Omnicom Group Inc. - OMC STOCK NEWS

Omnicom Media Group (OMG) is projected to lead global media groups in 2024 with the highest growth rate (10.5%) and actual billings growth (+$4.2b), reaching projected billings of $44.8b according to COMvergence's analysis. The company demonstrated strong performance with the highest share of digital billings among media groups.

OMG's subsidiary OMD is expected to maintain its position as the world's largest media agency, with projected 2024 billings of $25.9B, representing a 7.9% increase over 2023. The group secured significant wins including Amazon, Volkswagen Group, and Unilever, achieving $7.37 billion in total new business during the first nine months of 2024, representing 28% of all new business awarded, with an industry-leading 85% retention rate.

TBWA\Worldwide has been named 2024 Global Agency of the Year by Adweek, marking its fourth recognition since 2018. The agency was recognized for launching its AI platform 'Collective AI' and delivering innovative creative work, including an Emmy-winning Apple campaign and partnerships with major brands like Levi's and McDonald's. In 2024, TBWA welcomed 200 new clients, maintained its top 20 clients, and achieved growth with 70% of them. The agency, comprising 11,000 creative professionals, demonstrated strong global network capabilities while balancing global standards with local market needs. Erin Riley will assume the role of CEO starting January 1st, 2025, succeeding Troy Ruhanen.

Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) has announced plans to acquire Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) in a stock-for-stock transaction. Under the agreement, Interpublic shareholders will receive 0.344 Omnicom shares for each IPG share, resulting in Omnicom shareholders owning 60.6% and Interpublic shareholders owning 39.4% of the combined company.

The merger is expected to generate $750 million in annual cost synergies and will create a combined entity with over 100,000 practitioners. The combined company will have 2023 revenue of $25.6 billion, Adjusted EBITA of $3.9 billion, and free cash flow of $3.3 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

John Wren will remain Chairman & CEO of Omnicom, while Philippe Krakowsky and Daryl Simm will serve as Co-Presidents and COOs. The combined company will retain the Omnicom name and OMC ticker symbol.

Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) has announced its latest quarterly dividend declaration. The company's Board of Directors has approved a dividend payment of 70 cents per share for outstanding common stock. The dividend will be paid on January 10, 2025, to shareholders who are on record as of the close of business on December 20, 2024.

Omnicom Media Group (OMG) achieved the highest total new business record among global media management groups in Q1-Q3 2024, securing $7.37 billion in client billings, including $4.4 million in retained business. The company outperformed its nearest competitor by over 40% and maintained an impressive 85% retention rate of billings under review. OMG's agencies PHD and OMD dominated the global media network rankings, with PHD leading at $3.63b in total new business. The success was attributed to OMG's Omni-powered Agency as a Platform model, which helped win 28% of the $29.5 billion in awarded business while maintaining only 5% in losses.

FleishmanHillard has appointed Jennifer Little as general manager of its Texas operations, overseeing offices in Austin and Dallas. Little, previously an executive vice president at Burson, will be responsible for strategic planning, client experience, business development, and talent management. She joins the Americas leadership team and replaces Kristy Wilson, who is transitioning to lead a major global client. Little brings extensive experience from roles at Ketchum, Edelman, MikeWorldWide, and Pizza Hut. FleishmanHillard Texas is recognized for expertise in health sciences, retail, food and beverage, government, and tech sectors.

Community Coffee, America's #1 family-owned retail coffee brand, launches its new 'Generations' campaign celebrating its 105-year history and five generations of family ownership. The campaign, produced by TMA, showcases the brand's heritage since 1919, featuring their Breakfast Blend and Mardi Gras King Cake coffees.

The initiative highlights founder Henry Norman 'Cap' Saurage's legacy and the company's commitment to community building, including their Community Cash for Schools® program, which has raised over $8.5 million for education. The campaign will be distributed across TV, streaming video, digital, social media, and audio platforms.

FleishmanHillard, a subsidiary of Omnicom, announced key leadership appointments under new President and CEO J.J. Carter. The appointments include Lisa Moehlenkamp as chief operating officer, Emily Frager as chief client officer, Mitch Germann as chief business development and brand officer, Ephraim Cohen as global head of data and digital, Faith Howe as chief of staff, and Mark Mortell as global head of practices and sectors. These leaders join previously appointed executives Patti Portnoy (CFO), Della Sweetman (president, Americas and CSO), and Adrianne Smith (chief diversity and inclusion officer). The restructuring aims to modernize operations, enhance client services, and accelerate the firm's transformation through intelligence and technology.

Mercury Public Affairs announced a merger with Chicago-based Serafin & Associates, expanding its public affairs and strategic communications capabilities in the Midwest and nationwide. Serafin's founder, Thom Serafin, will join as co-Chair for Mercury in Illinois alongside former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. The merger combines Serafin's four decades of experience in public affairs communications with Mercury's national presence across major U.S. cities. This strategic partnership aims to enhance Mercury's Chicago and Illinois operations while providing Serafin's clients with expanded national reach and resources.