FTC Weighs Political Neutrality Pledge for Ad Agency Mega-Merger

Omnicom Group Inc. and Interpublic Group have discussed with US antitrust officials not withholding online advertising for political reasons as a possible condition for winning approval to form the world’s biggest advertising agency, according to people familiar with the matter.

The unusual merger stipulation was floated in recent discussions between company representatives and officials with the US Federal Trade Commission, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. In December, Omnicom announced its intent to buy Interpublic.