Publicis-Omnicom Merger May Raise Antitrust Concerns [Updated]

Regulators could eye control over ad rates, data

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

The merger of Publicis and Omnicom to form the world's largest ad conglomerate is bound to raise more than a few eyebrows in Washington where regulators could add conditions to or even block the proposed $35 billion deal.

Though the holding companies' respective CEOs have said they don't expect regulatory hurdles, the numbers suggest otherwise—the combined companies would control 40 percent of U.S. media spending and 20 percent of the global market. "If it creates too much buying power, it can be anti-competitive," said Bert Foer, president of the American Antitrust Institute.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in