Omnicom to acquire Interpublic in major advertising industry merger

Omnicom Group and Interpublic Group (IPG) have announced a definitive merger agreement, unanimously approved by both companies’ boards, creating the world’s largest advertising holding company.

The all-stock transaction will see IPG shareholders receive 0.344 Omnicom shares for each IPG share held. Post-merger, Omnicom shareholders will control 60.6% of the combined entity, with IPG shareholders owning 39.4% on a fully diluted basis.

The merged company, which will maintain the Omnicom name and OMC ticker symbol on the NYSE, projects annual cost synergies of $750 million. The tax-free transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The combined organization will employ over 100,000 people, offering services across media, precision marketing, CRM, data, digital commerce, advertising, healthcare, public relations, and branding.

In the new structure, John Wren will continue as Chairman and CEO, while Phil Angelastro remains EVP and CFO. Philippe Krakowsky, current IPG CEO, will become co-president and co-COO alongside Daryl Simm. Three IPG board members, including Krakowsky, will join the Omnicom board.

“This strategic acquisition combines world-class, highly complementary data and technology platforms,” said Wren. Krakowsky noted the merger “represents a tremendous strategic opportunity” that will create “a uniquely comprehensive portfolio of services.”