Omnicom and Interpublic face FTC scrutiny over merger

Published 13/03/2025, 21:46
Omnicom and Interpublic face FTC scrutiny over merger

NEW YORK - Advertising giants Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) and The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE: IPG) have each received a formal request for additional information from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding Omnicom’s proposed acquisition of Interpublic. IPG, currently valued at $9.7 billion, has demonstrated strong shareholder returns with a 5% dividend yield and a 12-year streak of dividend increases, according to InvestingPro data. The request, known as the Second Request, is part of the regulatory review process under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

The companies have been cooperating with the FTC and are working to address the agency’s inquiries as part of the ongoing regulatory process. Despite this regulatory hurdle, both Omnicom and Interpublic anticipate that the merger will be completed in the latter half of 2025, subject to approval from their respective shareholders, additional regulatory clearances, and other standard closing conditions. IPG currently trades near its 52-week low, with InvestingPro analysis suggesting the stock is undervalued based on its Fair Value calculations.

Omnicom, a leading provider of marketing and sales solutions, and Interpublic, known for its data-fueled and creatively driven marketing services, are two of the largest players in the advertising industry. IPG generates annual revenue of $9.2 billion and maintains a healthy P/E ratio of 14.3x, with an overall financial health score of "GOOD" according to InvestingPro metrics. The proposed merger is expected to combine the strengths of both companies, which collectively serve thousands of clients worldwide.

Investors and stakeholders are advised that forward-looking statements regarding the merger’s expected benefits and completion involve risks and uncertainties. These include the possibility of not receiving the necessary stockholder approvals, failure to obtain required governmental and regulatory approvals, or the imposition of adverse regulatory conditions. For comprehensive analysis and additional insights on IPG’s financial health and merger implications, investors can access detailed Pro Research Reports available exclusively on InvestingPro.

The information contained in this article is based on a press release statement from Omnicom Group Inc.

In other recent news, The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. disclosed its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, reporting adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.11, which did not meet analysts’ expectations of $1.17. The company also reported revenue of $2.43 billion, falling short of the anticipated $2.53 billion. Meanwhile, Interpublic is proceeding with its merger with Omnicom Group Inc., despite legal challenges, aiming to finalize the deal in the second half of 2025. The merger has been legally contested, but both companies have agreed to provide additional disclosures to address these issues. In another strategic move, Interpublic sold its subsidiary R/GA to Truelink Capital, allowing the company to focus on its core offerings. The sale’s financial details were not disclosed. Additionally, analysts have noted a challenging macroeconomic environment impacting Interpublic’s performance, with mixed regional results and a slight decrease in organic revenue. Despite these challenges, Interpublic remains committed to enhancing its market capabilities through the upcoming merger with Omnicom.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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