Omnicom is moving closer to completing its massive US$13.5 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG), a deal expected to close by late November pending final EU regulatory approval. Once finalized, the merger will create the world’s largest advertising holding company, surpassing industry giants like Publicis Groupe and WPP. The combined company is projected to generate more than US$20 billion in annual net revenues.
John Wren, Omnicom’s chairman and CEO, said the integration teams from both companies have been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition for clients and staff. He emphasized that the merger will position Omnicom as the world’s leading marketing and sales company, giving it a competitive edge in data, media, creativity, production, and technology.
Wren stated, “We expect to close the Interpublic acquisition next month, creating the world’s leading marketing and sales company. Together, we will emerge with the industry’s most talented team and a powerful platform designed to accelerate growth through strategic advantages.”
He further added that both Omnicom and IPG continue to secure major new business wins even during the integration process. Recent client wins include prominent names such as American Express, Porsche, OpenAI, Amgen, Bayer, Anthropic, and Paramount.
The CEO expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, saying, “We’re already seeing strong momentum with significant new business wins across both companies, underscoring the compelling opportunities this acquisition creates. Our enhanced ability to deliver revenue growth, operate with greater efficiency, and generate healthy free cash flow only strengthens our confidence in the future – for our clients, our people, and long-term shareholder value.”
The merger has already received 14 of the 18 required regulatory approvals globally. In July, Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approved the deal, stating that it was unlikely to substantially reduce competition in Australia’s media and marketing services market.
ACCC Commissioner Dr. Philip Williams commented, “Our investigation found that while the proposed acquisition would result in an increase in the parties’ combined market share, other suppliers of media buying and marketing and communications services would continue to effectively compete with Omnicom after the acquisition.”
With the ACCC’s clearance, the merger is one major step closer to completion. The final approval from the European Union remains the last key milestone before the deal can officially close.
The news of Omnicom’s acquisition of IPG first surfaced in December last year. It came at a time when traditional advertising holding companies were under increasing pressure to adapt to rapid shifts in the global marketing landscape. As digital marketing, data analytics, and AI-driven campaigns gain dominance, consolidation among major holding companies has become a strategic move to stay competitive.
Industry experts believe that this merger marks a major turning point in global advertising, likely reshaping the competitive landscape. The combined Omnicom-IPG entity will have a stronger presence in every key market, enhanced technological infrastructure, and deeper creative resources.
According to analysts, the merged group’s scale and operational efficiency will likely enable it to better serve multinational clients seeking integrated marketing solutions. The move is also seen as an opportunity for both companies to pool their expertise in emerging areas like AI-driven marketing, programmatic media buying, and performance analytics.
Omnicom’s expansion through this acquisition aligns with its long-term strategy to strengthen its position as a full-service marketing and communications powerhouse. The company has been steadily investing in technology, data-driven solutions, and AI to meet the evolving needs of global brands.
For IPG, this acquisition means access to a broader global network, increased investment in technology and innovation, and a chance to be part of a more diversified portfolio of marketing services.
The advertising and marketing industry has been consolidating over the past few years, driven by clients’ demand for integrated services and cost efficiency. This Omnicom-IPG merger is the largest of its kind in recent years and is expected to trigger further strategic realignments across the industry.
Once completed, the merger will not only elevate Omnicom’s position globally but will also create new opportunities for growth in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. Both companies are optimistic that the merger will lead to greater innovation, improved client experiences, and enhanced shareholder value.
As of now, the industry is closely watching for the EU’s final decision. If all goes as planned, Omnicom will successfully close the acquisition by the end of November 2025 — officially becoming the world’s largest advertising group and setting a new standard for the marketing industry’s future.
