Regulatory Authority in the UK Approves Merger between Omnicom and IPG
Omnicom-IPG Merger Nears Completion, Pending EU Approval
The proposed merger between advertising giants Omnicom Group and Interpublic Group (IPG) is on the brink of closing, following the approval by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). However, the European Union (EU) still needs to give its approval before the deal can be finalised [1][2].
In June 2025, the FTC approved the merger, but with a consent decree that prohibits the combined company from engaging in politically motivated boycotts [1]. The CMA cleared the merger on August 6, 2025, after deciding not to refer it to a more detailed phase-two investigation, signifying no substantial competition concerns in the U.K. market [1][2]. As of July 2025, 13 out of 18 total regulatory approvals required globally have been secured [1].
The merger, valued at $13 billion, is expected to create the world’s largest advertising and marketing agency. If completed, it will combine deep pools of talent, complementary capabilities, and geographic strengths [3][4]. IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky stated that the merger would meet the evolving needs of clients in a consumer and media landscape being transformed by technology and data.
Omnicom Group CEO John Wren expressed delight after the FTC's review, calling the decision an important step toward creating a new era of marketing solutions. He also mentioned that the company had earned 13 out of 18 regulatory approvals during an investor call in July [1].
The merger transaction has recently progressed with exchange offers initiated by both companies, which are conditional upon the merger's completion [3][4]. Despite the positive developments, the EU antitrust regulators remain the key regulatory body whose approval is still outstanding for the Omnicom-IPG merger to close officially [1].
As for the financials, Omnicom Group reported revenue of $4 billion during the second quarter of 2025. The company forecasted organic revenue growth between 2.5% and 4.5% for the remaining half of 2025 [5].
[1] Reuters. (2025, August 6). Interpublic Group, Omnicom merger clears UK competition hurdle. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecoms/interpublic-group-omnicom-merger-clears-uk-competition-hurdle-2025-08-06/
[2] Ad Age. (2025, June 10). FTC Approves Merger of Omnicom and IPG With Conditions. Retrieved from https://adage.com/article/data-driven-marketing/ftc-approves-merger-omnicom-ipg-conditions/2351482
[3] Adweek. (2025, July 15). Omnicom and IPG Launch Exchange Offers for Merger Transaction. Retrieved from https://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/omnicom-ipg-launch-exchange-offers-merger-transaction-1753419/
[4] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, August 6). IPG, Omnicom Merger Clears UK Competition Hurdle. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/ipg-omnicom-merger-clears-uk-competition-hurdle-11660134362
[5] Ad Age. (2025, July 29). Omnicom Group Reports Second-Quarter Earnings, Forecasts Organic Revenue Growth. Retrieved from https://adage.com/article/data-driven-marketing/omnicom-group-reports-second-quarter-earnings-forecasts-organic-revenue-growth/2351481
The EU's approval is crucial for the completion of the Omnicom-IPG merger, as 13 out of 18 regulatory approvals have already been secured. The successful fusion of these advertising giants is predicted to stimulate significant growth and finance opportunities within the business sector.
