Omnicom-IPG Takeover: Read IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky’s Memo to Staff

After less than 24 hours of rumors, reports, and speculation, Omnicom has confirmed its acquisition of Interpublic Group.

Expected to close in the second half of 2025, the deal has the potential to upend the ad industry by creating a holding company behemoth that could take on the dominance of WPP and Publicis Groupe.

First, it must pass shareholder and regulatory approval. Roadblocks with the latter forced Omnicom and Publicis to call off their $35 billion merger back in 2013.

John Wren will remain as chairman and CEO of Omnicom, according to a press release. While IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky and COO Daryl Simm will serve as co-presidents and COOs of Omnicom.

In the meantime, in a memo to IPG’s 55,000-plus staff, shared with ADWEEK, Krakowsky gave more insight into the levers driving the deal, saying that the companies want to build the industry’s “premier marketing and tech-enabled sales organization.”

He also addressed staff concerns: “I know each of you will have questions about your role as we become a part of the Omnicom organization next year,” he said. “Know that our focus will be to care for our people.”

Read Krakowsky’s memo to staff below.

All,

Today is a historic day for a company that’s shaped our industry since its inception.

In 1961, Interpublic became the first holding company, creating a house of agency brands that could serve the advertising needs of clients globally. In the decades that followed, we led the way in bringing new marketing disciplines into the fold and delivering integrated marketing for our clients. More recently, our acquisition of Acxiom saw us advance the state of the art when it came to incorporating data, technology and precision into the solutions we provide for forward-thinking marketers. And, throughout, we’ve valued the power of ideas, craftsmanship and creativity in differentiating brands and building businesses.

As we all know, we are living in an era of ever-increasing, exponential change in the consumer, technology and marketing landscapes. We’ve always prided ourselves on being at the forefront of this evolution, which is why today, we’re taking another bold step forward.

Moments ago, we issued a press release announcing that Interpublic has reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by Omnicom, creating the industry’s premier marketing and tech-enabled sales organization.

With this strategic combination, our companies will establish a new benchmark for what’s possible in our industry. Our strength and depth in all areas of ideation, media, precision marketing, data, commerce, healthcare, sports and experiential marketing, public relations, design, and many other disciplines and channels will be exceptional. By joining forces, we can also accelerate innovation, since we can focus and amplify our investment in increasingly important platform services, informed by technology and AI.

Equally important, our two companies are not only highly complementary in offerings, and across our geographic presence, we also share core values and culture. Together, I know we can write an exciting new chapter that moves the entire industry forward.

What Happens Next

While the announcement of the agreement is taking place today, the transaction isn’t expected to close until the second half of 2025. It is subject to Interpublic and Omnicom shareholder approvals, required regulatory approvals, and other customary conditions. With that in mind, there won’t be any immediate changes to our day-to-day and we all need to remain focused on continuing to deliver great results for our clients and supporting each other. We will keep you regularly updated as we work alongside Omnicom on our integration plans over the coming months.

I know each of you will have questions about your role as we become a part of the Omnicom organization next year. Know that our focus will be to care for our people, and we will be in continual contact on this front as our plans progress. We are joining a group of highly awarded agencies, top clients, and outstanding new offerings, which together provide opportunities for career growth on an expanded canvas.

What is more, I’ll stay closely involved going forward, co-chairing the committee that will oversee the integration of our two organizations, serving as co-president and COO of Omnicom after the combination, and joining two other current IPG board members on Omnicom’s board of directors.

Positioning Ourselves for the Future

Ultimately, becoming a part of Omnicom will enable us to continue to invest in and prepare for a future where the pace of change is relentless. Together, our new company will have breathtaking talent, reach, capabilities, and geographic presence, as well as a uniquely powerful set of platform services, positioning us for long-term success.

You can find additional details regarding the transaction in our joint press release and accompanying presentation.

With thanks,
Philippe

Keep up with ADWEEK’s coverage of the Omnicom-IPG takeover here.