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The Federal Trade Commission has cleared Omnicom’s takeover of Interpublic on the condition that the merged company agrees not to steer advertising dollars away frompublishers based on their political or ideological viewpoints.
“The FTC’s action today prevents unlawful coordination that targets specific political or ideological viewpoints while preserving individual advertisers’ ability to choose where their ads are placed,” Daniel Guarnera, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, said in announcing the consent order.
OMC CEO John Wren is delighted that the IPG deal cleared “this significant hurdle.” He looks forward to obtaining final regulatory approvals and expects to close the transaction during the second half of this year.
The FTC’s consent order is subject to a 30-day public comment period and then final acceptance by the commission.
Motion, a Chicago-based brand growth agency, acquires video-forward marketing and communications firm AKA Media Partners, which has been in business since 1998.
Declan Kelly's Consello has acquired Morpheus Risk, a UK-based risk and threat assessment firm.
Ruder Finn has acquired Missouri Creative, a 30-member visual storytelling, design and experience-led brand activation firm based in London.
Highwire acquires The Bliss Group, creating a combined firm, operating under the Highwire brand, that has more than 250 professionals across North America.
Miami’s Newlink Group has acquired Italy’s EJ to strengthen its position in southern Europe, where it has offices in Madrid and Barcelona.
