Havas Group has acquired a majority stake in Camp + King, an independent creative agency that combines brand storytelling with expertise in digital, social, and content development. The agency complements Havas’ bespoke North America network of larger Havas Villages and boutique shops, including Arnold and Battery, Havas Group said in a release.
Camp + King’s acquisition is part of Havas’ global strategy to create a “first-class creative network that delivers content through modern platforms.”
The relationship between Havas and Camp + King goes back to 2008, when Jamie King was President of EURO RSCG Chicago (now Havas Chicago) until 2010. King and Roger Camp then launched Camp + King in 2011, with a minority investment from Havas. The agency developed its first campaign for Old Navy. Camp + King has grown significantly in nearly a decade, with over 50% of its revenue coming from its digital and social work. The agency also has an in-house content lab with capabilities in animation and digital design, as well as video production and editorial.
Camp + King works with a variety of renowned global brands including Energizer, RE/MAX, Papa John’s, Jackson Hewitt, and prAna, among others.
King will remain CEO and Camp CCO of Camp + King, leading a team of 60 across the offices in Chicago and San Francisco. The agency plans to expand its Chicago offering and adapt the Havas Village model in San Francisco, eventually bringing creative and media capabilities under one roof and one P&L.
“Havas has been a part of Camp + King since the beginning,” said Camp + King CEO and co-founder Jamie King. “We turn 10 in 2021; and on the eve of that milestone, Roger and I sat down with Havas to discuss our next phase of growth. Their interest in fueling independent creativity and including us as an asset to expand, differentiate, and power their portfolio is what excited us. We are looking forward to the evolution of our partnership and doing even greater things together.”
“We have worked in partnership with Camp + King for nearly a decade, watching this agency produce bold work and win big clients,” added Yannick Bolloré, Chairman & CEO Havas Group. “Now, I’m thrilled to officially welcome them to the Havas family.”
