WPP Takeover Looms? Havas & Wall Street Titans Eye a Piece of the Ad Giant

WPP Plc, once the undisputed leader of the global advertising industry, is now at the center of intense takeover speculation following a report by The Times revealing high-level discussions at Havas N.V. and renewed interest from major private equity firms, including KKR and Apollo. These conversations come at a time when WPP is undergoing significant operational restructuring and facing mounting pressure from shareholders after a series of underwhelming results. Havas, based near Paris and backed by Vivendi, is reportedly exploring both full and partial acquisition opportunities. Meanwhile, KKR and Apollo have been linked to potential deals stretching back to late 2024, although their current positions remain officially unconfirmed. While WPP has dismissed the reports as speculation, the timing is noteworthy—just weeks after the company slashed its fullyear guidance citing slower-than-expected growth in North America and continued challenges in the technology and retail sectors. These developments have reignited M&A chatter, casting a spotlight on WPP’s valuation and strategic future amid declining revenue, shrinking margins, and low trading multiples.