DDB reportedly set to close

Iconic global advertising agency DDB (Doyle Dane Bernbach) is set to be shut down as part of the worldwide Omnicom/IPG merger, according to international media reports.

Produ.com reports that the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently approved the merger under an integration scheme that will consolidate creative agencies into three core networks: BBDO Worldwide, McCann and TBWA\Worldwide. 

The report says the definitive closing of the merger process is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the integration directly impacting regional operations, leadership structures, and the brand identity of several historic agencies across the globe.

The DDB agency brand has been rumoured to be on shaky ground for some time, particularly in North America, according to B&T.

Omnicom’s statement

According to The Drum, DDB’s owner Omnicom did not confirm or deny the reports, but did issue the following statement.

“As regulatory approvals are still pending and until the transaction is closed, we are still operating as two independent companies. However, we can share that, as it relates to our brands, we are undertaking a rigorous and considered process to ensure we have the very best solutions for the future for us and for our clients. 

“This sentiment is informing everything we do in our go-forward plans. Once they are finalized and ready to be shared, communicating them to our clients and our people will be our priority. We will then make that information available publicly. We look forward to the close of our transaction and to moving forward as a combined company.”

Gone but hopefully not forgotten

Former DDB Middle East CEO Hubert Boulos reacted to the reports on LinkedIn: “It seems DDB is officially gone. Probably the most iconic name in advertising could be Done Dead and Buried but hopefully never forgotten.”

He continued: “Should all the articles announcing it unofficially be right, I still do not believe it is the result of the Omnicom IPG merger as most headlines and corporate narratives will say. It would have and should have happened anyway. It is actually a beautiful case study of consistently wrong leadership lately, and the end was certainly not UNEXPECTED… pun intended for those who know.”

DDB Group Aotearoa has worked with a host of iconic local and international brands, including McDonald’s, New World and Vogel’s.

In 2024, it won a trifecta of New Zealand ‘agency of the year’ awards, at the Axis Awards, Campaign Brief (Australia) and Spikes (Asia Pacific), as well as seven Canne Lions on the back of successful campaigns such as ‘Correct The Internet’ with Team Heroine.

StopPress has reached out to DDB Aotearoa NZ for comment.

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