HWLN Group has been acquired by Jean Louis Roché

May 2017 — Eric Boussemart has sold HWLN Group, a brand activation consulting agency specialized in events, to Jean Louis Roché. Financial details have not been disclosed.

HWLN Group includes Halloween Agency and Pumpkins Agency. Founded in 1993 by Eric Boussemart, Halloween is a well-known independent agency involved in event communications. It has developed an expertise in the design and production of tailor-made and unconventional events, with specific know-how on the beverages sector. With the creation of the digital Pumpkins Agency in 2013, the group offers "phygital" solutions, combining on site and social media events. Located in Toulouse and Paris, HWLN Group employs 24 people and has experienced continued growth in turnover and profitability. Its clients include Airbus, Rothschild, Nestlé Waters, Coca Cola, Heineken, Moet HENNESSY Diageo, Stade Toulousain and Leica.

Jean-Louis Roché, former Director of the European division of J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, was looking for an entrepreneurial project that would allow him to combine his expertise, acquired within large communication groups (Publicis, Havas, JWT-WPP, MullenLowe), and his experience in the development of several multi-disciplinary agencies. Jean-Louis Roché will be supported by regional private equity firms Multicroissance and Grand Sud-Ouest Capital and the Crédit Agricole and LCL banks. To ensure a smooth transition and to support the group's development, Eric Boussemart will remain as minority shareholder and board member.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins' team in France led a dual-track process (PE vs companies) and advised the seller in this transaction.