A London-based marketing agency has become part of an international group. Sponsorship Media, which includes EDF Energy, Asda and Friends Provident among its clients, has been bought by Havas Sports.

A London-based marketing agency has become part of an international group. Sponsorship Media, which includes EDF Energy, Asda and Friends Provident among its clients, has been bought by Havas Sports.

Havas, part of a Paris-based communications group, bought Sponsorship Media for an undisclosed sum as part of its international expansion plans. The group adds the company to its network that includes offices in France, Spain, India and China.

The acquired business will now trade as Havas Sports UK and was bought by the French group as part of its plan to establish a UK operation before the 2012 Olympics in London.

Under the terms of the deal, Sponsorship Media’s chief executive, Keith Impey, joins Havas Sports with co-founder Marcus Wight becoming its managing director.

Havas Sports, which lists Coca-Cola, Orange and Unilever as its clients, is part of a network of agencies that includes Euro RSCG, Media Planning Group, B6 entertainment, Upside TV, Steampower and Meteor Worldwide.

Sponsorship Media, which reported a £1 million profit last year, also provides consultancy services to the Rugby Football Union and the England and Wales Cricket Board.