SYDNEY — Havas has acquired Australian Public Affairs (APA), adding the firm to its H/Advisors global strategic communications network as part of plans to grow its operations in Asia-Pacific.

Founded 27 years ago by former White House and New South Wales government media advisor Tracey Cain (pictured), APA is H/Advisors’ first owned operation in Australia. The consultancy has a team of more than 20 senior consultants and has offices in Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne.

On closing the deal – the terms of which are undisclosed – the firm will be renamed H/Advisors APA. Cain will remain in her role as CEO, along with deputy CEO Phil McCall, and CFO Kathryn Higgs.

H/Advisors global co-CEO Neil Bennett said: “Our group’s strategy of adding leading strategic communications advisory firms in the core financial capitals around the world and growing them continues with this exciting new partnership.

“Not only is APA widely respected as the leading public affairs agency in Australia, the firm’s platform and growth ambitions will play a critical role for us as we look to expand our presence throughout the APAC region.”

Cain added: “For nearly three decades, we have built APA as a high quality, evidence-based firm with expertise in regulated sectors and complex stakeholder environments. The logical next step for us is to partner with Havas and H/Advisors to expand the services offered and the reach of our client base. We have ambitious plans and are excited to take the next step with H/Advisors and the broader Havas family.”

Other recent Havas deals in Asia-Pacific include the acquisition of independent Australian health communications agency Bastion Brands in November last year, integrating the firm into its Havas Health & You practice.

Recent client wins across Havas Village Australia include Taco Bell for One Green Bean and Tourism Tasmania and Accolade Wines for Red Havas.