Overview

• The FTC voted 2-0-1—Commissioner Mark R. Meador recused—to issue a proposed consent order clearing Omnicom’s acquisition of Interpublic Group.
• The order prohibits the merged agency from directing advertising away from media publishers due to their political or ideological viewpoints except at advertisers’ explicit instructions.
• The public now has 30 days to submit feedback on the proposed agreement before it can be finalized.
• Once closed—pending U.K. approval and expected in the second half of 2025—the merger will create the world’s largest media-buying agency with over 100,000 employees, $25.6 billion in revenue and $750 million in projected synergies.
• Industry analysts warn the restrictions could benefit platforms like X Corp while potentially accelerating the flight of ad dollars from news outlets.