Havas Adds To U.S. Capabilities With Ignition Acquisition

Havas Media has acquired U.S.-based experiential marketing agency, Ignition, with offices in the USA, London and Moscow. The acquisition is part of an effort to grow the agency's brand engagement offerings ahead of global sporting events like this Summer's Olympic games and the 2014 World Cup. The move will bolster Havas Sports & Entertainment’s presence and capabilities in North America.

Ignition, founded by Dill and Susan Driscoll, will join the Havas Sports & Entertainment and Cake Group agencies (acquired in 2008), which now spans 34 offices in 20 markets. Ignition client base includes brands like American Express, BP, Delta Air Lines, ESPN, Kia, United Nations Foundation, Victoria’s Secret and The Coca-Cola Company.

"We are proud to welcome ignition to the Havas Sports & Entertainment network. Together we will achieve great things thanks to ignition's expertise and outstanding reputation for delivering sustainable consumer experiential events around the world," said Havas Sports & Entertainment’s global president and CEO Lucien Boyer.

"Today the ignition brand goes truly global. With Havas Sports & Entertainment's infrastructure, insight and reach, coupled with our 15 year track record of leading complex international consumer campaigns, we are now poised to take our magic to scale for sustainable growth," Ignition President Mike Hersom added.