As global advertising and communications companies adapt to economic uncertainty and AI-driven industry changes, Havas is increasing its focus on India through acquisitions, specialised capabilities and global capability centres (GCCs).
In an interview with a media platform, Rana Barua, Group CEO for India, Southeast Asia and North Asia at Havas, said the company views India as a major long-term growth market and is actively exploring new acquisitions and partnerships.
“We continue to look forward for more acquisitions, yes, and look at leaders as well,” Barua said.
According to Barua, acquisitions remain a key part of Havas’ India strategy, especially in specialised and emerging business areas. Over the past few years, the network has acquired or invested in companies including PivotRoots, Showbuzz and PR Pundit.
He said these investments helped strengthen Havas’ capabilities across media, performance marketing, luxury communications and experiential services.
“Havas Media has done exceptionally well, especially after the acquisition of PivotRoots,” Barua stated. He also described Showbuzz as “an extremely smart investment” and highlighted PR Pundit’s role in helping the company expand into luxury communications.
Barua added that leadership quality and cultural alignment have now become major factors while evaluating acquisitions.
“One of my learnings on acquisitions has been that sometimes you get tempted with many, but what we now watch out for is the leadership and the culture,” he said.
The company is also exploring opportunities in influencer marketing, creator ecosystems and specialised digital businesses.
Alongside acquisitions, Havas is building global capability centres and operational hubs across India. Barua said the company wants to create “global centres of excellence” from India because of the country’s strong talent base and operational flexibility.
“It’s not because it’s a cheaper market or cost efficiency,” he said. “Of course India is cost efficient, but I think we can build better because we speak English, the talent is very much attracted to working at different working hours.”
Havas has already launched a production hub called “POP” in Chennai with nearly 150 employees and is planning more specialised centres focused on health, design, UX and UI capabilities.
Barua also described India as one of Havas’ most important global growth markets, highlighting opportunities across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, rural markets and rising digital consumption.
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