HAVAS STRENGTHENS GLOBAL ADVISORY NETWORK WITH MAJORITY STAKE IN ACENTO PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Havas has acquired a majority stake in Spanish consultancy ACENTO Public Affairs, integrating it into its global advisory network @H/Advisors. The firm will retain its leadership under co-CEOs Alfonso Alonso and Pepe Blanco, reinforcing Havas’ strategic communications footprint in Spain while expanding its international public affairs capabilities.  

Havas has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in ACENTO Public Affairs, a Spanish consultancy specialising in public affairs, marking a significant expansion of its global communications and advisory capabilities. The move underscores Havas’ ambition to strengthen its footprint in Europe and broaden the reach of its @H/Advisors network, which brings together leading firms in strategic communications and public affairs across multiple markets.  

The consultancy, founded with a mission to provide high-level expertise in navigating Spain’s political, regulatory, and institutional landscape, will now be rebranded as @H/Advisors. Despite the integration, ACENTO will continue to operate under the leadership of its co-CEOs, Alfonso Alonso and Pepe Blanco, both of whom bring decades of experience in Spanish politics and public affairs. Their continued stewardship ensures continuity for clients while aligning the firm with Havas’ global standards and resources.  

For Havas, the acquisition represents more than just a geographical expansion. It is a strategic investment in expertise at a time when public affairs consultancy is increasingly vital for businesses, institutions, and organisations seeking to engage with policymakers and stakeholders in complex regulatory environments. Spain, with its dynamic political climate and role within the European Union, offers fertile ground for such advisory services. By bringing ACENTO into its fold, Havas positions itself to deliver nuanced, locally informed counsel while connecting clients to international networks and perspectives.  

The integration into @H/Advisors reflects Havas’ broader strategy of consolidating its advisory services under a unified global brand. @H/Advisors already encompasses a range of firms across Europe, North America, and Asia, each contributing local expertise while benefiting from shared resources, methodologies, and global reach. ACENTO’s inclusion strengthens the network’s Iberian presence and adds depth to its European offering.  

Alfonso Alonso and Pepe Blanco, both seasoned figures in Spanish public life, are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that ACENTO’s legacy and expertise are preserved while embracing the opportunities of global integration. Alonso, a former Minister of Health, Social Services and Equality, and Blanco, a former Minister of Public Works and Transport, bring unique insights into policymaking and governance. Their leadership has been instrumental in positioning ACENTO as a trusted advisor to businesses and institutions navigating Spain’s political and regulatory frameworks.  

In a statement, Havas emphasised that the acquisition aligns with its commitment to providing clients with comprehensive advisory services that blend local knowledge with global strategy. The company highlighted the growing importance of public affairs consultancy in helping organisations anticipate regulatory changes, manage reputational risks, and engage constructively with policymakers. By integrating ACENTO, Havas aims to offer clients in Spain and beyond a seamless combination of domestic expertise and international perspective.  

The move also reflects broader trends in the communications industry, where global networks are increasingly seeking to consolidate and expand their advisory capabilities. As businesses face heightened scrutiny from regulators, governments, and civil society, the demand for sophisticated public affairs counsel has grown. Firms like Havas are responding by building networks that can deliver both local insight and global coordination, ensuring that clients are equipped to navigate challenges across multiple jurisdictions.  

For ACENTO, the integration into @H/Advisors offers access to a wider pool of resources, expertise, and international connections. While the firm has built a strong reputation in Spain, joining Havas’ global network opens new opportunities to collaborate on cross-border projects and to support multinational clients with operations in Spain. The rebranding as @H/Advisors signals a new chapter for the consultancy, one that combines its established local credibility with the scale and reach of a global advisory powerhouse.  

Industry observers note that the acquisition is part of a broader pattern of consolidation in the public affairs sector, as global communications groups seek to strengthen their advisory arms. Havas, with its longstanding reputation in advertising and communications, has in recent years placed increasing emphasis on expanding its advisory services. The creation and growth of @H/Advisors reflects this strategic shift, positioning the company as not only a creative communications leader but also a trusted advisor in the complex world of public affairs.  

The Spanish market, with its blend of national and regional political dynamics, presents unique challenges and opportunities for public affairs consultancy. ACENTO’s expertise in navigating these complexities makes it a valuable addition to Havas’ network. Clients operating in Spain will benefit from the firm’s deep understanding of local institutions and processes, while also gaining access to the global insights and strategies offered by @H/Advisors.