At the start of the year, 2025 was predicted by some adland commentators to be the year for independent agencies. Omnicom was beginning to acquire IPG to make the largest holding company, redundancies occurred across some of the networks and WPP had a more-than-difficult year on top of a new chief executive.

2025 has seen the launch of many independent agencies including Ace of Hearts, Studio.One and Baby Teeth, while Ark Agency and Uncharted came into their second year. Plus, IPG sold R/GA and Huge separately to private equity, also becoming independent. 

So now the year is almost up, Campaign's editorial team discuss whether independent media and creative agencies have benefited from distraction caused by the holding companies. Tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode and is joined by creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun, media editor Beau Jackson and editor Maisie McCabe.

Further reading:

Omnicom reveals huge agency shake-up, unveils new leadership, cuts 4000 jobs

Ace of Hearts: dealing adland a new hand

Troy Ruhanen: 'I wouldn't have taken OAG job if it was all about efficiency and smashing things'

Group M tells staff about redundancies as restructure hits UK

Omnicom cut 3000 roles during 2024 ahead of IPG takeover move

Mega merger adds to existing questions for Interpublic

Global agency groups 2024 report card: Performances and staff numbers decline as restructures continue

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