Havas Group has acquired a majority stake in Blink, a social media agency with a unique model which specializes in content and management of conversations between consumers and brands, assisting organizations to follow, understand and take part in the social media realm.
Blink was founded in 2007 by Sagi Chemetz, one of the first social media activists in Israel. It was the first content and social media agency in Israel and one of the first agencies in the social media field globally. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, the team of 35 experts work on digital and content strategy, content creation, social media management, community management, digital PR, crisis management and social and native media buying for its strong customer base which includes both blue-chip companies and SMEs, all leading players in their respective markets.
Yannick Bolloré, Havas Group CDO, said, “Social media has undeniably become one of the most powerful ways for brands to engage with consumers. Joining forces with an agency with the caliber of Blink will enhance our social media expertise as we export their approach to our other agencies all over the world.”
Chemetz, Blink founder and CEO, added, “We are very proud to partner with the Havas Group. It is another step towards our growth and innovation and it reflects a strong belief in our capabilities, our talented team and the unique creative atmosphere we have created at Blink over the years. In Havas we have found open-minded and creative partners and we are excited to become part of the Group. I believe it will allow us to move forward in fulfilling our vision to assist brands and organizations in better managing their social conversations in an open and creative way”.
Chemetz will remain CEO of Blink while Alberto Canteli, CEO Nordics CEE & Middle East of Havas, will oversee the agency’s integration into the Group.
DirecTV calls off acquisition of rival Dish, possibly ending a yearslong pursuit
DirecTV is calling off its planned acquisition of rival Dish after the offer was rejected by bond holders at that company.
The deal was reliant on Dish bond holders agreeing to trade in the debt they held for debt in the new company, a swap that would have cost them about $1.6 billion, collectively.
The retreat by DirecTV this week may end a years-long effort by the company to acquire both Dish and Sling after it announced the bid in September.
DirecTV was looking to acquire Dish TV and Sling TV from its owner EchoStar in a debt exchange transaction that included a payment of $1, plus the assumption of approximately $9.8 billion in debt. The deal was contingent on several factors, including regulatory approvals and bondholders writing off debt related to Dish.
"While we believed a combination of DirecTV and Dish would have benefited all stakeholders, we have terminated the transaction because the proposed exchange terms were necessary to protect DirecTV's balance sheet and our operational flexibility," DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow said in a statement.
The prospect of a DirecTV-Dish combo has long been rumored, and reported talks resurfaced over the years. And the two almost merged more than two decades ago — but the Federal Communications Commission blocked the deal valued at the time at $18.5 billion deal, citing antitrust concerns.
The pay-for-TV market has shifted significantly since. As more and more consumers tune into online streaming platforms, demand for more traditional satellite entertainment continues to shrink.
DirecTV says that it will continue to invest in next-generation streaming platforms and offer new packaging options while integrating content from live TV alongside direct-to-consumer... Read More