CCI approves Omnicom's acquisition of Interpublic Group

The Competition Commission of India ( CCI) has approved Omnicom Group’s proposed acquisition of The Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG), in a deal valued at approximately $13.3 billion. A detailed order is expected to follow.

Experts say that the deal was cleared on the grounds that it is not likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in the advertising and marketing services market in India.

As part of the transaction, EXT Subsidiary Inc.—a wholly owned subsidiary of Omnicom—will merge into IPG. Following the merger, IPG will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Omnicom.

Under the terms of the agreement, IPG shareholders will receive 0.344 shares of Omnicom common stock for each IPG share they hold. Upon completion, Omnicom shareholders will own approximately 60.6% of the combined entity, while IPG shareholders will hold around 39.4%.

The merged company is projected to generate annual revenues of nearly $26 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals, and aims to deliver an estimated $750 million in annual cost synergies.

Omnicom’s Chief Executive, John Wren, will lead the combined group, with IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky joining as Co-President and Co-Chief Operating Officer.

The deal marks a significant consolidation in the global advertising and marketing sector, forming the world’s largest integrated communications group. In India, it will be the second largest ad and marketing communications firm after WPP.