Havas Sports Buys Up Sponsorship Media

Sponsorship Media is the latest independent sports marketing agency to sell out
to a global media network after the London-based firm was acquired by Havas
Sports.

After last week’s announcement that Fast Track had been acquired by Chime
Communications, Sponsorship Media has followed suit and joined the Havas Group,
becoming the London operating unit of the global communications network’s sports
division.

The move by Havas Sports, which already has offices in France, Spain, India
and China, is part of the network’s plan to establish itself in the UK market in
the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Sponsorship Media, with a 20-year experience in the UK sponsorship market,
brings with it clients including EDF Energy, National Australia Bank, Asda and
Friends Provident.

The agency also consults sports rights holders such as the Rugby Football
Union and the England and Wales Cricket Board as well as media companies such as
Sky and ITV.

Keith Impey, CEO of Sponsorship Media, will becomes CEO of Havas Sports and
Marcus Wight, co-founder of Sponsorship Media, takes up the post of managing
director.

Sponsorship Media will still be maintained in the UK as an on-going business
in separate offices to continue relationships with outside agencies and their
clients.

Havas Sports UK will provide UK brands and sports organisations with
strategic solutions and execution through capabilities in planning &
consultancy, research tools and sponsorship activation.

Havas Group runs a number of agencies including advertising agency Euro RSCG,
media buying firm Media Planning Group and direct marketing agency EHS Brann.