Omnicom+IPG: US shareholders to vote today on acquisition deal amid regulatory review

Shareholders of Omnicom Group and Interpublic Group (IPG), New York headquartered and listed media agencies, are set to vote today (March 18) on the proposed acquisition between these global marketing powerhouses. 

Ahead of the shareholder vote, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requested additional information from both companies regarding the deal. 

In a joint statement, both the companies state, "Omnicom and Interpublic have been engaged with the FTC throughout the regulatory process and will continue to address its queries going forward.”

Both parties also expressed that they expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2025, subject to stockholder approvals, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.

In addition to shareholder approval, the transaction requires regulatory clearances in up to 17 global markets before it can be finalized.

“In India, both the groups will need to have clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This means, the Indian merger would take place next year,” a senior Omnicom leader told e4m. So far, both the agencies have been operating separately. 

If successful, the OMG-IPG merger would create a powerhouse with a combined revenue of $25.6 billion, surpassing the world’s current largest agency network, WPP, with $18 billion in revenue.

The deal

Under the terms of the agreement, Omnicom will exchange 0.344 shares of its stock for each IPG share, valuing the acquisition at approximately $13.3 billion, global media reports say. 

The combined company will retain the Omnicom name, with Omnicom Group's long-serving CEO John Wren at the helm. Philippe Krakowsky, current IPG CEO who assumed the role in 2021, will be Co-President and COO of Omnicom, sharing the dual title with Daryl Simm. Krakowsky will also be Co-Chair of the Integration Committee post-merger.