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Havas Group expands its health and wellness offerings in India after acquiring agency Sorento

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By Laurie Fullerton | Freelance Writer

May 24, 2017 | 2 min read

Havas Group is expanding its foothold in India by adding health and wellness agency Sorento to its roster, the company announced today.

Sorento will integrate the Havas Health & You business unit and be rebranded Havas Life Sorento. This acquisition will allow Havas to further develop its regional presence in India.

Sorento's current client base includes Abbott, Johnson & Johnson and MSD along with local pharmas including Alkem, Dr. Reddy's, Finlinea Healthwits, Glenmark and Torrent. Sorento is the only Indian healthcare agency to have won the prestigious Cannes Lion.

Yannick Bolloré, CEO of Havas Group, commented: "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 clients and 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 up the team of more than 70 health-and-wellness communication 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.

Barde and Josi said: "At Sorento we believe that even complex healthcare brand problems can be solved with insightful and creative ideas. We have forged strong partnerships with our clients and help build their brands in India. Joining 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 is an ideal fit for the Havas Health & You family. Its long-term relationships with clients also aligns with our philosophy," added Donna Murphy, CEO, Havas Health & You.

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