• by Steve McClellan , April 5, 2017

Havas Group just strengthened its presence in China by combining forces with Guangdong Advertising Group, which Havas describes as the largest local marketing and communications group in the country.

With the signing of a joint venture Havas will own 51% of the resulting Havas GIMC Advertising Co., which will offer a broad array of media, marketing and creative advertising services and be headquartered in Shanghai. Terms weren’t disclosed.

Havas indicated that one of the major advantages for its clients in China would their ability to “take advantage of GIMC’s massive buying clout and scale that bring incremental value.” The firm’s billings were not disclosed however.

Founded in 1979, GIMC has a portfolio of 110 companies, 300 clients and 4,500 employees that span 11 of the country’s major cities including Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu. The Group’s client roster includes Dongfeng Nissan, GAC Group, China Mobile, China Telecom, Midea Group and Haitian Seasoning.

The firm’s financials weren’t immediately available in English although Reuters issued a recent brief reporting that GIMC posted a net profit gain of 12% last year to $89 million.

Havas Group CEO Yannick Bollore stated that “combining our strengths with their capabilities and talent pool, which is the largest in China, will guarantee Havas GIMC Advertising’s clients the best service both in the Chinese market and globally.”