Mumbai: Havas has announced the acquisition of Format in a strategic move led by Havas Paris to accelerate the development of next-generation corporate influence communications at the intersection of media relations, social media, content creators, and content production.
Founded in 2021 by Thomas Khaski, Format has quickly emerged as one of France’s fastest-growing players in modern corporate influence communications.
The acquisition comes at a time when companies and executives are increasingly building direct communication channels alongside traditional media, while social platforms and content creators continue reshaping how influence and information are consumed. Through the partnership, Havas Paris and Format aim to combine their expertise to redefine contemporary communications consulting.
For Havas Paris, co-headed by Mayada Boulos and Julien Carette, the acquisition represents a significant step in strengthening its digital influence capabilities by integrating Format’s agile and innovative approach. The move is also expected to enhance the agency’s strategic consulting and media relations offering for scale-ups, SMEs, and mid-sized businesses.
For Format, the alliance opens up opportunities to leverage the scale, creativity, and global reach of the Havas network while retaining its entrepreneurial structure and operational autonomy. As part of the acquisition, Format’s teams will also join H/Advisors, Havas’ global strategic advisory communications network operating across more than 20 countries.
Under the arrangement, Format will continue to operate under its existing brand identity and leadership, with Thomas Khaski continuing as CEO.
Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas, said, “We are delighted to welcome Thomas Khaski and the entire Format team to the Havas family. Their expertise strengthens our global capabilities in corporate influence communications, at a time of rapid transformation and convergence across communication channels. This partnership with Havas Paris is fully aligned with our ambition to build differentiated advisory platforms that give our clients a real competitive edge.”
Thomas Khaski, Founder of Format, said, “Format was born from the belief that corporate communications must be reinvented in an era defined by a massive shift in information consumption towards social media and the rise of new opinion leaders. Joining Havas give us access to a broader playing field while preserving what defines our DNA: agility, operational excellence, and close proximity to new areas of influence.”
Arielle Schwab, VP at Havas Paris, in charge of Influence activities, said, “Format’s arrival within the Havas Paris ecosystem is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate today and co-create the corporate influence models of tomorrow. With Format, we are bringing in a pure-play ‘Influence 3.0’ player, a cutting-edge, AI-driven structure rooted in technology and corporate social platforms. Combined with the strength, creativity, and network of Havas Paris, our clients will benefit from the very best of both worlds.”
Stéphane Fouks, Executive VP of Havas and Executive Chairman of H/Advisors added, “I have been following the work of Thomas Khaski and the Format team for several years. Their approach to new forms of influence, blending digital platforms, traditional media, and content creators, is particularly relevant. With Format, we are strengthening this expertise for the H/Advisors network and building on a future-ready model.”
