Sorento renamed as Havas Life Sorento after acquisition by Havas

Havas Group has acquired the health and wellness communications agency Sorento, integrating it with the Havas Health & You business unit and rebranding it as Havas Life Sorento. The network is expanding its footprint by adding Sorento to its roster of agencies. This strategic acquisition will allow Havas to further develop its regional presence and add to its depth and breadth in India to deliver for global clients.

Sorento’s current client base is a mix for Havas’ health and wellness activities, with international clients such as Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, MSD, along with local pharmas, including Alkem, Dr. Reddy’s, Finlinea Healthwits, Glenmark and Torrent. The agency is well regarded by clients and peers and is the only Indian healthcare agency to have won the prestigious Cannes Lion.

Yannick Bolloré, CEO, Havas Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sorento to our group. The team will partner with Havas Health & You India to create a broader health and wellness offering in the region for our existing global clients and provide a new infusion of energy that will allow us to expand our APAC capabilities.”

Following the acquisition, the management team of Susan Josi and Sangeeta Barde — Sorento’s co-founders and managing partners — will continue to head the team of more than 70 health and wellness communications professionals. Josi and Barde will report to Charles Houdoux, CEO, Havas Health & You APAC, and will work closely with local Havas India management for day-to-day operations.

In a joint statement, Barde and Josi said, “At Sorento we passionately believe that even complex healthcare brand problems can be solved with insightful and creative ideas. Our years of dedication and the commitment of many people who have been associated with Sorento have allowed us to forge strong partnerships with our clients and help build their brands in India. Joining hands with Havas will equip us to look beyond our current frontiers and make us an even more valued partner in India and beyond.”

Josi, with a Master’s in Pharmacy and Management, has more than 28 years of experience in the healthcare sector. Barde has more than 22 years of experience in pharma marketing and healthcare communications and trained as a microbiologist before going on to earn a Master’s in Marketing Management.

“The Sorento culture of innovative, best-in-class client service makes it an ideal fit for the Havas Health & You family. Its integrated approach to brand stewardship has resulted in long-term relationships with clients, which also aligns with our client-first philosophy,” added Donna Murphy, CEO, Havas Health & You.

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