nvestor Vincent Bollore has in-creased his stake in Havas to more than 20 per cent. The move comes as Havas grapples with uncertainty clouding two of its biggest clients. Losing out in Intel�s global review would cost Havas� Euro RSCG Worldwide more than $30 million in revenue and the prestige associated with one of the holding company�s five largest accounts. But coming up short in Volkswagen�s $1.4-billion media review would deal an even harsher blow to Havas� Media Planning Group unit, already struggling in an operating environment where size equals buying clout.

The double-punch of Intel and VW heightens the pressure on Alain de Pouzilhac, Havas� CEO, whose failed bid for Grey - believed to have been at a premium above Grey�s then market capitalisation of $1.3 billion - was perceived as a last desperate effort to keep Havas viable in a universe of larger global holding companies. With a Havas sale or breakup of assets almost a foregone conclusion, de Pouzilhac�s best option might be to broker an acquisition deal on his own terms.... more