The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG) by Omnicom Group, concluding that the merger has raised no competition concerns within the European Economic Area (EEA).
The Commission has examined the companies’ activities in advertising, marketing and communication services, including marketing communication services (MCS) and media buying services (MBS), across several EEA markets. It has found that the merged entity would hold only moderate market positions and would continue to face competition from major international players such as WPP, Dentsu-Aegis, Publicis and Havas.
Following its investigation, the Commission has noted that customers would retain the ability to switch agencies if prices increased or service quality decreased, supported by the bidding nature of the markets, short contract durations and low switching costs. It has further concluded that any attempt by the merged entity to strengthen its bargaining position with media owners would be constrained by the significant concentration and countervailing power of media owners in relevant European markets.
Given these findings, the Commission has determined that the deal is unlikely to impede effective competition and has cleared the transaction without conditions.
Omnicom, headquartered in the US, has provided services including brand advertising, customer relationship management, media planning and buying, public relations and specialised communications. IPG, also US-headquartered, has offered media planning and buying, data and engagement solutions, integrated advertising, public relations and experiential services.
The transaction was notified to the Commission on 20 October 2025. Under EU merger control rules, the Commission has been required to assess mergers involving companies with turnover above specified thresholds to ensure they do not significantly impede competition in the EEA. Most notified mergers have been cleared after routine Phase I reviews, which typically require 25 working days from notification.
