havas Group CEO Yannick Bolloré says the move is 'a milestone in the development of Havas Group in Africa', while Allard comments: 'These acquisitions are the outcome of a long process jointly led with our Algerian partners and they reflect our 'To better together' philosophy at Havas. This is also about people who are passionate about our professions and eager to bring a new momentum to the Algerian market in view of the fantastic opportunities that the beautiful country of Algeria offers'.

Web site: www.havasgroup.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.