Omnicom’s storied advertising network DDB (Dane Doyle Bernbach) is 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 have confirmed the change to B&T.
The DDB agency brand has been rumoured to be on shaky ground for some time, particularly in North America. In Canada, DDB was merged with its stablemates under the Omnicom Advertising Group banner last year, while in New York, Adam&Eve merged with DDB Worldwide to form Adam&Eve DDB, which at the time was considered contentious for an agency founded in Maddison Avenue.
DDB declined to comment, and Omnicom did not respond to B&T ahead of publishing.
In Australia, DDB’s client list is significant, though it has lost some notable accounts in recent times, including McDonald’s and Westpac. DDB did recently snare TAC from fellow Omnicom shop Clemenger BBDO. McDonald’s and Westpac moved to Wieden+Kennedy Sydney and BMF, respectively.
DDB’s other clients include Coles, VW, DoorDash, Acciona and TK Maxx.
Omnicom’s acquisition of IPG was always like to lead to the streamlining of agency brands. Due to complete next month, it will create the world’s largest advertising holding company, with more than 100,000 staff and global revenues well in excess of Publicis Groupe and WPP.
“Together, we will emerge with the industry’s most talented team and a powerful platform designed to accelerate growth through strategic advantages in data, media, creativity, production, and technology,” said John Wren, chairman and chief executive of Omnicom.
“Together [with IPG], we will emerge with the industry’s most talented team and a powerful platform designed to accelerate growth through strategic advantages in data, media, creativity, production, and technology.
“We’re already seeing strong momentum with significant new business wins across both companies, underscoring the compelling opportunities this acquisition creates.”
The washout from Omnicom’s takeover is unclear. Staff from Omnicom and Interpublic’s Australian operation have not been permitted to discuss the situation with either party until it is officially given the green light.
Globally, Omnicom’s severance costs more than doubled to $127 million (AU$195 million) in the first three quarters of 2025.
In previous discussions with analysts, Omnicom global CEO John Wren said that “staff associated with any revenue stream at all, you’re gold, don’t worry about it”.
Omnicom’s agency brands, in addition to DDB, include TBWA and BBDO, PHD, OMD and Hearts & Science.
When asked by analysts if IPG agencies—which include media shops Initiative, Magna, UM and creative shops McCann, FCB and the MullenLowe Group—would be folded into Omnicom brands, Wren replied:
“We’ll make appropriate decisions based upon what’s going to lead to greater growth and greater career opportunities for our best and talented people”.
DDB is one of the industry’s most storied agency brands, having produced legendary and genuinely game-changing work for the likes of Volkswagen, including ‘Think Small’.
It was founded in 1949 by former Grey execs Bill Bernbach, James Edwin Doyle and Maxwell Dane, who give the agency its name.
In Australia’s DDB has been behind several award-winning campaigns, including Volkswagen’s ‘RooBadge’ and McDonald’s ‘Big Mouthful’ (see both below).
McDonald’s, The Original Mouthful
Volkswagen, RooBadge
