Havas Acquires Bearded Kitten – Sport Industry Group SEO Title
Havas Play UK Acquires Experiential Agency Bearded Kitten
Havas Media Network UK has integrated experiential marketing agency Bearded Kitten into its Havas Play UK division, rebranding it as Bearded kitten, part of Havas Play. The move, announced on December 6, 2023, aims to bolster Havas Play’s experiential marketing capabilities and capitalize on the growing demand for immersive brand experiences.
Bearded Kitten’s Expertise and Client Base
Founded in 2007, Bearded Kitten specializes in immersive experience design and theatrical production. The agency’s client roster includes major brands like Netflix, Unilever, and Beavertown, and it already collaborates with existing Havas Media Network UK clients such as Red Bull and Disney. Sport Industry Daily first reported on the acquisition.
Leadership and Team Structure
The integration creates a combined team of 200 professionals. Bearded Kitten will continue to operate from its current location. Barney Sutton, founder of Bearded Kitten, will join the Havas Play leadership team, reporting directly to Havas Play UK CEO Nick Wright.
Statements from Havas Leadership
Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas, stated that Bearded kitten is “consistently ranked among the top experiential agencies worldwide” and that the acquisition is “a statement of our ambition to scale our Havas Play offering globally.” He emphasized the agency’s creativity and proven track record as key assets.
Nick Wright, CEO of Havas Play UK, highlighted that the addition of Bearded Kitten will “supercharge and scale” experiential marketing efforts. He believes the combined team will unlock “bigger,bolder ideas” and deliver “best-in-class brand experiences” integrated into broader campaigns.
Strategic Implications
This acquisition reflects a broader trend in the advertising and marketing industry towards integrated campaigns that prioritize immersive experiences. By bringing Bearded Kitten’s production capabilities in-house, Havas Play UK aims to offer clients a more seamless and thorough suite of services, from strategy and creative development to execution and measurement.