Havas announced the acquisition of Format in a strategic move led by Havas Paris to accelerate the development of next-generation corporate influence communications. The deal strengthens Havas Paris’ capabilities across media relations, social media, content creators, and content production as communications channels continue to evolve.
Founded in 2021 by Thomas Khaski, Format has quickly emerged as a major player in corporate influence communications in France. The acquisition comes at a time when executives and companies are increasingly building their own communications channels alongside traditional media, while content creators and social media platforms continue reshaping how information is distributed and consumed.
For Havas Paris, which is co-led by Mayada Boulos and Julien Carette, the acquisition adds new growth and transformation opportunities in a rapidly expanding market. The deal enhances the agency’s digital influence expertise through Format’s agile operating model and innovative approach, while also broadening its strategic consulting and media relations capabilities for scale-ups, SMEs, and mid-sized businesses.
Format will retain its name, organizational structure, and operating model following the acquisition. Thomas Khaski will continue serving as CEO, and the company will operate autonomously while gaining access to Havas’ global scale, creativity, and expanded expertise. The partnership is also expected to create new opportunities through the combination of Havas Paris’ creative, editorial, and strategic strengths with Format’s content production and activation capabilities.
As part of the transaction, Format’s teams will join H/Advisors, Havas’ global strategic advisory communications network, which operates in more than 20 countries and serves international clients.
The acquisition further supports Havas’ broader ambition to build differentiated advisory platforms focused on evolving communications and influence strategies.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO, Havas
“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.”
Thomas Khaski, Founder and CEO, Format
“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.”
Arielle Schwab, VP In Charge Of Influence Activities, Havas Paris
“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.”
Stéphane Fouks, Executive VP, Havas And Executive Chairman, H/Advisors
