Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, ANTITRUST NEWS: Omnicom-Publicis Groupe merger gets a pass from U.S. antitrust agencies, (Nov 1, 2013)

The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 has expired in connection with the proposed merger of global marketing and public relations giants Omnicom Group, Inc. and Publicis Groupe, it was announced today.

The expiration of the HSR review period brings the firms one step closer to creating a “best-in-class” provider of communications, advertising, marketing, and digital services across disciplines and geographies, according to the companies.

Besides the merger clearance in the U.S., the companies have received approvals in Canada, India, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey. However, the merger remains subject to additional global regulatory approvals, in addition to approval by shareholders of both companies, according to a news release.

Headquartered in New York City, Omnicom Group Inc. is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Its branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

Publicis Groupe is a French multinational advertising and public relations company, headquarted in Paris. The firm offers the full range of services and skills: digital (DigitasLBi, Razorfish, Rosetta, VivaKi), creative services (BBH, Leo Burnett, Publicis Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi), public affairs, corporate communications and events (MSLGROUP), media strategy, planning and buying (Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia) and healthcare communications, with Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG). Present in 108 countries, the Groupe employs 60,000 professionals.

Companies: Omnicom Group Inc.; Publicis Groupe

News: Antitrust