Havas has acquired UK-based experiential agency Bearded Kitten, further strengthening its global brand experience offering under the Havas Play division. The 45-member agency will now operate as “Bearded Kitten, part of Havas Play” within Havas Media Network UK, continuing operations from its current location.
The acquisition expands Havas Play’s experiential capabilities in a fast-growing sector valued at $128.3 billion globally, bringing the combined UK experiential team to nearly 200 members. Bearded Kitten’s expertise in immersive design and production will now integrate with Havas Play’s strategic and media ecosystem.
As part of the transition, founder Barney Sutton joins the Havas Play UK leadership team and will report to Nick Wright, CEO of Havas Play UK.
Speaking on the acquisition, Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas, said the move reflects the group’s ambition to scale experiential offerings globally:
“Bearded Kitten is among the world’s top experiential agencies. Their award-winning creativity and craft will strengthen our ability to capitalise on the experiential marketing boom.”
Patrick Affleck, CEO Havas Media Network UK & Ireland, added:
“Experiential is back with strong demand. Bringing Bearded Kitten into Havas Play enhances our ability to deliver bold, cultural brand moments.”
Nick Wright noted that the move allows the network to deliver more integrated, large-scale experiential campaigns. Meanwhile, Barney Sutton said the partnership aligns with the agency’s creative vision:
“Havas Play felt like a natural extension of who we are. We remain Bearded Kitten but now with global scale behind us.”