Media reports over the weekend in The Times suggested that Havas were considering a move for their rival, and that KKR were also interested in making a bid. There have been no formal bids for WPP at this time.

Fellow private equity business Apollo was also named as an interested party by The Times but told Research Live that they were not looking to make a move for WPP. 

Reuters have reported that Havas has denied being in talks with WPP; Havas had not responded to a request for comment from Research Live at the time of publication.

WPP’s value has dropped significantly over the past year, with the company in danger of dropping out of the FTSE 100 and losing 60% of its value.

The company’s challenging year also saw chief executive Mark Read leave in June after 30 years at the business, with Cindy Rose hired as his replacement in September.

WPP, Havas and KKR have all been approached for comment.