Havas reveals AIS global expansion plans

By Marketing Week 6 May 2008 9:24 am

Havas Media is set to expand the Archibald Ingall Stretton brand internationally. The group, which currently has a minority stake in AIS, is also planning to bolster the digital resources of the integrated agency.

Havas will launch AIS offices in Europe, Northern America, Latin America, Australia and Asia. The expansion will be led by AIS teams and Havas’ interactive media brands: Media Contacts, Lattitud, iGlue and Mobext who are already established in these markets. It is planning to open up offices in Spain, Portugal, the US and Mexico by this year.

Stuart Archibald, AIS partner will lead the company’s international strategy, while continuing to work with telecoms giant 02 in the UK. Jon Ingall and Steve Stretton will remain focused on the UK.

The move by Havas continues its investment strategy in the UK. Its digital agencies will also work alongside AIS to enhance the group’s offering.

Alfonso Rodes, Havas chief executive, says: “This has been a result of a relationship started over two years ago. Archibald Ingall Stretton has a similar philosophy to our group and their ability to fully embrace and leverage digital media is unique.”