February 19, 2026
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.’s (NYSE: IPG) acquisition by Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) has been shortlisted for Merger Control Matter of the Year – Americas at the Global Competition Review Awards 2026. Willkie represented Interpublic in its approximately $13 billion sale to Omnicom and successfully secured global antitrust clearance across nearly 20 jurisdictions.
GCR shortlisted the transaction as one of the deals that epitomized “creative, strategic and innovative competition work for a client on a landmark merger control matter in the Americas.”
Omnicom’s acquisition of Interpublic closed in November 2025, creating the world's leading marketing and sales company. Serving as deal counsel and antitrust counsel to Interpublic, Willkie obtained antitrust approval across Europe, Asia, North America, and Central and South America, including securing an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission relating to the prevention of viewpoint-based bias in the digital advertising market.
The Willkie antitrust team that advised Interpublic included partners Wesley Powell, Robert Lepore, Rahul Saha and Katrina Robson, counsel Agathe Richard, and national partner David Kupka. They worked alongside corporate partners Danielle Scalzo and Laura Acker, who led the Willkie team.
Separately, Boris Bronfentrinker, London partner and Chair of Willkie’s European Antitrust & Competition Litigation practice, has been shortlisted for Litigator of the Year at the GCR Awards 2026.
The GCR Awards recognize the world’s leading antitrust lawyers, economists and enforcers as well as notable cases from the past year. The 2026 honorees will be recognized at an event on March 24 in Washington, DC.
The awards are based on public voting. View the award shortlists and event details here (subscription may be required).
