The European Commission has approved, without conditions, the proposed acquisition of Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (IPG) by Omnicom Group Inc. under the EU Merger Regulation, concluding that the transaction raises no competition concerns in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Both Omnicom and IPG operate internationally in advertising, marketing, and communication services, including marketing communication services (MCS) and media buying services (MBS). MCS encompass the creative aspects of advertising, such as campaign development, while MBS involve purchasing advertising space on behalf of clients. The Commission assessed the impact of the merger on national markets for MCS and MBS in various EEA countries.
Following a thorough investigation, the Commission found that the merged entity would hold only moderate market positions and would continue to face significant competition from other major international advertising groups, including WPP, Dentsu-Aegis, Publicis, and Havas. Customers would retain the ability to switch to alternative agencies if the merged company attempted to raise prices or reduce service quality, facilitated by the competitive nature of the bidding process, the relatively short duration of contracts, and the limited costs associated with switching providers. Similarly, the Commission determined that media owners would maintain sufficient countervailing power to prevent any abuse of market position in MBS, given the concentrated nature of media ownership in the relevant European countries.
Omnicom, headquartered in the United States, provides a broad range of marketing solutions, including brand advertising, customer relationship management, media planning and buying, public relations, and specialized communications services. IPG, also US-based, offers media buying and planning, data and engagement solutions, integrated advertising and creativity solutions, public relations, and various specialized communications services.
The merger was notified to the Commission on 20 October 2025. As part of its responsibility under the EU Merger Regulation, the Commission examines transactions involving companies with turnover above specified thresholds to prevent concentrations that could significantly impede effective competition in the EEA. The Commission’s review process for most transactions is completed through a routine Phase I procedure, generally within 25 working days. In this case, the Commission concluded that the merger does not pose competition issues and cleared it unconditionally.