Omnicom has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. following receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of the other closing conditions. The combination creates the world’s leading marketing and sales company built for intelligent growth in the next era.
Rumours first began to swirl of the merger after dark in Cannes in June of 2024. While details were scant, B&T was privy to conversations where industry insiders have been discussing the merger. Three industry insiders told B&T that they have been chatting with others in adland about a potential deal during the goings on in the south of France.
The official announcement of the merger was made in December last year, and in July, ACCC confirmed it was “not opposed” to the proposed acquisition.
In September, America’s Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalised its approval of the Omnicom–IPG merger with one caveat: ad dollars must not be denied from publishers due to their political or ideological viewpoints, except under the express direction of Omnicom clients. Then, just two days ago, the merger jumped its final hurdle, with approval granted from the European Commission.
The new Omnicom promises to unite the portfolio of capabilities, all powered by Omni, its advanced intelligence platform. It reimagines how data, creativity, and technology combine with exceptional talent to help clients address their most critical growth priorities.
“This is a defining moment for our company and our industry,” said John Wren, Chairman and CEO of Omnicom.
“With the completion of the deal, Omnicom is setting a new standard for modern marketing and sales leadership – creating stronger brands, delivering superior business outcomes, and driving sustainable growth. We’re excited about this next chapter. I want to thank our people, clients, and shareholders for the trust they have placed in us.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Interpublic shareholders received 0.344 Omnicom shares for each share of Interpublic common stock they owned. Legacy Omnicom shareholders own approximately 60.6% of the combined company, and legacy Interpublic shareholders own approximately 39.4%, on a fully diluted basis. The combined company, with a pro forma combined revenue in excess of $25 billion, will trade under the OMC ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange.
As previously announced, John Wren remains Chairman & CEO, Phil Angelastro remains EVP & CFO, and Philippe Krakowsky and Daryl Simm serve as Co-Presidents and COOs. Philippe Krakowsky, Patrick Moore and E. Lee Wyatt Jr. have also joined the Omnicom Board of Directors.
The company’s full leadership team will be announced on December 1, 2025.
IPG slashed 800 staff in the September quarter, bringing the total this year to 3,200, according to SEC filings.
This equates to around 5 per cent of its global workforce, which now numbers around 50,900 people.
In October, it was announced that Omnicom’s storied advertising network DDB (Dane Doyle Bernbach) was set to be dissolved after its acquisition of Interpublic Group.
According to Produ.com, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently approved the merger under an integration scheme that will consolidate creative agencies into three core networks: BBDO Worldwide, McCann and TBWA\Worldwide. Several sources confirmed the change to B&T.
This year, Interpublic Group has cut salary costs by $431.5 million (A$660 million). The holding company reported a 5.1 per cent decline in revenue to $2.94 billion (A$4.5 billion) for the quarter; the organic decline was 2.9 per cent. Its profit (net income) for the quarter was $127.1, a substantial improvement from $24.2 in the corresponding quarter last year.
In APAC, revenue was down by more than 11 per cent (organic was -6 per cent) to $169 million, which is proportionally similar to its revenue drop for the previous quarter.
