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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): January 15, 2003
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 and Regulation FD Disclosure.
On January 15, 2003, The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. issued a press
release, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
Exhibit 99.1: Press Release of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., dated
January 15, 2003.
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: January 16, 2003 By: /s/ Nicholas J. Camera
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Nicholas J. Camera
Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
[THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. LOGO -- OMITTED]
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.
WORLWIDE AVERTISING AND MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INTERPUBLIC HAS ENGAGED GOLDMAN SACHS TO EXPLORE
STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES REGARDING NFO WORLDGROUP
Definitive Agreements With Lenders Due February 10
New York, NY (January 15, 2003)--The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:
IPG) announced today that it has engaged Goldman Sachs to explore strategic
alternatives regarding its NFO WorldGroup unit. Operating in 40 countries, NFO
is one of the world's leading providers of research-based marketing information
and counsel.
Separately, Interpublic indicated that it reached an agreement with its lenders
to extend the due date for amending its major credit agreements from the
previously-announced January 15 date to February 10. In addition to the terms
described in its last quarterly report on Form 10-Q, Interpublic has agreed to
new interim terms that will apply during the next three and half weeks. The new
interim terms the company agreed to are that it will limit its cash acquisitions
and will not take any dividend action until these negotiations are completed.
Interpublic is one of the world's largest advertising and marketing
organizations. Its five global operating groups are McCann-Erickson WorldGroup,
the Partnership, FCB Group, Interpublic Sports and Entertainment Group and
Advanced Marketing Services.
Major brands include Draft Worldwide, Foote, Cone & Belding Worldwide,
Golin/Harris International, NFO WorldGroup, Initiative Media, Lowe & Partners
Worldwide, McCann-Erickson, Octagon, Universal McCann and Weber Shandwick.
Contact Information
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Press: Investors:
Philippe Krakowsky Susan Watson
(212) 399-8088 (212) 399-8208
Cautionary Statement
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This document contains forward-looking statements. Interpublic's representatives
may also make forward-looking statements orally from time to time. Statements
that are not historical facts, 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. 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 effects of national and regional economic
conditions, Interpublic's ability to attract new clients and retain existing
clients, the financial success of Interpublic's clients, developments from
changes in the regulatory and legal environment for advertising and marketing
and communications services companies around the world, and the successful
completion and integration of acquisitions which complement and expand
Interpublic's business capabilities.
Investors should evaluate any statements made by Interpublic in light of these
important factors.
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