Havas has acquired indie media agency Kaimera in a deal that the holdco says strategically strengthens its Media Network footprint in Australia and New Zealand.
Havas added the acquisition gives it scale and specialist capabilities while accelerating the deployment of Converged.AI, its group-wide AI-driven, data-powered strategy and operating system.
Kaimera will join the organisation under Havas Media Network and operate as “Kaimera, a Havas Company.”
Founded in 2016, Kaimera has grown into a 50+ strong agency with offices in Sydney and Melbourne and team members in Auckland. Known for crafting straightforward, customized solutions that deliver measurable results, Kaimera brings deep expertise and a strong reputation that will reinforce Havas’ dynamic and ambitious ANZ business plan focused on growth, entrepreneurial investment, and excellence for clients. Kaimera’s clients include Nando’s, Scape, IMB bank, Afterpay and BritBox.
By integrating Kaimera’s proven expertise and entrepreneurial culture into Havas Media Network, this acquisition enhances Havas’ ability to converge creativity, media, and technology into one powerful offering. Kaimera’s management team, led by founders Nick Behr and Trent McMillan, will report to James Wright, Group CEO of Havas ANZ, and will initially remain in their current offices in Surry Hills, Sydney, and South Melbourne, Melbourne. With Kaimera joining the group Havas ANZ takes its headcount to over 450 staff locally.
Kaimera’s clients include the recently appoint Taylors Wines, MG and chicken connoisseurs Nandos.
The deal comes as Havas Group ANZ recently introduced its new positioning – Deliberately Different. This strategic platform reinforces its unique integrated offering: a Village of agencies combining the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of an Indie with the backing and resources of a global network.
Yannick Bolloré, chairman and CEO, Havas: “I’m delighted to welcome Nick Behr, Trent McMillan and the talented team at Kaimera to the Havas family. This deal reinforces our commitment to the Australian and New Zealand markets and our belief in the opportunity there with James and his leadership team. We have very clear ambitions across our Group, and bringing in Kaimera’s expertise and strong reputation will further strengthen our network and accelerate the deployment of our Converged.AI strategy, ensuring we deliver excellence for our clients.”
James Wright, group CEO, Havas ANZ: “The acquisition of Kaimera is a clear statement of our ambition in Australia and New Zealand. As part of our new ANZ business plan and positioning of being ‘deliberately different,’ we are focused on growth and entrepreneurial investment in the region. To deliver on this, we want to bring in the best talent and resources to deliver more powerful and meaningful results for our clients. We believe Kaimera’s culture, proven track record, and specialist capabilities are a perfect complement to our Group. We welcome Nick, Trent, and their team.”
Nick Behr, CEO and founder, Kaimera: “We need to stay future-focused for our clients and our people, and Havas is the perfect partner for this next chapter. The group has a clear vision and strong foundations for where it’s heading. Joining Havas gives us access to greater investment, scale, resources, tools and technology, particularly in AI, while allowing us to stay true to our culture and approach. Together, we can deliver even more meaningful growth for brands across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. We’re excited to begin this new chapter with James and the Havas team.”
