SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
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CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): June 14, 2001
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.
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(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Delaware 1-6686 13-1024020
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(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer
of Incorporation) Number) Identification No.)
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212-399-8000
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(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Item 5. Other Events.
The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG) said today that revenue has been
trending lower than anticipated, consistent with widely-reported industry
conditions. The marketing communications industry has been experiencing a slower
pace of new business activity and weaker than expected client spending,
virtually across the board, reflecting a softer economic environment in the U.
S. and slowing international economies.
On March 19, the company estimated it would earn $.40-.45 per share in the
second quarter. Based on current trends, the company now believes EPS could be
in a $.30-.35 range. Sean F. Orr, executive vice president and chief financial
officer, commented: "In response to the current revenue environment, we are
intensifying our actions to reduce costs to deliver the best possible results."
In addition, in anticipation of a June 19 merger vote by True North
shareholders, Interpublic indicated its intent to implement a series of
operational initiatives following its combination with the True North
Communications, Inc. (NYSE:TNO). John J. Dooner, Jr., chairman and chief
executive officer, said: "Since the beginning of the year, we have been
examining the totality of a "New Interpublic" to ensure that we're
well-positioned for future growth and best able to bring the fullest range of
resources and communications solutions to bear against clients' marketing needs.
The assets of True North have now been integrated into that vision."
Interpublic outlined three areas of action:
o The integration of True North and associated costs and synergies;
o The realignment of combined businesses to create a "New Interpublic"; and
o Productivity initiatives to accelerate the achievement of strategic operating
margin goals.
In connection with these planned initiatives, the company may incur significant
cash and non-cash charges, preliminarily estimated at more than $300 million, in
the second and third quarters of 2001. Although the company has not completed
its analysis, cash costs in excess of this amount will be evaluated based on
their potential to provide a high return in a short period of time.
Interpublic expects to describe these initiatives in greater detail in mid-July.
Interpublic further said that its proposed merger with True North continues to
move forward, and is expected to close by the end of June. John Dooner said:
"The quality and ease of our transition efforts have increased our enthusiasm
that these two companies not only belong together, but will result in an even
more powerful force than we initially believed."
The transaction is subject to obtaining shareholder approval and final
regulatory clearances. The merger would create the world's largest marketing
communications and services company.
The Interpublic Group of Companies is one of the largest global organizations of
advertising agencies and marketing communications companies. Its major worldwide
companies include McCann-Erickson WorldGroup, The Lowe Group, Draft Worldwide,
Initiative Media Worldwide, Octagon, NFO WorldGroup and the Allied
Communications Group. On March 18, Interpublic agreed to acquire True North
Communications in a pooling of interests transaction valued at $2.1 billion.
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Cautionary Statement
This document contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not
historical fact, including statements about Interpublic's beliefs and
expectations constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based
on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore undue reliance should
not be placed on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they
are made, and Interpublic undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of
them in light of new information or future events.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Interpublic
cautions that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such factors
include, but are not limited to, those associated with the effect of national
and regional economic conditions, the ability of Interpublic to attract new
clients and retain existing clients, the financial success of the clients of
Interpublic, and developments from changes in the regulatory and legal
environment for advertising companies around the world, and the successful
completion and integration of acquisitions which complement and expand
Interpublic's business capabilities.
Another important factor is Interpublic's acquisition strategy. One of
Interpublic's business strategies is to acquire businesses that complement and
expand its current business capabilities. Accordingly, Interpublic is usually
engaged in evaluating potential acquisition candidates. Interpublic is currently
engaged in a number of preliminary discussions that may result in one or more
substantial acquisitions. These acquisition opportunities require
confidentiality and from time to time give rise to bidding scenarios that
require quick responses by Interpublic. Although there is uncertainty that any
of these discussions will result in definitive agreements or the completion of
any transactions, the announcement of any such transaction may lead to increased
volatility in the trading price of the shares of Interpublic.
Moreover, the success of recent or contemplated future acquisitions will depend
on the effective integration of newly-acquired businesses into Interpublic's
current activities. Important factors for integration include realization of
anticipated synergies and the ability to retain new personnel and clients.
Investors should evaluate any statements in light of these important factors.
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. and True North Communications Inc. have
filed a proxy statement/prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission
concerning the proposed merger pursuant to which True North would become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Interpublic. INVESTORS AND SECURITYHOLDERS ARE URGED
TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY AMENDMENT TO THE PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS CONTAINS, AND ANY
AMENDMENT TO THAT DOCUMENT WILL CONTAIN, IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE
PROPOSED MERGER. Investors and security holders are able to obtain the proxy
statement/prospectus, and will be able to obtain any amendments to that
document, free of charge at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov/EDGAR), or at the
SEC's public reference room located at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC
20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the
public reference room. In addition, documents filed with the SEC by Interpublic
and True North may be obtained free of charge by contacting The Interpublic
Group of Companies, Inc., 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10020,
Attn: Investor Relations (tel: 212-399-8057), or True North Communications Inc.
at 101 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, Attn: Corporate Communications
(tel: 312-425-6500). INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND
ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO, CAREFULLY BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT
DECISION. True North and certain other persons referred to below may be deemed
to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of True North's stockholders
to approve and adopt the merger agreement with Interpublic. The participants in
this solicitation may include the directors and executive officers of True
North, who may have an interest in the transaction as a result of holding shares
or options of True North. A detailed list of the names and interests of True
North's directors and executive officers, and of their ownership interests in
True North, is contained and/or incorporated by reference in the proxy
statement/prospectus.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements of business acquired: Not applicable.
(b) Pro forma financial information: Not applicable.
(c) Exhibits: Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF
COMPANIES, INC.
Date: June 14, 2001 By: /s/ Nicholas J. Camera
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Nicholas J. Camera
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY