Lewis Silkin has advised Havas on its acquisition of Wilderness
27 March 2024
Lewis Silkin has advised long-standing client Havas on its acquisition of social first marketing agency Wilderness.
Havas has announced its acquisition of social first marketing agency Wilderness. Wilderness will join Havas Play, Havas’ global network dedicated to connecting brands with consumer passions though experiences.
Founded by Tom Javis in 2015, Wilderness rose to prominence working as an in-house partner to major entertainment brands including Sony Pictures, 20th Century, and Universal Pictures. In less than a decade, it has been recognised at the Digiday Europe Awards, Marketing Week Awards, Digital Impact Awards, The Drum DADI and the Promax awards. Wilderness’ London-based staff will move to Havas Village London and form a dedicated social media team.
Lewis Silkin’s team was led by Paul Rajput, Partner and Head of Corporate alongside Barnaby Stokes, Legal Director; Natalie Wilson, Senior Associate; Stacy Treharne, Associate; Gabriella Jack, Associate; and Romy Aspinall, Paralegal. The corporate team was supported by Matthew Rowbotham, Corporate Tax Partner; Emma McGrory, Senior Tax Associate; Michael Birchall, Tax Associate; David Cakebread, Digital, Creative and Commerce Associate; Ben Favaro, Data, Privacy and Cyber Managing Associate, Tom McEvoy, Senior Employment Associate; Harry Orbell, Employment Associate; and Kate Davies, Real Estate Associate.
Paul Rajput commented:
We were delighted to support the Havas team with this acquisition adding further scale and depth to their social marketing capabilities and the ability to provide a better offering to their clients. This transaction demonstrates Lewis Silkin’s expertise in advising creative advertising and marketing clients on M&A transactions as reflected in our Legal 500 Tier 1 ranking.
Darren Todhunter, Havas Media Network UK and Ireland CFO commented:
Paul and Lewis Silkin’s M&A team have continued to support us on several acquisitions and have again demonstrated that they are a long term trusted partner. Paul’s knowledge of the Havas group and its stance on complex M&A issues adds significant value and contributed immensely in reaching a successful completion of the transaction in a well organised way. We will no doubt turn to them again for future acquisitions.