INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. (Form: 10-K, Received: 02/24/2012 09:11:30)

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K



	ý	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

Commission file number: 1-6686

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		13-1024020
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(212) 704-1200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.10 par value		New York Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes ¨ No ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No ý

As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate market value of the shares of registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $6.0 billion. The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of February 15, 2012 was 446,111,507 .

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following sections of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 24, 2012 are incorporated by reference in Part III: “Election of Directors,” “Director Selection Process,” “Code of Conduct,” “Principal Committees of The Board of Directors,” “Audit Committee,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Compensation of Executive Officers,” “Non-Management Director Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation and Leadership Talent Committee Report,” “Outstanding Shares,” “Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons,” “Director Independence” and “Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

TABLE OF CONTENTS



		Page No.
PART I
Item 1.	Business	3
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	7
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	9
Item 2.	Properties	10
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	10
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	10

PART I I
Item 5.	Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	12
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	14
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	35
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	37
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	78
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	78
Item 9B.	Other Information	78

PART I II
Item 10.	Directors, Executives Officers and Corporate Governance	79
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	79
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	79
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	79
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	79

PART I V
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	80

STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURE

This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. Statements in this report that are not historical facts, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, constitute forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “continue” or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined under Item 1A, Risk Factors, in this report. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake 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, the following:


•	potential effects of a challenging economy, for example, on the demand for our advertising and marketing services, on our clients’ financial condition and on our business or financial condition;


•	our ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients;


•	our ability to retain and attract key employees;


•	risks associated with assumptions we make in connection with our critical accounting estimates, including changes in assumptions associated with any effects of a weakened economy;


•	potential adverse effects if we are required to recognize impairment charges or other adverse accounting-related developments;


•	risks associated with the effects of global, national and regional economic and political conditions, including counterparty risks and fluctuations in economic growth rates, interest rates and currency exchange rates; and


•	developments from changes in the regulatory and legal environment for advertising and marketing and communications services companies around the world.

Investors should carefully consider these factors and the additional risk factors outlined in more detail under Item 1A, Risk Factors, in this report.

PART I



Item 1.	Business

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (“Interpublic,” “IPG,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) was incorporated in Delaware in September 1930 under the name of McCann-Erickson Incorporated as the successor to the advertising agency businesses founded in 1902 by A.W. Erickson and in 1911 by Harrison K. McCann. The company has operated under the Interpublic name since January 1961.

About Us

We are one of the world’s premier global advertising and marketing services companies. Through our 42,000 employees in all major world markets, our companies specialize in consumer advertising, digital marketing, communications planning and media buying, public relations and specialized communications disciplines. Our agencies create customized marketing programs for many of the world's largest companies. Comprehensive global services are critical to effectively serve our multinational and local clients in markets throughout the world, as they seek to build brands, increase sales of their products and services and gain market share.

The work we produce for our clients is specific to their unique needs. Our solutions vary from project-based activity involving one agency to long-term, fully integrated campaigns created by multiple IPG agencies working together. With offices in over 100 countries, we can operate in a single region, or deliver global integrated programs.

The role of our holding company is to provide resources and support to ensure that our agencies can best meet clients’ needs. Based in New York City, our holding company sets company-wide financial objectives and corporate strategy, establishes financial management and operational controls, guides personnel policy, directs collaborative inter-agency programs, conducts investor relations, provides enterprise risk management and oversees mergers and acquisitions. In addition, we provide limited centralized functional services that offer our companies operational efficiencies, including accounting and finance, executive compensation management and recruitment assistance, employee benefits, marketing information retrieval and analysis, internal audit, legal services, real estate expertise and travel services.

Our Brands

Interpublic is home to some of the world’s best-known and most innovative communications specialists. We have three global networks, McCann Worldgroup ("McCann"), Draftfcb and Lowe & Partners ("Lowe"), that provide integrated, large-scale advertising and marketing solutions for clients, and two global media services companies, UM and Initiative, operating under the Mediabrands umbrella. We also have premier domestic integrated and interactive agencies that are industry leaders as well as a range of best-in-class specialized communications assets.

•

McCann offers a full range of communications tools and resources to many of the world's top companies and most famous brands, positioning McCann to meet client demands in all regions of the world and in all marketing disciplines. McCann Erickson Advertising has operations in over 100 countries. MRM Worldwide is among our industry's largest global digital and customer relationship management ("CRM") networks. Momentum Worldwide is a leader in experiential marketing and promotions, as is McCann Healthcare Worldwide in healthcare communications.

•

Draftfcb is a modern agency model for clients seeking creative and accountable marketing programs delivered in a media-neutral manner under a unified, integrated business. The company has its roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing. We believe the agency is the first global, behavior-based, creative and accountable marketing communications organization operating as a financially and structurally integrated business unit.

•

Lowe is a premier creative agency that operates in the world’s most dynamic growth markets. Lowe's core strength is developing high-value ideas that connect with popular culture and drive business results. This is evident in the agency's global creative rankings and strong local operations in major key markets, such as Deutsch (U.S.), DLKW/Lowe (U.K.), Lowe Lintas (India) and BorghiErh/Lowe (Brazil).

•

Mediabrands delivers on the scale and breadth of our media capabilities, making investment decisions for tens of billions of dollars of client marketing budgets, yet retains a nimble, collaborative culture. UM and Initiative seek to deliver business results by advising clients on how to navigate an increasingly complex and digital marketing landscape. Specialist brands within Mediabrands focus on areas such as the targeting and aggregation of audiences in the digital space, hyper-local marketing, media barter and a range of other capabilities.

•

Our domestic integrated independent agencies include some of advertising's most recognizable and storied agency brands, including Campbell-Ewald, Hill Holliday, The Martin Agency and Mullen. The marketing programs created by this group incorporate all media channels, CRM, public relations and other marketing activities and have helped build some of the most powerful brands in the U.S., across all sectors and industries.

•

We also have exceptional marketing specialists across a range of disciplines. These include Jack Morton (experiential marketing), Octagon (sports marketing), industry-leading public relations agencies such as Weber Shandwick and GolinHarris, FutureBrand (corporate branding), and our digital specialist agencies, led by R/GA and HUGE, which are among the industry's most award-winning digital agencies. Our healthcare communications specialists reside within our three global brands, McCann, Draftfcb and Lowe.

We list approximately 85 of our companies on our website’s “Company Finder” tool, with descriptions and office locations for each. To learn more about our broad range of capabilities, visit our website at http://www.interpublic.com.

Market Strategy

We operate in a media landscape that is evolving at a rapid pace. Media channels continue to fragment, and clients face an increasingly complex consumer environment. To stay ahead of these challenges and to achieve our objectives, we have made and continue to make significant investments in creative and strategic talent in fast-growth digital marketing channels and high-growth geographic regions and world markets. In addition, we consistently review opportunities within our company to enhance our operations through mergers and strategic alliances, as well as the development of internal programs that encourage intra-company collaboration. As appropriate, we also develop relationships with technology and emerging media companies that are building leading-edge marketing tools that complement our agencies' skill sets and capabilities.

In recent years, we have taken several major strategic steps to position our agencies as leaders in the global advertising and communications market. These include:

•

We re-organized our media operations under a single management structure, Mediabrands, to reinvent how we plan, buy and measure media investment on behalf of our clients. We have also aligned a spectrum of specialist media companies under this structure. Additionally, we have invested in technology and analytics, including the launch of the IPG Media Lab in New York in 2011, a highly advanced resource for our clients. Since launch in 2008, Mediabrands has delivered industry-leading performance and growth.

•

We moved Lowe to a hub model, focused on a smaller and more strategic global footprint, and significantly revamped its management team in an effort to turn around its operating performance. Once this approach began to yield positive results, we strengthened Lowe's capabilities in the key Brazil and U.K. markets through acquisitions and in the U.S. by aligning Deutsch and Lowe in North America to create a more powerful offering from which to service and source multinational clients.


•	Five years ago, we combined accountable marketing and consumer advertising agencies in the unique global offering of Draftfcb, which is now operational throughout all world markets.


•	At our marketing services division, Constituency Management Group (“CMG”), we continue to strengthen our market leading public relations and events marketing specialists. In recent years, we built out significant social media practices across CMG agencies and expanded our operations in Latin America, China and the Middle East.


•	Our McCann unit continues the transformation of its offering under new global leadership with the delivery of best-in-class integrated marketing communications solutions in all geographic regions for the world's largest multinational advertisers.

Digital Growth

Demand for our digital marketing services continues to evolve rapidly. In order to meet this need and provide high-value resources to clients, we have in recent years focused our investment in embedding digital talent and technology throughout the organization. This reflects our belief that digital marketing cannot be treated as a stand-alone function, but should, instead, be integrated within all of our companies, mirroring the way in which consumers incorporate digital media into their other media habits, and, ultimately, their day-to-day life. Recruiting and developing digital expertise at all our agencies and in all marketing disciplines is an area in which we continue to invest.

To meet the changing needs of the marketplace, we have acquired or incubated specialty digital assets, such as Reprise Media (search engine marketing), HUGE (e-commerce solutions), Cadreon (demand-side platform) and The IPG Media Lab. We have also continued to invest in existing digital assets such as R/GA, a digital agency and industry leader in the development of award-winning interactive campaigns for global clients, as well as MRM, a leading global digital agency. These companies have unique capabilities and service their own client rosters, while also serving as key digital partners to many of the agencies within IPG.

Fast-Growth Regions

We continue to evaluate strategic opportunities to invest and grow in fast-growth geographic regions. In recent years, we have made significant investments in India and Brazil, further strengthening our leadership position in these high-growth, developing markets. Transactions completed in Brazil include the 2011 acquisition of S2 Publicom, a leading public relations

company and the 2010 acquisition of CuboCC, a new media and digital marketing services company. Further, our operations in India continue to be best-in-class as we support our strong growth in the region with partnerships and talent investment, giving us a leadership position in this important market. We also hold a majority stake in the Middle East Communication Networks (“MCN”), among the region's premier marketing services companies. MCN is headquartered in Dubai, with 60 offices across 14 countries. Our partner in Russia is an acknowledged leader in that country. In China, where we operate with all of our global networks and across the full spectrum of marketing services, we continue to invest organically in talent and behind our agency brands. Additional areas of investment in 2011 included key Asia Pacific markets.

Acquisition Strategy

We feel that our company has the appropriate set of assets, capabilities and geographic coverage to succeed in today's media landscape. However, when an outstanding resource or a strong tactical fit becomes available, IPG has been opportunistic in making tuck-in, niche acquisitions to enhance our offerings. Our focus has been and will continue to be predominantly on digital and international growth markets.

During the course of 2011, IPG acquired multiple agencies across the marketing spectrum, including firms specializing in digital and social media, healthcare communications, and public relations, as well as agencies with full service capabilities. All acquired agencies have been integrated into one of our global networks or existing agencies.

Financial Objectives

Our long-term financial goals include maintaining competitive organic revenue growth and continuing to improve our operating margins, which we expect will further strengthen our liquidity profile and increase value to our shareholders. Accordingly, we remain focused on meeting the evolving needs of our clients while concurrently managing our cost structure. We continually seek greater efficiency in the delivery of our services, focusing on more effective resource utilization, including the productivity of our employees, real estate and information technology. The improvements we have made in our financial reporting and business information systems allow us more timely and actionable insights from our global operations, while our conservative approach to our balance sheet and liquidity position provides us with a solid financial foundation and financial flexibility to manage our business.

We believe that our strategy and execution position us to be fully competitive in key growth areas such as digital services and emerging markets, with the talent and creativity to thrive in a content-driven media world, to meet our financial goals and to deliver long-term shareholder value.

Financial Reporting Segments

We have two reportable segments, which are Integrated Agency Networks (“IAN”) and CMG. IAN is comprised of McCann, Draftfcb, Lowe, Mediabrands and our domestic integrated agencies. CMG is comprised of a number of our specialist marketing services offerings. We also report results for the “Corporate and other” group. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Principal Markets

Our agencies are located in over 100 countries, including every significant world market. Our geographic revenue breakdown is listed below.



	% of Total Revenue
	2011		2010		2009
Domestic	55.4	%	57.0	%	56.1	%
United Kingdom	7.7	%	7.2	%	7.6	%
Continental Europe	13.0	%	13.3	%	15.4	%
Asia Pacific	10.6	%	9.8	%	9.6	%
Latin America	6.3	%	5.6	%	4.8	%
Other	7.0	%	7.1	%	6.5	%

For further information regarding revenues and long-lived assets on a geographical basis for each of the last three years, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Sources of Revenue

Our revenues are primarily derived from the planning and execution of multi-channel advertising, marketing and communications programs around the world. Our revenue is directly dependent upon our ability to win new clients and the advertising, marketing and corporate communications requirements of our existing clients. Most of our client contracts are individually negotiated and, accordingly, the terms of client engagements and the bases on which we earn commissions and fees vary significantly. As is customary in the industry, our contracts generally provide for termination by either party on relatively short notice, usually 90 days.

Revenues for the creation, planning and placement of advertising are determined primarily on a negotiated fee basis and, to a lesser extent, on a commission basis. Fees are usually calculated to reflect hourly rates plus proportional overhead and a mark-up. Many clients include an incentive compensation component in their total compensation package. This provides added revenue based on achieving mutually agreed-upon qualitative or quantitative metrics within specified time periods. Commissions are earned based on services provided and are usually derived from a percentage or fee over the total cost to complete the assignment. Commissions can also be derived when clients pay us the gross rate billed by media and we pay for media at a lower net rate; the difference is the commission that we earn, which we either retain in full or share with the client depending on the nature of the applicable services agreement.

We also generate revenue in negotiated fees from our public relations, sales promotion, event marketing, sports and entertainment marketing and corporate and brand identity services.

In most of our businesses, our agencies enter into commitments to pay production and media costs on behalf of clients. To the extent possible, we pay production and media charges after we have received funds from our clients. Generally, we act as the client’s agent rather than the primary obligor. In some instances we agree with the provider that we will only be liable to pay the production and media costs after the client has paid us for the charges.

Our revenue is typically lowest in the first quarter and highest in the fourth quarter. This reflects the seasonal spending of our clients, incentives earned at year end on various contracts and project work completed that is typically recognized during the fourth quarter. Fee revenue recognized on a completed contract basis also contributes to the higher seasonal revenues experienced in the fourth quarter because the majority of our contracts end at December 31.



	Consolidated Revenues for the Three Months Ended
	2011				2010				2009
(Amounts in Millions)
March 31	$	1,474.8	21.0	%	$	1,337.0	20.5	%	$	1,322.2	22.0	%
June 30	1,740.7		24.8	%	1,611.7		24.8	%	1,469.5		24.4	%
September 30	1,726.5		24.6	%	1,553.4		23.9	%	1,421.5		23.7	%
December 31	2,072.6		29.6	%	2,005.2		30.8	%	1,794.2		29.9	%
	$	7,014.6			$	6,507.3			$	6,007.4

See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our revenue recognition accounting policies.

Clients

Our large and diverse client base includes many of the most recognizable companies and brands throughout the world. Our holding company structure allows us to maintain a diversified client base across and within a full range of industry sectors. In the aggregate, our top ten clients based on revenue accounted for approximately 22% and 24% of revenue in 2011 and 2010 , respectively. Our largest client accounted for approximately 4% and 5% of revenue for 2011 and 2010 , respectively. Based on revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011 , our five largest clients (in alphabetical order) were General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Unilever and Verizon. We represent several different brands or divisions of each of these clients in a number of geographic markets, as well as provide services across multiple advertising and marketing disciplines, in each case through more than one of our agency systems. Representation of a client rarely means that we handle advertising for all brands or product lines of the client in all geographical locations. Any client may transfer its business from one of our agencies to another one of our agencies or to a competing agency, and a client may reduce its marketing budget at any time.

We operate in a highly competitive advertising and marketing communications industry. Our operating companies compete against other large multinational advertising and marketing communications companies as well as numerous independent and niche agencies to win new clients and maintain existing client relationships.

Personnel

As of December 31, 2011 , we employed approximately 42,000 people, of whom approximately 18,000 were employed in the United States. Because of the service character of the advertising and marketing communications business, the quality of personnel

is of crucial importance to our continuing success. We conduct extensive employee training and development throughout our agencies, and benchmark our compensation programs against those of our industry for their competitiveness and effectiveness in recruitment and retention. There is keen competition for qualified employees.

Available Information

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports are available free of charge in the Investors section of our website at http://www.interpublic.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Interpublic Group Code of Conduct and the charters for each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance Committee are available free of charge in the Corporate Governance subsection of the Corporate Citizenship section of our website at http://www.interpublic.com, or by writing to The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., 1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, Attention: Secretary. Information on our website is not part of this report.



Item 1A.	Risk Factors

We are subject to a variety of possible risks that could adversely impact our revenues, results of operations or financial condition. Some of these risks relate to general economic and financial conditions, while others are more specific to us and the industry in which we operate. The following factors set out potential risks we have identified that could adversely affect us. The risks described below may not be the only risks we face. Additional risks that we do not yet know of, or that we currently think are immaterial, could also have a negative impact on our business operations or financial condition. See also “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure.”


•	We operate in a highly competitive industry.

The marketing communications business is highly competitive. Our agencies and media services compete with other agencies, and with other providers of creative, marketing or media services, to maintain existing client relationships and to win new business. Our competitors include not only other large multinational advertising and marketing communications companies, but also smaller entities that operate in local or regional markets. New market participants include database marketing and modeling companies, telemarketers and internet companies.

The client’s perception of the quality of our agencies’ creative work and its relationships with key personnel at the Company or our agencies are important factors that affect our competitive position. An agency’s ability to serve clients, particularly large international clients, on a broad geographic basis and across a range of services may also be important competitive considerations. On the other hand, because an agency’s principal asset is its people, freedom of entry into the business is almost unlimited and a small agency is, on occasion, able to take all or some portion of a client’s account from a much larger competitor.

Many companies put their advertising and marketing communications business up for competitive review from time to time, and clients may choose to terminate their contracts on a relatively short timeframe. We have won and lost client accounts in the past as a result of such periodic competitions. In the aggregate, our top ten clients based on revenue accounted for approximately 22% of revenue in 2011 . A substantial decline in a large client’s advertising and marketing spending, or the loss of a significant part of its business, could have a material adverse effect upon our business and results of operations.

Our ability to attract new clients and to retain existing clients may also, in some cases, be limited by clients’ policies or perceptions about conflicts of interest. These policies can, in some cases, prevent one agency, or even different agencies under our ownership, from performing similar services for competing products or companies.


•	As a marketing services company, our revenues are highly susceptible to declines as a result of unfavorable economic conditions.

While we have seen economic recovery in most of our key markets during 2011 , the strength and duration of the recovery has varied across geographic regions, and areas of uncertainty about the prospects for continued improvements in the global economy and a degree of caution on the part of some marketers continue to have an effect on the demand for advertising and marketing services. In particular, the uneven pace of recovery in certain European markets has contributed to concerns over future growth in these markets. In 2011, Continental Europe and the United Kingdom accounted for 13.0% and 7.7% of our revenue, respectively. The marketing services industry can be affected more severely than other sectors by an economic downturn and can recover more slowly than the economy generally. In the past, some clients have responded to weak economic and financial conditions by reducing their marketing budgets, which include discretionary components that are easier to reduce in the short term than other operating expenses. For example, we experienced a 10.8% organic revenue decline during 2009. This pattern may recur in the future. If our business is significantly adversely affected by unfavorable economic conditions, a decrease in our revenue could pose a challenge to our cash generation from operations.


•	We may lose or fail to attract and retain key employees and management personnel.

Our employees, including creative, digital, research, media and account specialists, and their skills and relationships with clients, are among our most valuable assets. An important aspect of our competitiveness is our ability to attract and retain key employees and management personnel. Our ability to do so is influenced by a variety of factors, including the compensation we award and other factors which may be beyond our control. In addition, the advertising and marketing services industry is characterized by a high degree of employee mobility. If we were to fail to attract key personnel or lose them to competitors or clients, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.


•	We may not be able to meet our performance targets and milestones.

From time to time, we communicate to the public certain targets and milestones for our financial and operating performance that are intended to provide metrics against which to evaluate our performance. They should not be understood as predictions or guidance about our expected performance. Our ability to meet any target or milestone is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, and we caution investors against placing undue reliance on them. Similarly, we may not realize the intended advantages of past or future investments or acquisitions of businesses because we may incorrectly evaluate risks and benefits from these transactions, or have unforeseen difficulties integrating them into our organization. See “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure.”


•	Our financial condition could be adversely affected if our available liquidity is insufficient.

We maintain a committed credit facility to increase our financial flexibility (as amended and restated as of May 31, 2011, the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants, and events like a material economic downturn could adversely affect our ability to comply with them. For example, compliance with the financial covenants would be more difficult to achieve if we were to experience substantially lower revenues, a substantial increase in client defaults or sizable asset impairment charges. If we were unable to comply with any of the financial covenants contained in the Credit Agreement, we could be required to seek an amendment or waiver from our lenders, and our costs under the Credit Agreement could increase. If we were unable to obtain a necessary amendment or waiver, the Credit Agreement could be terminated. Furthermore, the Credit Agreement includes commitments from a syndicate of financial institutions, and if any of them were unable to perform and no other bank assumed that institution’s commitment, the availability of credit under that agreement would be correspondingly reduced. If credit under the Credit Agreement were unavailable or insufficient, our liquidity could be adversely affected.

If our business or financial needs lead us to seek new or additional sources of liquidity, there can be no guarantee that we would be able to access any new sources of liquidity on commercially reasonable terms or at all. For further discussion of our liquidity profile and outlook, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


•	International business risks could adversely affect our operations.

We are a global business. Operations outside the United States represent a significant portion of our revenues, approximately 45% in 2011 . These operations are exposed to risks that include local legislation, currency variation, exchange control restrictions, and difficult local political or economic conditions. In developing countries or regions, we may face further risks, such as slower receipt of payments, nationalization, social and economic instability, currency repatriation restrictions and undeveloped or inconsistently enforced commercial laws. These risks may limit our ability to grow our business and effectively manage our operations in those countries.

In addition, because a significant portion of our business is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, such as the Australian Dollar, Brazilian Real, Canadian Dollar, Chinese Yuan Renminbi, Euro, Japanese Yen and Pound Sterling, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and such currencies may materially affect our financial results. Concerns persist in Europe in particular over the debt burdens of certain countries that use the Euro as their currency and the overall stability of the Euro. Possible consequences, such as the re-introduction of individual currencies in countries currently employing the Euro or the dissolution of the Euro as a common currency, or market perceptions and uncertainties about the possibility and impact of such events, could adversely affect the value of our Euro-denominated assets and results of operations.


•	If our clients experience financial distress, their weakened financial position could negatively affect our own financial position and results.

We have a large and diverse client base, and at any given time, one or more of our clients may experience financial difficulty, file for bankruptcy protection or go out of business. Unfavorable economic and financial conditions could result in an increase in client financial difficulties that affect us. The direct impact on us could include reduced revenues and write-offs of accounts receivable and expenditures billable to clients, and if these effects were severe, the indirect impact could include impairments of intangible assets, credit facility covenant violations and reduced liquidity. For a description of our client base, see “Clients” in Item 1, Business.


•	We are subject to regulations and other legal or reputational risks that could restrict our activities or negatively impact our performance or our financial condition.

Our industry is subject to government regulation and other governmental action, both domestic and foreign. Advertisers and consumer groups may challenge advertising through legislation, regulation, judicial actions or otherwise, for example on the grounds that the advertising is false and deceptive or injurious to public welfare. Our business is also subject to specific rules, prohibitions, media restrictions, labeling disclosures and warning requirements applicable to advertising for certain products. Existing and proposed laws and regulations, in particular in the European Union and the United States, concerning user privacy, use of personal information and on-line tracking technologies could affect the efficacy and profitability of internet-based and digital marketing. Legislators, agencies and other governmental units may also continue to initiate proposals to ban the advertising of specific products, such as alcohol or tobacco, and to impose taxes on or deny deductions for advertising, which, if successful, may hinder our ability to accomplish our clients’ goals and have an adverse effect on advertising expenditures and, consequently, on our revenues. Furthermore, we could suffer reputational risk as a result of governmental or legal action or from undertaking controversial work that may be challenged by consumer groups.


•	We rely extensively on information technology systems.

We rely extensively and increasingly on information technologies and infrastructure to manage our business, including recording marketing strategies and client information, developing new business opportunities and processing business transactions. We operate in many respects on a decentralized basis, with a large number of agencies and legal entities, and the resulting size, diversity and disparity of our technology systems and complications in implementing standardized technologies and procedures could increase the potential vulnerability of our systems to breakdown, malicious intrusion or random attack. Likewise, data privacy breaches, as well as improper use of social media, by employees and others may pose a risk that sensitive data could be exposed to third parties or to the public generally. Any such breakdowns or breaches in our systems or data-protection policies could adversely affect our reputation or business.


•	Our earnings would be adversely affected if we were required to recognize asset impairment charges or increase our deferred tax valuation allowances.

We evaluate all of our long-lived assets (including goodwill, other intangible assets and fixed assets), investments and deferred tax assets for possible impairment or realizability annually or whenever there is an indication that they are impaired or not realizable. If certain criteria are met, we are required to record an impairment charge or valuation allowance.

As of December 31, 2011 , we have substantial amounts of long-lived assets, deferred tax assets and investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, including approximately $3.4 billion of goodwill. Future events, including our financial performance, market valuation of us or market multiples of comparable companies, loss of a significant client’s business or strategic decisions, could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that the asset values associated with long-lived assets, deferred tax assets and investments may have become impaired. For further discussion of goodwill and other intangible assets, and our sensitivity analysis of our valuation of these assets, see “Critical Accounting Estimates” in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Any significant impairment loss would have an adverse impact on our reported earnings in the period in which the charge is recognized.


•	Downgrades of our credit ratings could adversely affect us.

We can be adversely affected if our credit ratings are downgraded or if they are significantly weaker than those of our competitors, because ratings are an important factor influencing our ability to access capital and the terms of any new indebtedness, including covenants and interest rates. Our clients and vendors may also consider our credit profile when negotiating contract terms, and if they were to change the terms on which they deal with us, it could have an adverse effect on our liquidity.



Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments

None.



Item 2.	Properties

Substantially all of our office space is leased from third parties. Certain leases are subject to rent reviews or contain escalation clauses, and certain of our leases require the payment of various operating expenses, which may also be subject to escalation. Physical properties include leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment located in our offices. We believe that facilities leased or owned by us are adequate for the purposes for which they are currently used and are well maintained. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on our lease commitments.



Item 3.	Legal Proceedings

We are involved in legal proceedings, and subject to investigations, inspections, audits, inquiries and similar actions by governmental authorities, arising in the normal course of our business. While any litigation or such governmental proceeding contains an element of uncertainty, we do not believe that the outcome of such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.



Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Executive Officers of IPG



Name	Age	Office
Michael I. Roth ¹	66	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Nicolas Brien	50	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of McCann Worldgroup
Nicholas J. Camera	65	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Christopher F. Carroll	45	Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Julie M. Connors	40	Senior Vice President, Audit and Chief Risk Officer
Philippe Krakowsky	49	Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Talent Officer
Frank Mergenthaler	51	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


¹	Also a Director

There is no family relationship among any of the executive officers.

Mr. Roth became our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in January 2005. Prior to that time, Mr. Roth served as our Chairman of the Board from July 2004 to January 2005. Mr. Roth served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The MONY Group Inc. from February 1994 to June 2004. Mr. Roth has been a member of the Board of Directors of IPG since February 2002. He is also a director of Pitney Bowes Inc. and Gaylord Entertainment Company.

Mr. Brien was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the McCann Worldgroup in April 2010. Prior to that time, Mr. Brien served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mediabrands from February 2008 to February 2010 and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal McCann from August 2005 until February 2008.

Mr. Camera was hired in May 1993. He was elected Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary in June 1994, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in December 1995, and Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in February 2000.

Mr. Carroll was named Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer in April 2006. Mr. Carroll served as Senior Vice President and Controller of McCann Worldgroup from November 2005 to March 2006. Prior to joining us, Mr. Carroll served as Chief Accounting Officer and Controller at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals from June 2004 to October 2005. Prior to that time, Mr. Carroll served as Chief Accounting Officer and Controller at MIM Corporation from January 2003 to June 2004 and served as a Financial Vice President at Lucent Technologies, Inc. from July 2001 to January 2003.

Ms. Connors was hired in February 2010 as Senior Vice President, Audit and Chief Risk Officer. Prior to joining us, she served as a partner at Deloitte & Touche, LLP from September 2003 to January 2010.

Mr. Krakowsky was hired in January 2002 as Senior Vice President, Director of Corporate Communications. He was elected Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Relations in December 2005 and in February 2011 was elected Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Talent Officer. Prior to joining us, he served as Senior Vice President, Communications Director for Young & Rubicam from August 1996 to December 2000. During 2001, Mr. Krakowsky was complying with the terms of a non-competition agreement entered into with Young & Rubicam.

Mr. Mergenthaler was hired in August 2005 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining us, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Columbia House Company from July 2002 to July 2005. Mr. Mergenthaler served as Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Vivendi Universal from December 2001 to March 2002. Prior to that time Mr. Mergenthaler was an executive at Seagram Company Ltd. from November 1996 to December 2001. Mr. Mergenthaler is a director of Express Scripts, Inc.

PART II



Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Price Range of Common Stock

Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “IPG.” The following table provides the high and low closing sales prices per share for the periods shown below as reported on the NYSE. As of February 15, 2012 , there were approximately 19,900 registered holders of our outstanding common stock.



	NYSE Sale Price
Period	High		Low		Cash Dividends Declared
2011:
Fourth Quarter	$	9.92	$	6.95	$	0.06
Third Quarter	$	12.84	$	7.20	$	0.06
Second Quarter	$	12.63	$	11.15	$	0.06
First Quarter	$	13.20	$	10.47	$	0.06
2010:
Fourth Quarter	$	11.11	$	9.98	$	0.00
Third Quarter	$	10.17	$	6.93	$	0.00
Second Quarter	$	9.87	$	7.13	$	0.00
First Quarter	$	8.79	$	6.35	$	0.00

Dividend Policy

In the first quarter of 2011, we initiated regular quarterly cash dividends on our common stock, and we paid our most recent cash dividend on December 15, 2011 . On February 24, 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors (the “Board”) had declared a common stock cash dividend of $0.06 per share, payable on March 23, 2012 to holders of record as of the close of business on March 9, 2012. As of the applicable December 2011 record date, we had approximately 445 million shares outstanding (excluding restricted shares), which corresponded to an aggregate dividend payment of $26.7 million . Assuming a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share and no significant change in the number of outstanding shares, we expect to pay approximately $107.0 million in 2012. We also pay regular quarterly dividends of $2.9 million , or $11.6 million annually, on our Series B Preferred Stock.

The terms of our outstanding series of preferred stock do not permit us to pay dividends on our common stock unless all accumulated and unpaid dividends have been or are contemporaneously declared and paid or provision for the payment thereof has been made. As of February 24, 2012 , there were no accumulated and unpaid preferred stock dividends.

Equity Compensation Plans

See Item 12 for information about our equity compensation plans.

Transfer Agent and Registrar for Common Stock

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is:

Computershare Shareowner Services LLC

480 Washington Boulevard

29 ^th Floor

Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

Telephone: (877) 363-6398

Sales of Unregistered Securities

Not applicable.

Repurchase of Equity Securities

The following table provides information regarding our purchases of equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2011 .



	Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased ¹	Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) ²		Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs ³	Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1 - 31	3,079,844	$	9.88	3,034,134	$	151,573,905
November 1 - 30	6,520,459	$	8.25	6,510,295	$	97,888,614
December 1 - 31	5,139,629	$	9.33	5,134,394	$	49,999,734
Total	14,739,932	$	8.97	14,678,823

Includes restricted shares of our common stock, par value $0.10 per share, withheld under the terms of grants under employee stock-based compensation plans to offset tax withholding obligations that occurred upon vesting and release of restricted shares (the “Withheld Shares”). We repurchased 45,710 Withheld Shares in October 2011, 10,164 Withheld Shares in November 2011 and 5,235 Withheld Shares in December 2011, for a total of 61,109 Withheld Shares during the three-month period.

The average price per share for each of the months in the fiscal quarter and for the three-month period was calculated by dividing the sum of the applicable period of the aggregate value of the tax withholding obligations and the aggregate amount we paid for shares acquired under our stock repurchase program, described in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, by the sum of the number of Withheld Shares and the number of shares acquired in our stock repurchase program.

On February 25, 2011, we ann ounced in a press release that our Board had approved a program to repurchase from time to time up to $300.0 million of our common stock. On August 15, 2011, we announced in a press release that our Board had authorized an increase in our existing share repurchase program to $450.0 million of our common stock. On February 24, 2012, we announced that our Board had approved a new share repurchase program to repurchase from time to time up to $300.0 million of our common stock. The new authorization is in addition to any amounts remaining available for repurchase under the program we announced in 2011. There is no expiration date associated with the programs.



Item 6.	Selected Financial Data

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Selected Financial Data

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts and Ratios)

(Unaudited)



Years ended December 31,	2011		2010		2009		2008		2007
Statement of Operations Data
Revenue	$	7,014.6	$	6,507.3	$	6,007.4	$	6,938.8	$	6,536.7
Salaries and related expenses	4,402.1		4,117.0		3,961.2		4,342.6		4,139.2
Office and general expenses	1,924.3		1,837.7		1,700.3		1,989.4		2,027.3
Operating income	687.2		548.7		341.3		589.7		344.3
Provision for income taxes	190.2		171.3		90.1		156.6		58.9
Net income ¹	551.5		281.2		143.4		318.0		184.3
Net income available to IPG common stockholders ¹	520.7		271.2		93.6		265.2		131.3

Earnings per share available to IPG common stockholders:
Basic	$	1.12	$	0.57	$	0.20	$	0.57	$	0.29
Diluted	$	0.99	$	0.47	$	0.19	$	0.52	$	0.26

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	465.5		473.6		468.2		461.5		457.7
Diluted	540.6		542.1		508.1		518.3		503.1

Dividends declared per common share	$	0.24	$	0.00	$	0.00	$	0.00	$	0.00

Other Financial Data
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	273.5	$	817.3	$	540.8	$	865.3	$	298.1
Ratios of earnings to fixed charges	3.4		2.4		1.7		2.2		1.6

As of December 31,	2011		2010		2009		2008		2007
Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	2,315.6	$	2,689.4	$	2,506.1	$	2,274.9	$	2,037.4
Total assets	12,876.6		13,070.8		12,263.1		12,125.2		12,458.1
Total debt	1,769.2		1,737.0		1,946.6		2,119.7		2,349.2
Total liabilities	10,135.9		10,212.7		9,449.0		9,592.6		10,081.8
Preferred stock – Series B	221.5		221.5		525.0		525.0		525.0
Total stockholders’ equity	2,497.3		2,566.9		2,536.3		2,244.2		2,275.1


¹	The year ended 2011, includes a pre-tax gain of $132.2 related to the sale of approximately half of our holdings in Facebook, Inc.

Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)



Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help you understand The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“IPG,” “we,” “us” or “our”). MD&A should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes included in this report. Our MD&A includes the following sections:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY provides a discussion about our strategic outlook, factors influencing our business and an overview of our results of operations and liquidity.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES provides a discussion of our accounting policies that require critical judgment, assumptions and estimates.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS provides an analysis of the consolidated and segment results of operations for 2011 compared to 2010 and 2010 compared to 2009 .

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES provides an overview of our cash flows, funding requirements, contractual obligations, financing and sources of funds and debt credit ratings.

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS, by reference to Note 15 t o the Consolidated Financial Statements, provides a discussion of certain accounting standards that have been adopted during 2011 or that have not yet been required to be implemented and may be applicable to our future operations.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During 2011 , we had strong revenue and profit growth. Our revenue grew at all major businesses and client sectors, and in nearly every major region of the world. We continued to build our businesses by making investments in talent and acquisitions that emphasize our growth priorities: fast-growth digital marketing channels, high-growth regions and the largest world markets. We greatly improved our operating profitability again in 2011, as seen in the progress of our operating margin for the full year. Early in the year, as a direct result of improvements in our operating performance and financial strength, we initiated both a dividend on our common shares and a program of share repurchases that we expanded during the year.

Overall demand for our services by clients remains solid. With challenging economic conditions in some parts of the world, marketers continue to show a measure of caution as well. In this complex global environment, we find that we continue to derive substantial benefit from our diversified client base, our global footprint and the broad range and strength of our professional offerings. We believe the investment in tools, technology and process improvements we have made in recent years, and which continue, will allow us to grow increasingly more efficient in the delivery of our services. As we continue to evolve our services at a rapid pace, we believe we are positioned for revenue growth and continued strong margin expansion. The following tables present a summary of financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2011 , as compared with the same periods in 2010 and 2009 .

Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)



	Years ended December 31,
	2011					2010
% Increase	Total		Organic			Total			Organic
Revenue	7.8	%	6.1		%	8.3		%	7.0		%
Salaries and related expenses	6.9	%	5.1		%	3.9		%	2.9		%
Office and general expenses	4.7	%	3.1		%	8.1		%	6.5		%

			Years ended December 31,
			2011			2010			2009
Operating margin			9.8		%	8.4		%	5.7		%
Expenses as % of revenue:
Salaries and related expenses			62.8		%	63.3		%	65.9		%
Office and general expenses			27.4		%	28.2		%	28.3		%

Net income available to IPG common stockholders			$	520.7		$	271.2		$	93.6

Earnings per share available to IPG common stockholders:
Basic			$	1.12		$	0.57		$	0.20
Diluted			$	0.99		$	0.47		$	0.19

Net cash provided by operating activities			$	273.5		$	817.3		$	540.8

When we analyze period-to-period changes in our operating performance we determine the portion of the change that is attributable to foreign currency rates and the net effect of acquisitions and divestitures, and the remainder we call organic change, which indicates how our underlying business performed. The performance metrics that we use to evaluate our results include the organic change in revenue, salaries and related expenses and office and general expenses, and the components of operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of total consolidated revenue. Additionally, in certain of our discussions we analyze revenue by business sector, where we focus on our top 100 clients, which typically constitutes approximately 55%-60% of our annual consolidated revenues. We also analyze revenue by geographic region.

The change in our operating performance attributable to foreign currency rates is determined by converting the prior-period reported results using the current-period exchange rates and comparing these prior-period adjusted amounts to the prior-period reported results. Although the U.S. Dollar is our reporting currency, a substantial portion of our revenues and expenses are generated in foreign currencies. Therefore, our reported results are affected by fluctuations in the currencies in which we conduct our international businesses. We do not use derivative financial instruments to manage this translation risk. Our exposure is mitigated as the majority of our revenues and expenses in any given market are generally denominated in the same currency. Both positive and negative currency fluctuations against the U.S. Dollar affect our consolidated results of operations, and the magnitude of the foreign currency impact on us related to each geographic region depends on the significance and operating performance of the region. The primary foreign currencies that impacted our results during 2011 include the Australian Dollar, Brazilian Real, Euro, Japanese Yen and Pound Sterling. During 2011 , the U.S. Dollar was weaker as compared to all foreign currencies in regions where we primarily conduct our business as compared to the prior-year period, which had a positive impact on our revenue and operating income. For 2011 , foreign currency fluctuations resulted in net increases of approximately 2% in revenues and operating expenses, which had no impact on our operating margin percentage. For 2010 , foreign currency fluctuations resulted in net increases of approximately 1% in revenues and operating expenses, which also had no impact on our operating margin percentage. In recent months, the U.S. Dollar has strengthened against certain currencies, and at current exchange rates, the result would be a slight negative impact on our 2012 revenue and operating income.

For purposes of analyzing changes in our operating performance attributable to the net effect of acquisitions and divestitures, transactions are treated as if they occurred on the first day of the quarter during which the transaction occurred. During the past few years we have acquired companies that we believe will enhance our offerings and disposed of businesses that are not consistent with our strategic plan. For 2011 and 2010 , the net effect of acquisitions and divestitures had a minimal impact on revenue and operating expenses compared to the respective prior-year period. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our acquisitions.

Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the accompanying financial statements and footnotes. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the following critical accounting estimates involve management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. We consider these accounting estimates to be critical because changes in the underlying assumptions or estimates have the potential to materially impact our Consolidated Financial Statements. Management has discussed with our Audit Committee the development, selection, application and disclosure of these critical accounting estimates. We regularly evaluate our judgments, assumptions and estimates based on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues are primarily derived from the planning and execution of advertising, marketing and communications programs in various media around the world. Most of our client contracts are individually negotiated and, accordingly, the terms of client engagements and the bases on which we earn commissions and fees vary significantly. Our client contracts are complex arrangements that may include provisions for incentive compensation and vendor rebates and credits. Our largest clients are multinational entities and, as such, we often provide services to these clients out of multiple offices and across many of our agencies. In arranging for such services, it is possible that we will enter into global, regional and local agreements. Agreements of this nature are reviewed by legal counsel to determine the governing terms to be followed by the offices and agencies involved. Critical judgments and estimates are involved in determining both the amount and timing of revenue recognition under these arrangements.

Revenue for our services is recognized when all of the following criteria are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) the price is fixed or determinable; (iii) collectability is reasonably assured; and (iv) services have been performed. Depending on the terms of a client contract, fees for services performed can be recognized in three principal ways: proportional performance (input or output), straight-line (or monthly basis) or completed contract.

Depending on the terms of the client contract, revenue is derived from diverse arrangements involving fees for services performed, commissions, performance incentive provisions and combinations of the three. Commissions are generally earned on the date of the broadcast or publication. Contractual arrangements with clients may also include performance incentive provisions designed to link a portion of our revenue to our performance relative to either qualitative or quantitative goals, or both. Performance incentives are recognized as revenue for quantitative targets when the target has been achieved and for qualitative targets when confirmation of the incentive is received from the client. The classification of client arrangements to determine the appropriate revenue recognition involves judgments. If the judgments change there can be a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements, and particularly on the allocation of revenues between periods.

The majority of our revenue is recorded as the net amount of our gross billings less pass-through expenses charged to a client. In most cases, the amount that is billed to clients significantly exceeds the amount of revenue that is earned and reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements because of various pass-through expenses, such as production and media costs. We assess whether our agency or the third-party supplier is the primary obligor, and we evaluate the terms of our client agreements as part of this assessment. In addition, we give appropriate consideration to other key indicators such as latitude in establishing price, discretion in supplier selection and credit risk to the vendor. Because we operate broadly as an advertising agency, based on our primary lines of business and given the industry practice to generally record revenue on a net versus gross basis, we believe that there must be strong evidence in place to overcome the presumption of net revenue accounting. Accordingly, we generally record revenue net of pass-through charges as we believe the key indicators of the business suggest we generally act as an agent on behalf of our clients in our primary lines of business. In those businesses where the key indicators suggest we act as a principal (primarily sales promotion and event, sports and entertainment marketing), we record the gross amount billed to the client as revenue and the related incremental direct costs incurred as office and general expenses. In general, we also report revenue net of taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are directly imposed on our revenue-producing transactions.

The determination as to whether revenue in a particular line of business should be recognized net or gross involves complex judgments. If we make these judgments differently it could significantly affect our financial performance. If it were determined that we must recognize a significant portion of revenues on a gross basis rather than a net basis it would positively impact revenues, have no impact on our operating income and have an adverse impact on operating margin.

Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

expense may also be realized in connection with settling vendor discount or credit liabilities that were established as part of the restatement we presented in our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2004 Restatement”). In these situations, and given the historical nature of these liabilities, we generally record such items as other income or expense as we do not consider these to be part of current operating results.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be reversed. Changes to enacted tax rates would result in either increases or decreases in the provision for income taxes in the period of changes.

We are required to evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets, which is primarily dependent on future earnings. A valuation allowance shall be recognized when, based on available evidence, it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized due to the inability to generate sufficient taxable income in future periods. In circumstances where there is negative evidence, establishment of a valuation allowance must be considered. We believe that cumulative losses in the most recent three-year period represent significant negative evidence when evaluating a decision to establish a valuation allowance. Conversely, a pattern of sustained profitability represents significant positive evidence when evaluating a decision to reverse a valuation allowance. Further, in those cases where a pattern of sustained profitability exists, projected future taxable income may also represent positive evidence, to the extent that such projections are determined to be reliable given the current economic environment. Accordingly, the increase and decrease of valuation allowances has had and could have a significant negative or positive impact on our current and future earnings. In 2011 and 2010 , we recorded a net reversal of valuation allowances of $32.9 and $2.4 , respectively. In 2009 , we recorded a net charge for the establishment of valuation allowances of $12.4 .

The authoritative guidance for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement criteria for the financial statement reporting of a tax position that an entity takes or expects to take in a tax return. Additionally, guidance is provided for de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The assessment of recognition and measurement requires critical estimates and the use of complex judgments. We evaluate our tax positions using the prescribed “more likely than not” recognition threshold and then apply a measurement assessment to those positions that meet the recognition threshold. We have established tax reserves that we believe to be adequate in relation to the potential for additional assessments in each of the jurisdictions in which we are subject to taxation. We regularly assess the likelihood of additional tax assessments in those jurisdictions and adjust our reserves as additional information or events require.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We have accounted for our business combinations using the acquisition accounting method beginning in 2009, while we utilized the purchase accounting method in prior years. Both accounting methods require us to determine the fair value of net assets acquired and the related goodwill and other intangible assets. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and involves the use of significant estimates, including projections of future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples. Considering the characteristics of advertising, specialized marketing and communication services companies, our acquisitions usually do not have significant amounts of tangible assets, as the principal asset we typically acquire is creative talent. As a result, a substantial portion of the purchase price is allocated to goodwill and other intangible assets.

We review goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization as of October 1 ^st each year and whenever events or significant changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of goodwill at a reporting unit level. We have 11 reporting units that were subject to the 2011 annual impairment testing. Our reporting unit structure did not change during 2011 . Our annual impairment reviews as of October 1, 2011 did not result in an impairment charge at any of our reporting units.

We review intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization whenever events or circumstances indicate that a carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the carrying value of these assets to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by these assets. These assets are impaired when their carrying value exceeds their fair value. Impaired intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization are written down to their fair value with a charge to expense in the period the impairment is identified. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis with estimated useful lives generally between 7 and 15 years. Events or circumstances that might require impairment testing include the loss of a significant client, the identification of other impaired assets within a reporting unit, loss of key personnel, the disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit, significant decline in stock price or a significant adverse change in business climate or regulations.

Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

We have adopted new authoritative guidance for goodwill which permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors to consider may include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors that may have a negative effect on earnings, overall financial performance of the reporting unit, and other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy or clients, as well as contemplation of bankruptcy or pending litigation. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances such as those described above, an entity determines that it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the entity is required to perform a two-step quantitative impairment test to identify and measure impairment, if necessary. Otherwise, no additional testing is required.

For reporting units not included in the qualitative assessment, or for any reporting units identified in the qualitative assessment as "more likely than not" that the fair value is less than its carrying value, the first step of the quantitative impairment test is performed. The first step is a comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The sum of the fair values of all our reporting units is reconciled to our current market capitalization plus an estimated control premium. Goodwill allocated to a reporting unit whose fair value is equal to or greater than its carrying value is not impaired, and no further testing is required. Should the carrying amount for a reporting unit exceed its fair value, then the first step of the impairment test is failed and the magnitude of any goodwill impairment is determined under the second step, which is a comparison of the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value. Goodwill of a reporting unit is impaired when its carrying value exceeds its implied fair value. Impaired goodwill is written down to its implied fair value with a charge to expense in the period the impairment is identified.

For our 2011 annual impairment test, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment for nine reporting units and performed the two-step quantitative impairment test for two reporting units. For the qualitative analysis we took into consideration all the relevant events and circumstances in accordance with the authoritative guidance, including financial performance, macroeconomic conditions and entity-specific factors such as client wins/losses. Based on this assessment, we have concluded that for each of our reporting units subject to the qualitative assessment, it is not “more likely than not” that its fair value was less than its carrying value; therefore, no additional testing was required.

The 2011 and 2010 fair values of reporting units for which we performed quantitative impairment tests were estimated using a combination of the income approach, which incorporates the use of the discounted cash flow method, and the market approach, which incorporates the use of earnings and revenue multiples based on market data. We primarily applied an equal weighting to the income and market approach for our analysis. For the income approach, we used projections, which require the use of significant estimates and assumptions specific to the reporting unit as well as those based on general economic conditions. Factors specific to each reporting unit include revenue growth, profit margins, terminal value growth rates, capital expenditures projections, assumed tax rates, discount rates and other assumptions deemed reasonable by management. For the market approach, we used judgment in identifying the relevant comparable-company market multiples.

These estimates and assumptions may vary between each reporting unit depending on the facts and circumstances specific to that unit. The discount rate for each reporting unit is influenced by general market conditions as well as factors specific to the reporting unit. For 2011 , the discount rate we used for both of our reporting units tested was 12.5% , and the terminal value growth rate for both of our reporting units tested was 3.0% . The terminal value growth rate represents the expected long-term growth rate for the advertising and marketing services industry, incorporating the type of services the reporting unit provides, and the global economy. For 2011 , the revenue growth rates for our reporting units used in our analysis were generally between 5.0% and 6.0% . Factors influencing the revenue growth rates include the nature of the services the reporting unit provides for its clients, the geographic locations in which the reporting unit conducts business and the maturity of the reporting unit. We believe that the estimates and assumptions we made are reasonable, but they are susceptible to change from period to period. Actual results of operations, cash flows and other factors will likely differ from the estimates used in our valuation, and it is possible that differences and changes could be material. A deterioration in profitability, adverse market conditions, significant client losses, changes in spending levels of our existing clients or a different economic outlook than currently estimated by management could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of our reporting units and could result in an impairment charge in the future.

We have performed a sensitivity analysis to detail the impact that changes in assumptions may have on the outcome of the first step of the impairment test. Our sensitivity analysis provides a range of fair value for each reporting unit, where the low end of the range reduces growth rates by 0.5% and increases discount rates by 0.5%, and the high end of the range increases growth rates by 0.5% and decreases discount rates by 0.5%. We use the average of our fair values for purposes of our comparison between carrying value and fair value for the first step of the impairment test.

The following table shows the number of reporting units we tested in our 2011 and 2010 annual impairment tests and the related goodwill value associated with the reporting units at the low end, average and high end of the valuation range for a) fair values exceeding carrying values by less than 10%, b) fair values exceeding carrying values between 10% and 20% and c) fair values exceeding carrying values by more than 20%. In 2011 and 2010 , our results for the comparison between carrying value

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

and fair value at the low end, average and high end of the valuation range indicated that there were no reporting units whose carrying values exceeded their respective fair value.



2011 Impairment Test ¹				2010 Impairment Test ²
Low End				Low End
Fair value exceeds carrying value by:	Number of reporting units	Total goodwill at the reporting units		Fair value exceeds carrying value by:	Number of reporting units	Total goodwill at the reporting units
Less than 10%	0	$	0.0	Less than 10%	2	$	589.2
10% – 20%	1	150.0		10% – 20%	2	47.2
Greater than 20%	1	41.0		Greater than 20%	2	426.5
Average				Average
Fair value exceeds carrying value by:	Number of reporting units	Total goodwill at the reporting units		Fair value exceeds carrying value by:	Number of reporting units	Total goodwill at the reporting units
Less than 10%	0	$	0.0	Less than 10%	1	$	150.0
10% – 20%	1	150.0		10% – 20%	2	445.4
Greater than 20%	1	41.0		Greater than 20%	3	467.5
High End				High End
Fair value exceeds carrying value by:	Number of reporting units	Total goodwill at the reporting units		Fair value exceeds carrying value by:	Number of reporting units	Total goodwill at the reporting units
Less than 10%	0	$	0.0	Less than 10%	0	$	0.0
10% – 20%	0	0.0		10% – 20%	2	589.2
Greater than 20%	2	191.0		Greater than 20%	4	473.7


¹	We did not test nine reporting units in 2011 because, based on a qualitative assessment, we determined that it was not "more likely than not" that the fair value was less than its carrying amount for each of these reporting units.


²	We did not test five reporting units in 2010 because we determined we could carry forward the fair value of the reporting unit from previous annual tests, as the fair value significantly exceeded the book value.

The table above displays the information related to our 2011 and 2010 annual impairment tests. We use the average of our fair values for purposes of our comparison between carrying value and fair value for the first step of the impairment test. In 2011 , our results for the comparison between carrying value and fair value at the average fair value indicated that there were no reporting units whose fair values exceeded their carrying values by less than 10%. Additionally, we performed a sensitivity analysis and reviewed the carrying values compared to the low and high end of the valuation range. Using both the low end and high end of the valuation range, there were no reporting units whose fair values exceeded their carrying values by less than 10%.

For 2010 , using the average fair value there was one reporting unit, with $150.0 of associated goodwill, whose fair value exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%. Using the low end of the valuation range, there were two reporting units, with $589.2 of associated goodwill, whose fair values exceeded their carrying values by less than 10%. Using the high end of the valuation range, there were no reporting units whose fair values exceeded their carrying values by less than 10%.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

We use various actuarial assumptions in determining our net pension and postretirement benefit costs and obligations. Management is required to make significant judgments about a number of actuarial assumptions, including discount rates and expected returns on plan assets, which are updated annually or more frequently with the occurrence of significant events.

The discount rate is a significant assumption that impacts our net pension and postretirement benefit costs and obligations. At December 31, 2011, we determined our discount rates for our domestic pension plan, significant foreign pension plans and domestic postretirement benefit plan based on either a bond selection/settlement approach or bond-yield curve approach. Using the bond selection/settlement approach, we determine the discount rate by selecting a portfolio of corporate bonds appropriate to provide for the projected benefit payments. Using the bond-yield curve approach, we determine the discount rate by matching the plans' cash flows to spot rates developed from a yield curve. Both approaches utilize high-quality AA-rated corporate bonds and the plans' projected cash flows to develop a discounted value of the benefit payments, which is then used to develop a single discount rate. In countries where markets for high-quality long-term AA corporate bonds are not well developed, a portfolio of long-term government bonds is used as a basis to develop hypothetical corporate bond yields, which serve as a basis to derive the discount rate. Weighted-average discount rates of 5.50% , 5.45% and 5.50% were used in the calculation of 2011 net pension and postretirement benefit costs for the domestic pension plan, significant foreign pension plans and the domestic postretirement

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

benefit plan, respectively. A lower discount rate would increase our net pension and postretirement benefit costs. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in the discount rate would have decreased or increased the 2011 net pension and postretirement benefit cost by approximately $1.0 and $2.0 , respectively.

At December 31, 2011 , we used a discount rate of 5.00% for the domestic pension and domestic postretirement benefit plans and a weighted-average discount rate of 5.00% for our significant foreign pension plans to measure our benefit obligations. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in the discount rate would have decreased or increased the December 31, 2011 benefit obligation by approximately $22.0 and $23.0 , respectively.

The expected rate of return on pension plan assets is another significant assumption that impacts our net pension cost and is determined at the beginning of the year. Our expected rate of return considers asset class index returns over various market and economic conditions, current and expected market conditions, risk premiums associated with asset classes and long-term inflation rates. We determine both a short-term and long-term view and then select a long-term rate of return assumption that matches the duration of our liabilities.

For 2011 , the weighted-average expected rates of return of 7.50% and 5.88% were used in the calculation of net pension costs for the domestic and significant foreign pension plans, respectively. For 2012, we plan to use an expected rate of return of 7.25% and 5.02% for the domestic and significant foreign pension plans, respectively. Changes in the rates are typically due to lower or higher expected future returns based on the mix of assets held. A lower expected rate of return would increase our net pension cost. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in the expected return on plan assets would have decreased or increased the 2011 net pension cost by approximately $1.0 .

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results of Operations

REVENUE

Our revenue is directly dependent upon our ability to win new clients and the retention and spending levels of existing clients. Most of our expenses are recognized ratably throughout the year and are therefore less seasonal than revenue. Our revenue is typically lowest in the first quarter and highest in the fourth quarter. This reflects the seasonal spending of our clients, incentives earned at year end on various contracts and project work completed that is typically recognized during the fourth quarter. In the events marketing business, revenues can fluctuate due to the timing of completed projects as revenue is typically recognized when the project is complete. We generally act as principal for these projects and accordingly record the gross amount billed to the client as revenue and the related costs incurred as pass-through costs in office and general expenses.



	Year ended December 31, 2010		Components of Change								Year ended December 31, 2011		Change
	Year ended December 31, 2010		Foreign Currency		Net Acquisitions/ (Divestitures)			Organic			Year ended December 31, 2011		Organic		Total
Consolidated	$	6,507.3	$	122.2	$	(8.6	)	$	393.7		$	7,014.6	6.1	%	7.8	%
Domestic	3,709.9		0.0		(48.8		)	226.6			3,887.7		6.1	%	4.8	%
International	2,797.4		122.2		40.2			167.1			3,126.9		6.0	%	11.8	%
United Kingdom	469.6		17.5		20.1			32.2			539.4		6.9	%	14.9	%
Continental Europe	863.2		43.4		3.4			(1.1		)	908.9		(0.1	)%	5.3	%
Asia Pacific	639.8		38.6		7.8			55.5			741.7		8.7	%	15.9	%
Latin America	363.3		12.1		4.4			64.6			444.4		17.8	%	22.3	%
Other	461.5		10.6		4.5			15.9			492.5		3.4	%	6.7	%

During 2011 , our revenue increased by $507.3 , or 7.8% , compared to 2010 , primarily consisting of an organic revenue increase of $393.7 , or 6.1% , and a favorable foreign currency rate impact of $122.2 . Our organic revenue increase was primarily attributable to net higher spending from existing clients across all major client sectors and throughout nearly all geographic regions, led by the domestic market. The sectors that primarily contributed to our organic revenue increase were technology and telecom, and auto and transportation. In the international markets, the most notable organic revenue increases occurred in the Latin America region, primarily in Brazil, in the Asia Pacific region, primarily in China and India, and, to a lesser extent, in the United Kingdom. The Continental Europe region was essentially flat as results varied by European country due to a challenging economic climate in the region.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)



	Year ended December 31, 2009		Components of Change									Year ended December 31, 2010		Change
	Year ended December 31, 2009		Foreign Currency			Net Acquisitions/ (Divestitures)			Organic			Year ended December 31, 2010		Organic		Total
Consolidated	$	6,007.4	$	63.3		$	17.0		$	419.6		$	6,507.3	7.0	%	8.3	%
Domestic	3,372.3		0.0			(3.8		)	341.4			3,709.9		10.1	%	10.0	%
International	2,635.1		63.3			20.8			78.2			2,797.4		3.0	%	6.2	%
United Kingdom	458.5		(3.4		)	13.9			0.6			469.6		0.1	%	2.4	%
Continental Europe	922.2		(25.9		)	(5.1		)	(28.0		)	863.2		(3.0	)%	(6.4	)%
Asia Pacific	575.4		42.8			3.2			18.4			639.8		3.2	%	11.2	%
Latin America	287.1		22.2			7.3			46.7			363.3		16.3	%	26.5	%
Other	391.9		27.6			1.5			40.5			461.5		10.3	%	17.8	%

During 2010 , our revenue increased by $499.9 , or 8.3% , compared to 2009 , primarily consisting of an organic revenue increase of $419.6 , or 7.0% , and a favorable foreign currency rate impact of $63.3 . The organic increase was primarily attributable to higher spending from existing clients and net client wins in nearly all sectors of our business and throughout most geographic regions, led by the domestic market. The sectors which contributed the most to our organic revenue increase were auto and transportation and financial services. The auto and transportation, financial services, and technology and telecom sectors were the primary sectors that were negatively impacted by the global recession in 2009. Although our technology and telecom sector experienced a slight organic revenue decrease for the full year 2010, this sector had an organic revenue increase in the second half of 2010 as the impact of certain lost assignments in the prior year diminished. Our international organic revenue increase was most notably in the Latin America region, primarily in Brazil, in our Other region, which includes South Africa, Canada and the Middle East, and in the Asia Pacific region, primarily in China and India. The United Kingdom was essentially flat as the organic revenue increase in the second half of the year offset declines in the first half of 2010. This organic revenue increase in the United Kingdom, as well as the increase in Brazil, was partially attributable to growth in the consumer goods sector. There was an organic revenue decrease in the Continental Europe region, primarily in Italy, Germany and Spain, which included the impact of a weakened economic climate in certain European countries.

Refer to the segment discussion later in this MD&A for information on changes in revenue by segment.

OPERATING EXPENSES



	Years ended December 31,
	2011				2010				2009
	$		% of Revenue		$		% of Revenue		$		% of Revenue
Salaries and related expenses	$	4,402.1	62.8	%	$	4,117.0	63.3	%	$	3,961.2	65.9	%
Office and general expenses	1,924.3		27.4	%	1,837.7		28.2	%	1,700.3		28.3	%
Restructuring and other reorganization-related charges, net	1.0				3.9				4.6
Total operating expenses	$	6,327.4			$	5,958.6			$	5,666.1
Operating income	$	687.2	9.8	%	$	548.7	8.4	%	$	341.3	5.7	%

Salaries and Related Expenses

Salaries and related expenses consist of payroll costs, employee performance incentives, including annual bonus and long-term incentive awards, and other benefits associated with client service professional staff and administrative staff. Salaries and related expenses do not vary significantly with short-term changes in revenue levels. However, salaries may fluctuate due to the timing of the hiring of personnel to support revenue growth and changes in the performance levels and types of employee incentive awards. Additionally, we may take severance actions in areas where we have or anticipate decreases in operating performance. Changes in our incentive awards mix can impact future-period expense, as annual bonus awards are expensed during the year they are earned and long-term incentive awards are expensed over the performance period, generally three years. Factors impacting long-term incentive awards are the actual number of awards vesting, the change in our stock price and changes to our projected results, which could impact the achievement of certain performance targets.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)



	Prior Year Amount		Components of Change						Total Amount		Change
	Prior Year Amount		Foreign Currency		Net Acquisitions/ (Divestitures)		Organic		Total Amount		Organic		Total
2010 - 2011	$	4,117.0	$	74.9	$	1.1	$	209.1	$	4,402.1	5.1	%	6.9	%
2009 - 2010	3,961.2		32.6		7.0		116.2		4,117.0		2.9	%	3.9	%

Our staff cost ratio, defined as salaries and related expenses as a percentage of total consolidated revenue, decreased in 2011 to 62.8% from 63.3% in 2010 . Salaries and related expenses in 2011 increased by $285.1 compared to 2010 , primarily consisting of an organic increase of $209.1 and an adverse foreign currency rate impact of $74.9 . The organic increase in salaries and related expenses of 5.1% was lower than our organic revenue increase of 6.1% due to our cost discipline during the year. The organic increase was primarily attributable to increases in our workforce to support business growth, resulting in an increase in base salaries, benefits and temporary help of $189.4. Hiring began in 2010 and sequentially decreased by quarter through 2011. Also contributing to the organic increase, but to a lesser extent, was higher incentive award expense primarily due to continued improvement in operating results in 2011. The organic increase occurred across all regions, primarily in our domestic market.

Our staff cost ratio decreased in 2010 to 63.3% from 65.9% in 2009 . Salaries and related expenses in 2010 increased by $155.8 compared to 2009 , primarily consisting of an organic increase of $116.2 and an adverse foreign currency rate impact of $32.6 . The organic increase was due to higher temporary help of $54.8 incurred to support business growth. Also contributing to the organic increase was higher incentive award expense of $67.7 and, to a lesser extent, other discretionary bonus awards, primarily due to improved operating results in 2010. This is in contrast to 2009 where we had lower incentive award expense due to lower operating performance, primarily as a result of difficult economic conditions. The organic increase in salaries and related expenses was primarily in our domestic market and certain international regions with improved operating results. In locations where we had organic revenue decreases, such as various countries in the Continental Europe region, we had lower salaries and related expenses due to large workforce reductions taken in 2009 as well as additional actions taken in 2010. The increases in salaries and related expenses were partially offset by a decrease in severance expense of $67.6 compared to the prior year.

The following table details our staff cost ratio.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Salaries and related expenses	62.8	%	63.3	%	65.9	%
Base salaries, benefits and tax	50.9	%	51.3	%	54.7	%
Incentive expense	3.7	%	3.8	%	2.9	%
Severance expense	1.5	%	1.5	%	2.8	%
Temporary help	3.6	%	3.5	%	2.8	%
All other salaries and related expenses	3.1	%	3.2	%	2.7	%

Office and General Expenses

Office and general expenses primarily include rent expense, professional fees, certain expenses incurred by our staff in servicing our clients and depreciation and amortization costs. Office and general expenses also include costs directly attributable to client engagements, including production costs, out-of-pocket costs such as travel for client service staff, and other direct costs that are rebilled to our clients. Production expenses can vary significantly between periods depending upon the timing of completion of certain projects where we act as principal, which could impact trends between various periods in the future.



	Prior Year Amount		Components of Change							Total Amount		Change
	Prior Year Amount		Foreign Currency		Net Acquisitions/ (Divestitures)			Organic		Total Amount		Organic		Total
2010 - 2011	$	1,837.7	$	34.3	$	(4.9	)	$	57.2	$	1,924.3	3.1	%	4.7	%
2009 - 2010	1,700.3		20.9		5.9			110.6		1,837.7		6.5	%	8.1	%

Our office and general expense ratio, defined as office and general expenses as a percentage of total consolidated revenue, decreased in 2011 to 27.4% from 28.2% in 2010 . Office and general expenses in 2011 increased by $86.6 compared to 2010 , primarily consisting of an organic increase of $57.2 and an adverse foreign currency rate impact of $34.3 . The organic increase was primarily attributable to continued business growth in 2011, which resulted in higher production expenses related to pass-through costs for certain projects where we acted as a principal that increased in size or were new during 2011 . Also contributing

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

to the organic increase, but to a lesser extent, was higher discretionary spending to support business growth.

Our office and general expense ratio decreased in 2010 to 28.2% from 28.3% in 2009 . Office and general expenses in 2010 increased by $137.4 compared to 2009 , primarily consisting of an organic increase of $110.6 and an adverse foreign currency rate impact of $20.9 . The organic increase was primarily due to higher production expenses related to pass-through costs for certain projects where we acted as a principal that increased in size or were new during 2010 as compared to 2009. The remainder of the organic increase was due to higher discretionary spending to support business growth as well as a foreign currency exchange translation loss of approximately $5.0 related to our Venezuela agencies transitioning to inflationary accounting as of January 1, 2010. The organic increase was partially offset by lower occupancy costs, which was partly due to lease terminations we initiated in 2009.

The following table details our office and general expense ratio. All other office and general expenses primarily include production expenses, and, to a lesser extent, depreciation and amortization, bad debt expense, foreign currency gains (losses) and other expenses.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Office and general expenses	27.4	%	28.2	%	28.3	%
Professional fees	1.8	%	1.9	%	2.0	%
Occupancy expense (excluding depreciation and amortization)	7.2	%	7.7	%	8.6	%
Travel & entertainment, office supplies and telecommunications	3.6	%	3.7	%	3.6	%
All other office and general expenses	14.8	%	14.9	%	14.1	%

EXPENSES AND OTHER INCOME



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Cash interest on debt obligations	$	(138.9	)	$	(139.8	)	$	(138.6	)
Non-cash interest	2.1			0.1			(17.0		)
Interest expense	(136.8		)	(139.7		)	(155.6		)
Interest income	37.8			28.7			35.0
Net interest expense	(99.0		)	(111.0		)	(120.6		)
Other income, net	150.2			12.9			11.7
Total (expenses) and other income	$	51.2		$	(98.1	)	$	(108.9	)

Net Interest Expense

For 2011 , net interest expense decreased by $12.0 as compared to 2010 , primarily due to an increase in interest income. Interest income increased primarily due to an increase in average cash and cash equivalent balances and an increase in average interest rates in certain countries around the world compared to the prior-year period. Interest expense decreased primarily due to repayment of debt obligations in 2010, partially offset by higher interest expense in certain countries outside of the United States.

For 2010 , net interest expense decreased by $9.6 as compared to 2009 , primarily due to a decrease in non-cash interest expense, partially offset by a decrease in interest income. The reduction in non-cash interest expense was due to no longer amortizing deferred warrant costs and debt issuance costs that were associated with our $750.0 Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2006, which expired in June 2009. Interest income decreased in 2010 due to lower domestic interest rates compared to 2009 .

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Other Income, net

Results of operations include certain items which are not directly associated with our revenue-producing operations.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
Gains on sales of businesses and investments	$	125.9	$	4.3		$	10.2
Net loss on early extinguishment of debt	0.0		(0.1		)	(25.1		)
Vendor discounts and credit adjustments	19.4		12.7			24.4
Other income (expense), net	4.9		(4.0		)	2.2
Total other income (expense), net	$	150.2	$	12.9		$	11.7

Sales of Businesses and Investments – This item primarily includes realized gains and losses relating to the sales of businesses and investments, cumulative translation adjustment balances from the liquidation of entities and sales of marketable securities and investments in publicly traded and privately held companies in our Rabbi Trusts. During 2011 , we received net proceeds of $133.5 from the sale of approximately half of our holdings in Facebook, Inc. (the "Facebook transaction"), a cost-method investment, and recorded a pre-tax gain of $132.2 . Additionally, during 2011 , we recognized a loss relating to the sale of a business in the domestic market within our Integrated Agency Networks ("IAN") segment. During 2010 , we recognized a gain relating to the sale of a business in the domestic market within our Constituency Management Group ("CMG") segment, which was partially offset by a loss recognized relating to the sale of one our European businesses within our IAN segment. During 2009 , we realized a gain relating to the sale of an investment in our Rabbi Trusts, which was partially offset by losses realized from the sale of various businesses.

Net Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt – During 2009 , we recorded a net charge of $25.1 primarily related to the settlement of our tender offers for certain outstanding debt securities.

Vendor Discounts and Credit Adjustments – We are in the process of settling our liabilities related to vendor discounts and credits established as part of the 2004 Restatement. These adjustments reflect the reversal of certain of these liabilities as a result of settlements with clients or vendors or where the statute of limitations has lapsed.

INCOME TAXES



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Income before income taxes	$	738.4		$	450.6		$	232.4
Provision for income taxes	$	190.2		$	171.3		$	90.1
Effective income tax rate	25.8		%	38.0		%	38.8		%

Our tax rates are affected by many factors, including our worldwide earnings from various countries, changes in legislation and tax characteristics of our income. In 2011 , our effective income tax rate of 25.8% was positively impacted primarily from the utilization of capital losses to offset nearly all of the $132.2 capital gain realized from the Facebook transaction. The capital gain enabled us to use capital loss carryforwards, on which a 100% valuation allowance had been previously established, and capital losses attributable to worthless securities in a consolidated subsidiary. Additionally, the effective income tax rate was positively impacted by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the effective settlement of the 2007-2008 IRS audit cycle, a lower effective income tax rate on non-U.S. operations and the net reversal of valuation allowances, primarily in Europe. The effective income tax rate was negatively impacted by state and local taxes and losses in certain foreign locations where we receive no tax benefit due to 100% valuation allowances. The settlement of the 2007-2008 audit cycle resulted in no cash payment.

In 2010 , our effective income tax rate of 38.0% was positively impacted by reversals of valuation allowances in Canada and the United Kingdom. Our effective income tax rate was negatively impacted by an increase in unrecognized tax benefits and the taxation of foreign operations, which included an income tax assessment in Latin America. During 2010 , we effectively settled with the United Kingdom tax authorities for the 2007 and 2008 tax years, which resulted in no cash payment. Also in 2010 , we effectively settled our New York State examination for the 1999-2001 tax years. This settlement resulted in a cash payment of $11.7 consisting of $5.4 of tax and $6.3 of interest, which was previously reserved.

In 2009 , our effective income tax rate of 38.8% was positively impacted by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits, net, which includes the recognition of tax benefits on partially worthless securities of $10.7. Our effective income tax

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

rate was negatively impacted by losses in certain foreign locations where we receive no tax benefit due to 100% valuation allowances, the establishment of valuation allowances in the Asia Pacific region and the write-off of deferred tax assets related to restricted stock. During 2009 , we finalized our proceedings with the IRS appeals division for the 1997-2002 and 2003-2004 audit cycles. We also finalized our IRS examination for the 2005-2006 audit cycle. As a result, we recognized previously unrecognized tax benefits and related interest of $50.1 related to various items of income and expense, primarily attributable to transfer pricing adjustments and adjustments relating to the 2004 Restatement.

See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share available to IPG common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 were $1.12 , $0.57 and $0.20 per share, respectively. Diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 were $0.99 , $0.47 and $0.19 per share, respectively.

Basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2011 included $0.27 and $0.23 per share, respectively, from the gain recorded for the Facebook transaction. Basic earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2010 included a benefit of $0.05 per share from the repurchase of a portion of our 5 ¹ / 4 % Series B Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock"). Diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2010 was not impacted by this benefit.

Segment Results of Operations

As discussed in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we have two reportable segments as of December 31, 2011 : IAN and CMG. We also report results for the Corporate and other group.

IAN

REVENUE



	Year ended December 31, 2010		Components of Change							Year ended December 31, 2011		Change
	Year ended December 31, 2010		Foreign Currency		Net Acquisitions/ (Divestitures)			Organic		Year ended December 31, 2011		Organic		Total
Consolidated	$	5,468.4	$	106.9	$	24.7		$	291.8	$	5,891.8	5.3	%	7.7	%
Domestic	2,977.9		0.0		(11.7		)	164.8		3,131.0		5.5	%	5.1	%
International	2,490.5		106.9		36.4			127.0		2,760.8		5.1	%	10.9	%

During 2011 , IAN revenue increased by $423.4 compared to 2010 , primarily consisting of an organic revenue increase of $291.8 and a favorable foreign currency rate impact of $106.9 . The increase in revenue at our IAN segment represented approximately 74% of the total organic revenue increase. The organic revenue increase was primarily attributable to net higher spending from existing clients in all major client sectors, across our advertising and media businesses and in nearly all geographic regions, led by the domestic market. The sectors which primarily contributed to the organic revenue increase were technology and telecom, and, to a lesser extent, auto and transportation. The international organic increase occurred predominantly in the Latin America region, primarily in Brazil, and in the Asia Pacific region, primarily in India and China. The international organic revenue increase was partially offset by an organic revenue decrease in the Continental Europe region, which was impacted by a challenging economic climate in the region.



	Year ended December 31, 2009		Components of Change							Year ended December 31, 2010		Change
	Year ended December 31, 2009		Foreign Currency		Net Acquisitions/ (Divestitures)			Organic		Year ended December 31, 2010		Organic		Total
Consolidated	$	5,061.7	$	58.4	$	16.6		$	331.7	$	5,468.4	6.6	%	8.0	%
Domestic	2,719.9		0.0		(3.8		)	261.8		2,977.9		9.6	%	9.5	%
International	2,341.8		58.4		20.4			69.9		2,490.5		3.0	%	6.3	%

During 2010 , IAN revenue increased by $406.7 compared to 2009 , primarily consisting of an organic revenue increase of $331.7 and a favorable foreign currency rate impact of $58.4 . The increase in revenue at our IAN segment represented approximately 79% of the total organic revenue increase. The organic increase was primarily attributable to higher spending from existing clients and net client wins in most sectors of our business, primarily in the auto and transportation, financial services, and health care sectors, and in nearly all regions, across our advertising and media businesses. The international organic increase was primarily

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

in the Latin America region, mostly in Brazil, and in our Other region, which includes South Africa, Canada and the Middle East. The international organic revenue increase was partially offset by organic decreases in the Continental Europe region, primarily in Italy, Germany and Spain, which included the effect of a weakened economic climate in certain European countries.

SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME



	Years ended December 31,									Change
	2011			2010			2009			2011 vs 2010		2010 vs 2009
Segment operating income	$	728.8		$	617.6		$	423.4		18.0	%	45.9	%
Operating margin	12.4		%	11.3		%	8.4		%

Operating income increased during 2011 when compared to 2010 due to an increase in revenue of $423.4 , partially offset by increases in salaries and related expenses of $238.7 and office and general expenses of $73.5. The increase in salaries and related expenses was primarily attributable to increases in our workforce to support business growth, which resulted in an increase in base salaries, benefits and temporary help across nearly all agencies within IAN. Hiring began in 2010 and sequentially decreased by quarter through 2011. Office and general expenses increased primarily due to an increase in occupancy costs and, to a lesser extent, higher discretionary spending and higher production expenses due to business growth.

Operating income increased during 2010 when compared to 2009 due to an increase in revenue of $406.7 , partially offset by increases in salaries and related expenses of $128.5 and in office and general expenses of $84.0. The increase in salaries and related expenses was primarily due to higher temporary help across most of the agencies within IAN to support their business growth, as well as higher incentive award expense attributable to improved operating results in 2010. These increases were partially offset by lower severance expense compared to the prior year. Office and general expenses increased primarily due to higher production expenses and, to a lesser extent, higher discretionary spending and employment costs to support business growth as well as a foreign currency exchange translation loss of approximately $5.0 related to our Venezuela agencies transitioning to inflationary accounting as of January 1, 2010. The increase in office and general expenses was partially offset by lower occupancy costs, which were partly due to lease terminations we initiated in 2009.

CMG

REVENUE



	Year ended December 31, 2010		Components of Change							Year ended December 31, 2011		Change
	Year ended December 31, 2010		Foreign Currency		Net Acquisitions/ (Divestitures)			Organic		Year ended December 31, 2011		Organic		Total
Consolidated	$	1,038.9	$	15.3	$	(33.3	)	$	101.9	$	1,122.8	9.8	%	8.1	%
Domestic	732.0		0.0		(37.1		)	61.8		756.7		8.4	%	3.4	%
International	306.9		15.3		3.8			40.1		366.1		13.1	%	19.3	%

During 2011 , CMG revenue increased by $83.9 compared to 2010 , consisting of an organic revenue increase of $101.9 and a favorable foreign currency rate impact of $15.3 , partially offset by the effect of net divestitures of $33.3 . The organic revenue increase was primarily due to higher spending from existing clients and net client wins which occurred in most disciplines, primarily in our public relations and events marketing businesses, in both our domestic and international markets. The international organic increase was most significant in the Asia Pacific region, primarily in China and Australia, and in the United Kingdom. The organic revenue increase includes higher revenue related to certain projects where we act as principal, primarily in our events marketing business. The reduction in revenue due to net divestitures primarily relates to the sale of a business in our domestic market in the fourth quarter of 2010.



	Year ended December 31, 2009		Components of Change						Year ended December 31, 2010		Change
	Year ended December 31, 2009		Foreign Currency		Net Acquisitions/ (Divestitures)		Organic		Year ended December 31, 2010		Organic		Total
Consolidated	$	945.7	$	4.9	$	0.4	$	87.9	$	1,038.9	9.3	%	9.9	%
Domestic	652.4		0.0		0.0		79.6		732.0		12.2	%	12.2	%
International	293.3		4.9		0.4		8.3		306.9		2.8	%	4.6	%

During 2010 , CMG revenue increased by $93.2 compared to 2009 , primarily due to an organic revenue increase of $87.9 . The organic revenue increase was due to net client wins and higher spending from existing clients in all major disciplines, primarily in our events marketing and public relations businesses, and predominantly in the domestic market. These increases include the

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

impact of higher revenue related to certain projects where we act as principal, primarily in our events marketing business. The international organic increase occurred primarily in the Asia Pacific region, most notably in China and in our public relations and events marketing businesses.

SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME



	Years ended December 31,									Change
	2011			2010			2009			2011 vs 2010		2010 vs 2009
Segment operating income	$	101.4		$	80.3		$	73.1		26.3	%	9.8	%
Operating margin	9.0		%	7.7		%	7.7		%

Operating income increased during 2011 when compared to 2010 due to an increase in revenue of $83.9 , partially offset by increases in salaries and related expenses of $35.6 and office and general expenses of $27.2. Salaries and related expenses increased across all disciplines primarily due to business growth, which resulted in an increase in base salaries, benefits and temporary help. Office and general expenses increased primarily due to higher production expenses associated with business growth.

Operating income increased during 2010 when compared to 2009 due to an increase in revenue of $93.2 , partially offset by increases in office and general expenses of $56.0 and salaries and related expenses of $30.0. Office and general expenses increased primarily due to higher production expenses. Increases in salaries and related expenses were primarily due to higher base salaries, benefits and temporary help in all major disciplines commensurate with regional growth and related increased headcount, as well as an increase in incentive award expense due to improved operating results.

CORPORATE AND OTHER

Certain corporate and other charges are reported as a separate line item within total segment operating income and include corporate office expenses and shared service center expenses, as well as certain other centrally managed expenses that are not fully allocated to operating divisions. Salaries and related expenses include salaries, long-term incentives, annual bonuses and other miscellaneous benefits for corporate office employees. Office and general expenses primarily include professional fees related to internal control compliance, financial statement audits and legal, information technology and other consulting services, which are engaged and managed through the corporate office. In addition, office and general expenses also include rental expense and depreciation of leasehold improvements for properties occupied by corporate office employees. A portion of these expenses are allocated to operating divisions based on a formula that uses the planned revenues of each of the operating units. Amounts allocated also include specific charges for information technology-related projects, which are allocated based on utilization.

Corporate and other expenses decreased slightly during 2011 by $3.3 to $142.0 compared to 2010 , primarily due to lower occupancy costs, partially offset by an increase in temporary help and severance expense.

Corporate and other expenses decreased slightly during 2010 by $5.3 to $145.3 compared to 2009 , primarily due to lower base salaries, benefits and temporary help as a result of work force reductions in 2009, and decreases in various other corporate expenses, which was partially offset by an increase in incentive award expense driven by improved consolidated operating results.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CASH FLOW OVERVIEW

The following tables summarize key financial data relating to our liquidity, capital resources and uses of capital.



	Years ended December 31,
Cash Flow Data	2011			2010			2009
Net income, adjusted to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities ¹	$	735.7		$	566.9		$	521.9
Net cash (used in) provided by working capital ²	(359.4		)	263.2			98.9
Changes in other non-current assets and liabilities using cash	(102.8		)	(12.8		)	(80.0		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	273.5		$	817.3		$	540.8
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(58.8		)	(108.5		)	29.4
Net cash used in financing activities	(541.0		)	(547.7		)	(267.0		)


¹	Reflects net income adjusted primarily for depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and intangible assets, amortization of restricted stock and other non-cash compensation, deferred income taxes and gain on sale of an investment.


²	Reflects changes in accounts receivable, expenditures billable to clients, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities.



	December 31,
Balance Sheet Data	2011		2010
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	2,315.6	$	2,689.4

Short-term borrowings	$	153.5	$	114.8
Current portion of long-term debt	404.8		38.9
Long-term debt	1,210.9		1,583.3
Total debt	$	1,769.2	$	1,737.0

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during 2011 was $273.5 , which is a decrease of $543.8 as compared to 2010 , primarily as a result of a use of cash from working capital in 2011 of $359.4 as compared to a generation in 2010 of $263.2 . Due to the seasonality of our business, we typically generate cash from working capital in the second half of a year and use cash from working capital in the first half of a year, with the largest impacts in the first and fourth quarters. In the fourth quarter of 2010, we had significant cash generation from working capital, primarily due to a high rate of growth in our media businesses, which resulted in comparable working capital usage in the first quarter of 2011. Our net working capital use in 2011 was also impacted by slower growth in those same businesses compared to the prior year.

Net cash provided by operating activities during 2010 was $817.3, which was an improvement of $276.5 as compared to 2009, as a result of an increase in net income of $137.8 as well as an improvement in working capital of $164.3. The increased generation of working capital in 2010 was primarily attributable to business growth, most notably at our media businesses.

The timing of media buying on behalf of our clients affects our working capital and operating cash flow. In most of our businesses, our agencies enter into commitments to pay production and media costs on behalf of clients. To the extent possible we pay production and media charges after we have received funds from our clients. The amounts involved substantially exceed our revenues, and primarily affect the level of accounts receivable, expenditures billable to clients and accounts payable. Our assets include both cash received and accounts receivable from clients for these pass-through arrangements, while our liabilities include amounts owed on behalf of clients to media and production suppliers.

Our accrued liabilities are also affected by the timing of certain other payments. For example, while annual cash incentive awards are accrued throughout the year, they are generally paid during the first quarter of the subsequent year.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities during 2011 primarily relates to payments for capital expenditures and acquisitions, partially offset by the net proceeds of $133.5 received from the Facebook transaction. Capital expenditures of $140.3 relate primarily to computer software and hardware, and leasehold improvements. Capital expenditures increased in 2011 compared to the prior year, primarily due to an increase in leasehold improvements made during the year. Payments for acquisitions of $63.1

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

relate to new acquisitions and deferred payments on prior acquisitions.

Net cash used in investing activities during 2010 primarily reflects payments for capital expenditures and acquisitions. Capital expenditures of $96.3 relate to leasehold improvements, computer hardware and furniture and fixtures. Payments for acquisitions of $61.9 relate to new acquisitions, primarily DLKW, as well as deferred payments on prior acquisitions.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities during 2011 primarily relates to the repurchase of 41.7 shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $400.8 , including fees. Additionally, net cash used in financing activities includes dividend payments of $111.1 on our common stock and acquisition-related payments of $71.5 , primarily related to transactions with consolidated subsidiaries where we have increased our ownership interests.

Net cash used in financing activities during 2010 includes the repurchase of a portion of our Series B Preferred Stock for $265.9 in cash, payments of long-term debt of $217.3 , primarily as a result of the maturity of our Floating Rate Senior Unsecured Notes due 2010, acquisition-related payments of $29.5 , primarily related to transactions with consolidated subsidiaries where we increased our ownership interests, distributions to noncontrolling interests of $21.5 and dividend payments of $19.6 on our Series B Preferred Stock.

Foreign Exchange Rate Changes

The effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows resulted in a decrease of $46.7 in 2011 . The decrease was a result of the U.S. Dollar being stronger than several foreign currencies, including the Euro and Brazilian Real, as of December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 .

The effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows resulted in an increase of $19.4 in 2010 . The increase was a result of the U.S. Dollar being weaker than several foreign currencies, partially offset by the U.S. Dollar being stronger than the Euro, as of December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009 .

LIQUIDITY OUTLOOK

We expect our cash flow from operations, cash and cash equivalents to be sufficient to meet our anticipated operating requirements at a minimum for the next twelve months. We also have a committed corporate credit facility available to support our operating needs. We continue to maintain a conservative approach to liquidity, with flexibility over significant uses of cash, including our capital expenditures, cash used for new acquisitions, our common stock repurchase program and our common stock dividends.

From time to time we evaluate market conditions and financing alternatives for opportunities to raise additional financing or otherwise improve our liquidity profile, enhance our financial flexibility and manage market risk. Our ability to access the capital markets depends on a number of factors, which include those specific to us, such as our credit rating, and those related to the financial markets, such as the amount or terms of available credit. There can be no guarantee that we would be able to access new sources of liquidity on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

Funding Requirements

Our most significant funding requirements include: our operations, non-cancelable operating lease obligations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, taxes, debt service and contributions to pension and postretirement plans. Additionally, we may be required to make payments to minority shareholders in certain subsidiaries if they exercise their options arising from prior acquisitions to sell us their interests. Notable funding requirements include:

•

Debt service – During 2011 , we paid $37.6 in cash when the remainder of our 7.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2011 matured. On March 15, 2012, holders of our $400.0 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the "4.25% Notes") may require us to repurchase their notes for cash at par. The 4.25% Notes are also redeemable in whole or in part at our option beginning March 15, 2012 . On February 24, 2012, we announced that we would exercise our option and redeem all remaining outstanding 4.25% Notes for cash on March 26, 2012. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. We expect to fund the payment of any repurchases and redemption price using available liquidity, which may include, depending on market conditions, proceeds of borrowings in the capital markets. The remainder of our debt is primarily long-term, with maturities scheduled through 2023. See the table below for the maturity schedule of our long-term debt.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

•

Acquisitions – We paid cash of $31.1, which was net of cash acquired of $17.5, for acquisitions completed in 2011 . We paid $36.7 of deferred payments related to acquisitions completed in previous years and $68.3 related to transactions with consolidated subsidiaries where we increased our ownership interests in 2011 . In addition to potential cash expenditures for new acquisitions, we expect to pay approximately $41.0 in 2012 related to acquisitions we completed in previous years. We may also be required to pay approximately $6.0 in 2012 related to put options held by minority shareholders if exercised. We will continue to evaluate strategic opportunities to grow and to increase our ownership interests in current investments, particularly in our digital and marketing services offerings, and to expand our presence in high-growth and key strategic world markets.

•

Dividends – In the first quarter of 2011, we initiated regular quarterly cash dividends on our common stock. During 2011 we paid cash dividends of $0.24 per share on our common stock, which corresponded to an aggregate dividend payment of $ 111.1 . Assuming we continue to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share and there is no significant change in the number of outstanding shares, we expect to pay approximately $107.0 in 2012 . We also pay regular quarterly dividends of $2.9, or $11.6 annually, on our Series B Preferred Stock.

•

Contributions to pension plans – Our funding policy regarding our pension plans is to make contributions necessary to satisfy minimum pension funding requirements, plus such additional contributions as we consider appropriate to improve the plans’ funded status. During 2011 , we contributed $14.1 and $65.0 to our domestic and foreign pension plans, respectively. For 2012 , we expect to contribute $5.6 and $15.7 to our domestic and foreign pension plans, respectively.

The following summarizes our estimated contractual cash obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2011 and their effect on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods.



	Years ended December 31,										Thereafter		Total
	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		Thereafter		Total
Long-term debt ¹	$	1.8	$	16.0	$	350.1	$	0.1	$	0.1	$	1,247.0	$	1,615.1
Interest payments on long-term debt	111.9		111.9		111.9		90.0		88.0		232.3		746.0
Non-cancelable operating lease obligations ²	286.2		251.1		210.1		180.4		145.7		487.1		1,560.6
Contingent acquisition payments ³	56.3		67.0		37.3		32.4		33.3		23.3		249.6
Uncertain tax positions	2.6		2.4		55.2		14.1		17.2		69.5		161.0
Total	$	458.8	$	448.4	$	764.6	$	317.0	$	284.3	$	2,059.2	$	4,332.3

Amounts represent maturity at par. Holders of our $400.0 4.25% Notes may require us to repurchase their notes for cash at par in March 2012, and holders of our $200.0 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the "4.75% Notes") may require us to repurchase their notes for cash, stock or a combination, at our election, at par in March 2013. All of these notes will mature in 2023 if not converted or repurchased.


²	Non-cancelable operating lease obligations are presented net of future receipts on contractual sublease arrangements.


³	We have structured certain acquisitions with additional contingent purchase price obligations based on the future performance of the acquired entity. See Note 5 and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Share Repurchase Program

In February 2011, our Board authorized a program to repurchase from time to time up to $300.0 of our common stock. In August 2011, our Board authorized an increase in the amount available under our share repurchase program up to $450.0 of our common stock. On February 24, 2012, we announced that our Board had approved a new share repurchase program to repurchase from time to time up to $300.0 of our common stock. The new authorization is in addition to any amounts remaining available for repurchase under the program we announced in 2011. We may effect repurchases under the share repurchase programs through open market purchases, trading plans established in accordance with SEC rules, derivative transactions or other means. We expect to continue to repurchase our common stock in future periods, although the timing and amount of the repurchases will depend on market conditions and our other funding requirements. The share repurchase programs have no expiration date.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

FINANCING AND SOURCES OF FUNDS

Substantially all of our operating cash flow is generated by our agencies. Our cash balances are held in numerous jurisdictions throughout the world, primarily at the holding company level and at our largest subsidiaries. Below is a summary of our sources of liquidity.



	December 31, 2011
	Total Facility		Amount Outstanding		Letters of Credit ¹		Total Available
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities							$	2,315.6
Committed credit agreement	$	1,000.0	$	0.0	$	16.2	$	983.8
Uncommitted credit arrangements	$	458.3	$	153.5	$	2.6	$	302.2


¹	We are required from time to time to post letters of credit, primarily to support obligations of our subsidiaries. These letters of credit historically have not been drawn upon.

Credit Facilities

We maintain a committed corporate credit facility to increase our financial flexibility. In May 2011 , we entered into an amendment and restatement of our credit agreement originally dated as of July 18, 2008 (the “Credit Agreement”), increasing the commitments of the lenders to $1,000.0 from $650.0 , and extending the Credit Agreement's expiration to May 31, 2016 . Additionally, the amendments modified our financial covenants, and provided additional flexibility with respect to, or eliminated, certain covenants such as restrictions on acquisitions, capital expenditures and restricted payments. In addition, the cost structure was reduced. The Credit Agreement is a revolving facility under which amounts borrowed by us or any of our subsidiaries designated under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and reborrowed, subject to an aggregate lending limit of $1,000.0 or the equivalent in other currencies. The aggregate available amount of letters of credit outstanding may decrease or increase, subject to a sublimit on letters of credit of $200.0 or the equivalent in other currencies. Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are unsecured. We have not drawn on any of our corporate credit facilities since 2003, although we use them for letters of credit primarily to support obligations of our subsidiaries.

The Credit Agreement includes covenants that, among other things, limit our liens and the liens of our consolidated subsidiaries and limit subsidiary debt, as well as financial covenants. The financial covenants in the Credit Agreement require that we maintain, as of the end of each fiscal quarter, certain financial measures for the four quarters then ended. The table below sets forth the financial covenants in effect as of December 31, 2011 .



	Four Quarters Ended		Four Quarters Ended
Financial Covenants	December 31, 2011	EBITDA Reconciliation	December 31, 2011
Interest coverage ratio (not less than)	5.00x	Operating income	$	687.2
Actual interest coverage ratio	8.57x	Add:
		Depreciation and amortization	202.6
Leverage ratio (not greater than)	2.75x	Other non-cash amounts	1.0
Actual leverage ratio	1.99x	EBITDA ¹	$	890.8


¹	EBITDA is calculated as defined in the Credit Agreement.

As of December 31, 2011 , we were in compliance with all of our covenants in the Credit Agreement. If we were unable to comply with our covenants in the future, we would seek an amendment or waiver from our lenders, but there is no assurance that our lenders would grant an amendment or waiver. If we were unable to obtain the necessary amendment or waiver, the credit facility could be terminated and our lenders could accelerate payments of any outstanding principal. In addition, under those circumstances we could be required to deposit funds with one of our lenders in an amount equal to any outstanding letters of credit under the credit facility.

We also have uncommitted credit facilities with various banks that permit borrowings at variable interest rates. We use our uncommitted credit lines for working capital needs at some of our operations outside the United States. We have guaranteed the repayment of some of these borrowings made by certain subsidiaries. If we lose access to these credit lines, we would have to provide funding directly to some of our international operations. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding balances under the uncommitted credit facilities as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was approximately 5.0% .

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Capped Call

In November 2010, we purchased capped call options to hedge the risk of price appreciation on the shares of our common stock into which our 4.75% Notes are convertible.

The strike price and cap price related to the capped call options as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are listed below.



	December 31,
	2011		2010
Strike price	$	12.13	$	12.42
Cap price	$	17.83	$	18.26

During 2011 , the strike price and cap price related to the capped call options were adjusted due to the payment of cash dividends on our common stock. As of December 31, 2011 , the options give us the right to purchase up to 16.5 shares of our common stock at the strike price, except that the economic value of the net proceeds of exercising the options will not exceed the difference between the strike price and the cap price. Subject to certain limitations, we may elect settlement of the options to occur in cash or in shares. The options will expire on April 2, 2013 . Our capped call transaction meets the definition of an off-balance sheet arrangement per Regulation S-K Item 303(a)(4).

Investments

From time to time, we make investments in privately held companies that we believe may be of strategic importance to the advertising and marketing sectors. These investments are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost. Certain of these investments, the most significant of which is in Facebook, have significantly appreciated compared to their cost, but there can be no assurance as to the terms on which we would be able to dispose of any such investments.

In August 2011, we sold approximately half of our holdings in Facebook and received net proceeds of $133.5 , which was classified within the investing section of our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of December 31, 2011, our remaining holdings in Facebook are recorded at cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, although we believe the value of our holdings has significantly appreciated, as evidenced by the sales price of the portion of our investment sold in August.

Cash Pooling

We aggregate our net domestic cash position on a daily basis. Outside the United States we use cash pooling arrangements with banks to help manage our liquidity requirements. In these pooling arrangements, several IPG agencies agree with a single bank that the cash balances of any of the agencies with the bank will be subject to a full right of set-off against amounts the other agencies owe the bank, and the bank provides for overdrafts as long as the net balance for all the agencies does not exceed an agreed-upon level. Typically, each agency pays interest on outstanding overdrafts and receives interest on cash balances. Our Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect cash, net of bank overdrafts, under all of our pooling arrangements, and as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 the amount netted were $1,106.6 and $916.1 , respectively.

DEBT CREDIT RATINGS

Our long-term debt credit ratings as of February 15, 2012 are listed below.



	Moody’s Investor Service	Standard and Poor’s	Fitch Ratings
Rating	Baa3	BB+	BBB
Outlook	Stable	Stable	Stable

We are investment-grade rated by both Moody's Investor Services ("Moody's") and Fitch Ratings. The most recent update to our credit ratings occurred in June 2011 when Moody's upgraded our rating from Ba2 to Baa3 and changed our outlook from positive to stable. In May 2011 Standard and Poor’s upgraded our credit rating from BB to BB+ , and changed our outlook from positive to stable. In October 2010, Fitch Ratings upgraded our rating from BB+ to BBB and changed our outlook from positive to stable. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning credit rating agency. The rating of each credit rating agency should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Credit ratings could have an impact on liquidity, either adverse or favorable, including, among other things, because they could affect funding costs in the capital markets or otherwise. For example, our Credit Agreement fees and borrowing rates are based on a credit ratings grid.

Table of Contents

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on certain accounting standards that have been adopted during 2011 or that have not yet been required to be implemented and may be applicable to our future operations.



Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

(Amounts in millions)

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks related to interest rates, foreign currency rates and certain balance sheet items. From time to time, we use derivative instruments, pursuant to established guidelines and policies, to manage some portion of these risks. Derivative instruments utilized in our hedging activities are viewed as risk management tools and are not used for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest Rates

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the fair market value of our debt obligations, because the majority of our debt (approximately 91% and 93% as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively) bears interest at fixed rates. We do have debt with variable interest rates, but a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not be material to our interest expense or cash flows. The fair market value of our debt is sensitive to changes in interest rates and the impact of a 10% change in interest rates is summarized below.



	Increase/(Decrease) in Fair Market Value
	10% Increase in Interest Rates			10% Decrease in Interest Rates
2011	$	(7.4	)	$	7.7
2010	(14.4		)	14.0

We have used interest rate swaps for risk management purposes to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates and to maintain a mix of fixed and floating rate debt. During 2011 , we entered into and exited interest rate swaps related to our 6.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2014 and do not have any such swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2011 .

We had $2,315.6 of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2011 that we generally invest in conservative, short-term investment-grade securities. The interest income generated from these investments is subject to both domestic and foreign interest rate movements. During 2011 and 2010 , we had interest income of $37.8 and $28.7 , respectively. Based on our 2011 results, a 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would affect our interest income by approximately $23.0 , assuming that all cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were affected in the same manner and balances remain constant from year-end 2011 levels.

Foreign Currency Rates

We are subject to translation and transaction risks related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Since we report revenues and expenses in U.S. Dollars, changes in exchange rates may either positively or negatively affect our consolidated revenues and expenses (as expressed in U.S. Dollars) from foreign operations. The primary foreign currencies that impacted our results during 2011 were the Australian Dollar, Brazilian Real, Euro, Japanese Yen and Pound Sterling. Based on 2011 exchange rates and operating results, if the U.S. Dollar were to strengthen or weaken by 10%, we currently estimate operating income would decrease or increase between 3% and 5% , assuming that all currencies are impacted in the same manner and our international revenue and expenses remain constant at 2011 current levels.

The functional currency of our foreign operations is generally their respective local currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the period presented. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the stockholders’ equity section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our foreign subsidiaries generally collect revenues and pay expenses in their functional currency, mitigating transaction risk. However, certain subsidiaries may enter into transactions in currencies other than their functional currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are susceptible to movements in foreign currency until final settlement. Currency transaction gains or losses primarily arising from transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are included in office and general expenses. We have not entered into a material amount of foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of potential adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

We monitor the currencies of countries in which we operate in order to determine if the country should be considered a highly inflationary environment. A currency is determined to be highly inflationary when there is cumulative inflation of approximately 100% or more over a three-year period. If this occurs the functional currency of that country would be changed to our reporting currency, the U.S. Dollar, and foreign exchange gains or losses would be recognized on all monetary transactions, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar until the currency is no longer considered highly inflationary. Our Venezuela agencies transitioned to inflationary accounting on January 1, 2010, and as a result, we recorded a foreign exchange translation loss of approximately $5.0 in 2010 . This charge was recorded in office and general expenses within the Consolidated

Statements of Operations. In 2010 we re-measured our local non-monetary transactions, assets and liabilities using the exchange rate of 4.3 Venezuelan Bolivares Fuertes per U.S. Dollar. Subsequent to the currency re-measurement, this devaluation did not have a material impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements as we do not have significant operations in Venezuela.

Credit and Market Risks

Balance sheet items that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, short-term marketable securities, accounts receivable and expenditures billable to clients. We invest our excess cash in investment-grade, short-term securities and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one counterparty. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are mitigated by our large number of clients and their dispersion across different industries and geographic areas. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our clients and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the expected collectability of all accounts receivable.

Our pension plan assets are also exposed to market risk. The fair value of our pension plan assets may appreciate or depreciate during the year, which can result in lower or higher pension expense and funding requirements in future periods.



Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX




	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	38

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009	39

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010	40

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009	41

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009	42

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	44

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	44
2. Earnings Per Share	49
3. Debt and Credit Arrangements	50
4. Convertible Preferred Stock	53
5. Acquisitions	54
6. Supplementary Data	56
7. Intangible Assets	58
8. Income Taxes	58
9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax	61
10. Incentive Compensation Plans	62
11. Fair Value Measurements	65
12. Employee Benefits	67
13. Segment Information	72
14. Commitments and Contingencies	74
15. Recent Accounting Standards	75
16. Results by Quarter (Unaudited)	77
17. Subsequent Events	77

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, of Cash Flows, and of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., and its subsidiaries, (“the Company”) at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

February 24, 2012

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
REVENUE	$	7,014.6		$	6,507.3		$	6,007.4

OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries and related expenses	4,402.1			4,117.0			3,961.2
Office and general expenses	1,924.3			1,837.7			1,700.3
Restructuring and other reorganization-related charges, net	1.0			3.9			4.6
Total operating expenses	6,327.4			5,958.6			5,666.1

OPERATING INCOME	687.2			548.7			341.3

EXPENSES AND OTHER INCOME:
Interest expense	(136.8		)	(139.7		)	(155.6		)
Interest income	37.8			28.7			35.0
Other income, net	150.2			12.9			11.7
Total (expenses) and other income	51.2			(98.1		)	(108.9		)

Income before income taxes	738.4			450.6			232.4
Provision for income taxes	190.2			171.3			90.1
Income of consolidated companies	548.2			279.3			142.3
Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates	3.3			1.9			1.1
NET INCOME	551.5			281.2			143.4
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(19.2		)	(20.1		)	(22.1		)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO IPG	532.3			261.1			121.3
Dividends on preferred stock	(11.6		)	(15.6		)	(27.6		)
Benefit from preferred stock repurchased	0.0			25.7			0.0
Allocation to participating securities	0.0			0.0			(0.1		)
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO IPG COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$	520.7		$	271.2		$	93.6

Earnings per share available to IPG common stockholders:
Basic	$	1.12		$	0.57		$	0.20
Diluted	$	0.99		$	0.47		$	0.19

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	465.5			473.6			468.2
Diluted	540.6			542.1			508.1

Dividends declared per common share	$	0.24		$	0.00		$	0.00

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in Millions)



	December 31, 2011			December 31, 2010
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,302.7		$	2,675.7
Marketable securities	12.9			13.7
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $55.4 and $63.1	4,425.4			4,317.6
Expenditures billable to clients	1,247.2			1,217.1
Other current assets	298.6			229.4
Total current assets	8,286.8			8,453.5
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	459.8			454.3
Deferred income taxes	214.5			334.2
Goodwill	3,444.3			3,368.5
Other non-current assets	471.2			460.3
TOTAL ASSETS	$	12,876.6		$	13,070.8

LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	$	6,647.2		$	6,806.7
Accrued liabilities	827.1			780.5
Short-term borrowings	153.5			114.8
Current portion of long-term debt	404.8			38.9
Total current liabilities	8,032.6			7,740.9
Long-term debt	1,210.9			1,583.3
Deferred compensation	440.3			486.1
Other non-current liabilities	452.1			402.4
TOTAL LIABILITIES	10,135.9			10,212.7

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 14)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (see Note 5)	243.4			291.2

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value, shares authorized: 20.0 Series B shares issued and outstanding: 2011 – 0.2; 2010 – 0.2	221.5			221.5
Common stock, $0.10 par value, shares authorized: 800.0 shares issued: 2011 – 491.4; 2010 – 489.5 shares outstanding: 2011 – 449.5; 2010 – 489.1	48.2			47.5
Additional paid-in capital	2,427.5			2,456.8
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	405.1			(63.7		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(225.7		)	(119.0		)
	2,876.6			2,543.1
Less: Treasury stock, at cost: 2011 - 41.9 shares; 2010 - 0.4 shares	(414.9		)	(14.1		)
Total IPG stockholders’ equity	2,461.7			2,529.0
Noncontrolling interests	35.6			37.9
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	2,497.3			2,566.9
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	12,876.6		$	13,070.8

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in Millions)



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	551.5		$	281.2		$	143.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and intangible assets	150.9			148.4			169.9
Provision for uncollectible receivables	10.4			10.7			19.3
Amortization of restricted stock and other non-cash compensation	51.7			50.0			49.5
Net amortization of bond (premiums) discounts and deferred financing costs	(8.7		)	(4.4		)	12.1
Deferred income tax provision	83.9			56.0			89.2
Gain on sale of an investment	(132.2		)	0.0			0.0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0.0			0.1			25.1
Other	28.2			24.9			13.4
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions, providing (using) cash:
Accounts receivable	(219.2		)	(547.6		)	179.5
Expenditures billable to clients	(39.2		)	(122.8		)	19.7
Other current assets	(42.0		)	(0.2		)	33.1
Accounts payable	(62.9		)	867.4			230.0
Accrued liabilities	3.9			66.4			(363.4		)
Other non-current assets and liabilities	(102.8		)	(12.8		)	(80.0		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	273.5			817.3			540.8
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the sale of an investment	133.5			0.0			0.0
Acquisitions, including deferred payments, net of cash acquired	(63.1		)	(61.9		)	(72.4		)
Capital expenditures	(140.3		)	(96.3		)	(67.1		)
Net (purchases) sales and maturities of short-term marketable securities	(0.7		)	(2.5		)	158.5
Other investing activities	11.8			52.2			10.4
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(58.8		)	(108.5		)	29.4
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repurchase of common stock	(400.8		)	0.0			0.0
Common stock dividends	(111.1		)	0.0			0.0
Repurchase of preferred stock	0.0			(265.9		)	0.0
Purchase of long-term debt	(38.9		)	(217.3		)	(783.4		)
Proceeds from issuance of 10.00% Senior Notes due 2017	0.0			0.0			587.7
Net increase in short term bank borrowings	42.5			17.4			0.0
Acquisition-related payments	(71.5		)	(29.5		)	(5.9		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(23.0		)	(21.5		)	(22.2		)
Preferred stock dividends	(11.6		)	(19.6		)	(27.6		)
Other financing activities	73.4			(11.3		)	(15.6		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(541.0		)	(547.7		)	(267.0		)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(46.7		)	19.4			84.8
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(373.0		)	180.5			388.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,675.7			2,495.2			2,107.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2,302.7		$	2,675.7		$	2,495.2

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in Millions)



	Preferred Stock			Common Stock					Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax			Treasury Stock			Total IPG Stockholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Stockholders’ Equity
				Shares		Amount
Balance at December 31, 2008	$	525.0		477.1		$	46.4		$	2,413.5		$	(446.1	)	$	(318.5	)	$	(14.0	)	$	2,206.3		$	37.9		$	2,244.2
Net income												121.3									121.3			22.1			143.4
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax															128.9						128.9			2.3			131.2
Changes in market value of securities available-for-sale, net of tax of $0.1															0.5						0.5						0.5
Recognition of previously unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, net of tax															(0.4		)				(0.4		)				(0.4		)
Unrecognized losses, transition obligation and prior service cost, net of tax of ($4.4)															12.9						12.9						12.9
Total comprehensive income																					$	263.2		$	24.4		$	287.6
Reclassifications related to redeemable noncontrolling interests									10.5												10.5			(2.5		)	8.0
Noncontrolling interest transactions									(5.4		)										(5.4		)	0.1			(5.3		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests																								(22.2		)	(22.2		)
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests									12.0												12.0						12.0
Preferred stock dividends									(27.6		)										(27.6		)				(27.6		)
Stock-based compensation				12.8		1.0			54.1												55.1						55.1
Shares withheld for taxes				(3.4	)	(0.3		)	(16.8		)										(17.1		)				(17.1		)
Other									0.7												0.7			0.9			1.6
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	525.0		486.5		$	47.1		$	2,441.0		$	(324.8	)	$	(176.6	)	$	(14.0	)	$	2,497.7		$	38.6		$	2,536.3
Net income												261.1									261.1			20.1			281.2
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax															34.0						34.0			1.9			35.9
Changes in market value of securities available-for-sale, net of tax of $0.1															0.6						0.6						0.6
Recognition of previously unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale, net of tax															(0.2		)				(0.2		)				(0.2		)
Unrecognized losses, transition obligation and prior service cost, net of tax of ($5.5)															23.2						23.2						23.2
Total comprehensive income																					$	318.7		$	22.0		$	340.7
Reclassifications related to redeemable noncontrolling interests									3.5												3.5			(1.5		)	2.0
Noncontrolling interest transactions									(28.1		)										(28.1		)	0.2			(27.9		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests																								(21.5		)	(21.5		)
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests									(11.0		)										(11.0		)				(11.0		)
Repurchase of preferred stock	(303.5		)						35.9												(267.6		)				(267.6		)
Capped call transaction costs									(22.8		)										(22.8		)				(22.8		)
Preferred stock dividends									(15.6		)										(15.6		)				(15.6		)
Stock-based compensation				2.7		0.4			55.4												55.8						55.8
Shares withheld for taxes				(0.2	)	(0.1		)	(11.8		)										(11.9		)				(11.9		)
Tax effect from stock-based compensation									4.5												4.5						4.5
Other				0.5		0.1			5.8									(0.1		)	5.8			0.1			5.9
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	221.5		489.5		$	47.5		$	2,456.8		$	(63.7	)	$	(119.0	)	$	(14.1	)	$	2,529.0		$	37.9		$	2,566.9

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in Millions)



	Preferred Stock		Common Stock					Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax			Treasury Stock			Total IPG Stockholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Stockholders’ Equity
			Shares		Amount
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	221.5	489.5		$	47.5		$	2,456.8		$	(63.7	)	$	(119.0	)	$	(14.1	)	$	2,529.0		$	37.9		$	2,566.9
Net income											532.3									532.3			19.2			551.5
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax														(89.6		)				(89.6		)	(2.5		)	(92.1		)
Changes in market value of securities available-for-sale, net of tax of $0.0														(0.1		)				(0.1		)				(0.1		)
Recognition of previously unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale, net of tax														0.3						0.3						0.3
Unrecognized gains, transition obligation and prior service cost, net of tax of ($1.5)														(17.3		)				(17.3		)				(17.3		)
Total comprehensive income																				$	425.6		$	16.7		$	442.3
Reclassifications related to redeemable noncontrolling interests								2.7												2.7			7.7			10.4
Noncontrolling interest transactions								0.4			0.6									1.0			(2.6		)	(1.6		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests																							(23.0		)	(23.0		)
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests								(10.6		)	(3.5		)							(14.1		)				(14.1		)
Repurchase of common stock																	(400.8		)	(400.8		)				(400.8		)
Common stock dividends								(56.8		)	(54.3		)							(111.1		)				(111.1		)
Preferred stock dividends								(5.8		)	(5.8		)							(11.6		)				(11.6		)
Stock-based compensation			1.5		0.8			47.9												48.7						48.7
Exercise of stock options			1.3		0.1			11.9												12.0						12.0
Shares withheld for taxes			(0.9	)	(0.2		)	(26.8		)										(27.0		)				(27.0		)
Tax effect from stock-based compensation								8.4												8.4						8.4
Other								(0.6		)	(0.5		)							(1.1		)	(1.1		)	(2.2		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	221.5	491.4		$	48.2		$	2,427.5		$	405.1		$	(225.7	)	$	(414.9	)	$	2,461.7		$	35.6		$	2,497.3

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business Description

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company,” “IPG,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is one of the world’s premier global advertising and marketing services companies. Our agencies create customized marketing programs for many of the world’s largest companies. Comprehensive global services are critical to effectively serve our multinational and local clients in markets throughout the world, as they seek to build brands, increase sales of their products and services and gain market share in an increasingly complex and fragmented media landscape.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, most of which are wholly owned. Investments in companies over which we do not have control, but the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in companies over which we have neither control nor have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

We have consolidated certain entities meeting the definition of variable interest entities, and the inclusion of these entities does not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

During the third quarter of 2011, we combined media and production liabilities that were previously reflected in accrued liabilities with accounts payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheets to better reflect all media and production related liabilities in one caption. As a result of this change, which was applied retrospectively, accounts payable includes all media and production liabilities. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 , accounts payable increased and accrued liabilities decreased by $2,613.6 and $2,332.2 , respectively. This change does not impact net working capital movements, operating cash flows or total current liabilities.

During the first quarter of 2011, we changed the classification of taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are directly imposed on our revenue-producing transactions from a gross to a net basis in a country. This change, which was applied retrospectively and does not change previously reported operating income or net income, decreased revenue and office and general expense by $24.6 and $20.2 for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 , respectively. A comparable amount is included as a reduction to revenue and office and general expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 . We believe this presentation better aligns the Company’s internal financial and operational management reporting as well as increases consistency in our external reporting across the countries in which we operate.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the reporting date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues are primarily derived from the planning and execution of advertising, marketing and communications programs in various media around the world. Our revenue is directly dependent upon the advertising, marketing and corporate communications requirements of our clients. Our revenue tends to be higher in the second half of the calendar year as a result of the holiday season and lower in the first half as a result of the post-holiday slow-down in client activity.

Most of our client contracts are individually negotiated and, accordingly, the terms of client engagements and the bases on which we earn commissions and fees vary significantly. Our client contracts are complex arrangements that may include provisions for incentive compensation and vendor rebates and credits. Our largest clients are multinational entities and, as such, we often provide services to these clients out of multiple offices and across many of our agencies. In arranging for such services, it is possible that we will enter into global, regional and local agreements. Agreements of this nature are reviewed by legal counsel to determine the governing terms to be followed by the offices and agencies involved.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Depending on the terms of a client contract, fees for services performed can be recognized in three principal ways: proportional performance (input or output), straight-line (or monthly basis) or completed contract.

•

Fees are generally recognized as earned based on the proportional performance input method of revenue recognition in situations where our fee is reconcilable to the actual hours incurred to service the client as detailed in a contractual staffing plan, where the fee is earned on a per hour basis or where actual hours incurred are provided to the client on a periodic basis (whether or not the fee is reconcilable), with the amount of revenue recognized in these situations limited to the amount realizable under the client contract. We believe an input-based measure (the ‘hour’) is appropriate in situations where the client arrangement essentially functions as a time and out-of-pocket expense contract and the client receives the benefit of the services provided throughout the contract term.


•	Fees are recognized on a straight-line or monthly basis when service is provided essentially on a pro-rata basis and the terms of the contract support monthly basis accounting.

•

Certain fees (such as for major marketing events) are deferred until contract completion because the final act is so significant in relation to the service transaction taken as a whole. Fees may also be deferred and recognized upon delivery of a project if the terms of the client contract identify individual discrete projects, or on the completed contract basis if any of the terms of the contract do not otherwise qualify for proportional performance or monthly basis recognition.

As we provide services as part of our core operations, we generally incur incidental expenses, which, in practice, are commonly referred to as “out-of-pocket” expenses. These expenses often include expenses related to airfare, mileage, hotel stays, out of town meals and telecommunication charges. We record the reimbursements received for such incidental expenses as revenue with a corresponding offset to office and general expense.

We receive credits from our vendors and media outlets for transactions entered into on behalf of our clients that, based on the terms of our contracts and local law, are either remitted to our clients or retained by us. If amounts are to be passed through to clients, they are recorded as liabilities until settlement or, if retained by us, are recorded as revenue when earned. Income or expense may also be realized in connection with settling vendor discount or credit liabilities that were established as part of the restatement we presented in our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2004 Restatement”). In these situations, and given the historical nature of these liabilities, we generally record such items as other income or expense as we do not consider these to be part of current operating results. We release certain of these credit liabilities when the statute of limitations has lapsed, unless the liabilities are associated with customers with whom we are in the process of settling such liabilities. These amounts are generally reported in other income, net.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments, which include certificates of deposit, government securities, commercial paper and time deposits with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase and are stated at estimated fair value, which approximates cost. Cash is maintained at multiple high-credit quality financial institutions.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Short-Term Marketable Securities

Short-term marketable securities include investment-grade time deposits, commercial paper and government securities with maturities greater than three months but less than twelve months. These securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value with net unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a component of stockholders’ equity. The cost of securities is determined based upon the average cost of the securities sold.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on the aging of accounts receivable, reviews of client credit reports, industry trends and economic indicators, as well as reviews of recent payment history for specific customers. The estimate is based largely on a formula-driven calculation but is supplemented with economic indicators and knowledge of potential write-offs of specific client accounts.

Expenditures Billable to Clients

Expenditures billable to clients are primarily comprised of production and media costs that have been incurred but have not yet been billed to clients, as well as fees that have been earned which have not yet been billed to clients. Unbilled amounts are presented in expenditures billable to clients regardless of whether they relate to our fees or production and media costs. A provision is made for unrecoverable costs as deemed appropriate.

Accounts Payable

Accounts payable includes all operating payables, including those related to all media and production costs. These payables are due within one year.

Investments

Our investments in publicly traded companies over which we do not exert a significant influence are classified as available-for-sale. These investments are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices with net unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Our non-publicly traded investments and all other publicly traded investments, including investments to fund certain deferred compensation and retirement obligations, are accounted for using the equity method or cost method. We do not disclose the fair value for equity method investments or investments held at cost as it is not practical to estimate fair value since there is no readily available market data and it is cost prohibitive to obtain independent valuations. We regularly review our equity and cost method investments to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may impact the fair value of each investment. In the event a decline in fair value of an investment occurs, we determine if the decline has been other-than-temporary. We consider our investments strategic and long-term in nature, so we determine if the fair value decline is recoverable within a reasonable period. For our investments, we evaluate fair value based on specific information (valuation methodologies, estimates of appraisals, financial statements, etc.) in addition to quoted market price, if available. We consider all known quantitative and qualitative factors in determining if an other-than-temporary decline in value of an investment has occurred.

Derivatives

We are exposed to market risk related to interest rates, foreign currency rates and certain balance sheet items. From time to time we enter into derivative instruments for risk management purposes, and not for speculative purposes. We evaluate the terms of our derivative instruments to determine if they are recorded on our balance sheet in equity or as an asset or liability that gets subsequently adjusted in earnings based on fair value each reporting period. We evaluate our derivative instruments for hedge accounting both at inception and throughout the hedge period. We recognize the changes in fair value of the interest rate swap agreements as well as the changes in the fair value of the underlying debt in other income, net.

Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Furniture and equipment are depreciated generally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 3 to 7 years for furniture, equipment and computer software costs, 10 to 35 years for buildings and the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term for leasehold improvements.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

allocated to the underlying net assets based on their respective estimated fair values and the remainder allocated to goodwill and other intangible assets. The acquisition method requires the noncontrolling interests, if any, to be recorded at fair value and goodwill and other intangibles to be recorded as if we acquired the entire business, proportionately allocated between the controlling and noncontrolling owner. The purchase accounting method required goodwill and other intangibles to be recorded based on our ownership interest in the business we acquired. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and involves the use of significant estimates, including projections of future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples. Considering the characteristics of advertising, specialized marketing and communication services companies, our acquisitions usually do not have significant amounts of tangible assets, as the principal asset we typically acquire is creative talent. As a result, a substantial portion of the purchase price is allocated to goodwill and other intangible assets.

We have adopted new authoritative guidance for goodwill which permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors to consider may include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors that may have a negative effect on earnings, overall financial performance, and other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy or customers, as well as contemplation of bankruptcy or pending litigation. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances such as those described above, an entity determines that it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the entity is required to perform a two-step quantitative impairment test to identify and measure impairment, if necessary. Otherwise, no additional testing is required.

For reporting units not included in the qualitative assessment, or for any reporting units identified in the qualitative assessment as "more likely than not" that the fair value is less than its carrying value, the first step of the quantitative impairment test is performed. The first step of the impairment test is a comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The sum of the fair values of all our reporting units is reconciled to our current market capitalization plus an estimated control premium. Goodwill allocated to a reporting unit whose fair value is equal to or greater than its carrying value is not impaired, and no further testing is required. Should the carrying amount for a reporting unit exceed its fair value, then the first step of the impairment test has failed and the magnitude of any goodwill impairment is determined under the second step, which is a comparison of the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value. Goodwill of a reporting unit is impaired when its carrying value exceeds its implied fair value. Impaired goodwill is written down to its implied fair value with a charge to expense in the period the impairment is identified.

The fair value of a reporting unit for 2011 and 2010 was estimated using a combination of the income approach, which incorporates the use of the discounted cash flow method, and the market approach, which incorporates the use of earnings and revenue multiples based on market data.

Foreign Currencies

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

100% or more over a three-year period. If this occurs the functional currency of that country would be changed to our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, and foreign exchange gains or losses would be recognized on all monetary transactions, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar until the currency is no longer considered highly inflationary.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes. Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be reversed. We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets and establish a valuation allowance when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. We evaluate our tax positions using the “more likely than not” recognition threshold and then apply a measurement assessment to those positions that meet the recognition threshold. We have established tax reserves that we believe to be adequate in relation to the potential for additional assessments in each of the jurisdictions in which we are subject to taxation. We regularly assess the likelihood of additional tax assessments in those jurisdictions and adjust our reserves as additional information or events require.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Many of our acquisitions include provisions under which the noncontrolling equity owners can require us to purchase additional interests in a subsidiary at their discretion. Payments for these redeemable noncontrolling interests are contingent upon achieving projected operating performance targets and satisfying other conditions specified in the related agreements and are subject to revisions as the earn-out periods progress. We record these redeemable noncontrolling interests in “mezzanine equity” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Each reporting period, redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported at their estimated redemption value, but not less than their initial fair value. Any adjustment to the redemption value above initial value prior to exercise will also impact retained earnings or additional paid-in capital, but will not impact net income. Adjustments as a result of currency translation will affect the redeemable noncontrolling interest balance, but do not impact retained earnings or additional paid-in capital.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS available to IPG common stockholders equals net income available to IPG common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the applicable period. Diluted EPS equals net income available to IPG common stockholders adjusted to exclude, if dilutive, preferred stock dividends, allocation to participating securities, interest expense related to potentially dilutive securities calculated using the effective interest rate method and the benefit from the preferred stock repurchased, divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, plus any additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive shares had been issued.

Diluted EPS reflect the potential dilution that would occur if certain potentially dilutive securities or debt obligations were exercised or converted into common stock. The potential issuance of common stock is assumed to occur at the beginning of the year (or at the time of issuance of the potentially dilutive instrument, if later) and the incremental shares are included using the treasury stock or “if-converted” method. The proceeds utilized in applying the treasury stock method consist of the amount, if any, to be paid upon exercise and, as it relates to stock-based compensation, the amount of compensation cost attributed to future service not yet recognized and any tax benefits credited to additional paid-in-capital related to the exercise. These proceeds are then assumed to be used to purchase common stock at the average market price of our stock during the period. The incremental shares (difference between the shares assumed to be issued and the shares assumed to be purchased), to the extent they would have been dilutive, are included in the denominator of the diluted EPS calculation.

We may be required to calculate basic EPS using the two-class method, as a result of our redeemable noncontrolling interests. To the extent that the redemption value increases and exceeds the then-current fair value of a redeemable noncontrolling interest, net income available to IPG common stockholders (used to calculate EPS) could be negatively impacted by that increase, subject to certain limitations. The partial or full recovery of these reductions to net income available to IPG common stockholders (used to calculate EPS) is limited to cumulative prior-period reductions. For the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 , there was no impact to EPS for adjustments related to our redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

We have pension and postretirement benefit plans covering certain domestic and international employees. We use various actuarial methods and assumptions in determining our net pension and postretirement benefit costs and obligations, including the discount rate used to determine the present value of future benefits, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and healthcare cost trend rates. The overfunded or underfunded status of our pension and postretirement benefit plans is recorded on our

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation costs related to share-based transactions, including employee stock options, are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements based on fair value. Stock-based compensation expense is generally recognized ratably over the requisite service period based on the estimated grant-date fair value, net of estimated forfeitures.

Note 2: Earnings Per Share

The following sets forth basic and diluted earnings per common share available to IPG common stockholders.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
Net income available to IPG common stockholders - basic	$	520.7	$	271.2		$	93.6
Adjustments: Effect of dilutive securities
Interest on 4.25% Notes	1.4		1.4			1.4
Interest on 4.75% Notes	4.1		4.0			0.0
Preferred stock dividends	11.6		0.0			0.0
Benefit from preferred stock repurchased ¹	0.0		(21.7		)	0.0
Net income available to IPG common stockholders - diluted	$	537.8	$	254.9		$	95.0


Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - basic	465.5		473.6			468.2
Add: Effect of dilutive securities
Restricted stock, stock options and other equity awards	9.1		11.3			7.7
4.25% Notes	33.0		32.2			32.2
4.75% Notes	16.5		16.1			0.0
Preferred stock outstanding	16.5		0.0			0.0
Preferred stock repurchased	0.0		8.9			0.0

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	540.6		542.1			508.1


Earnings per share available to IPG common stockholders - basic	$	1.12	$	0.57		$	0.20
Earnings per share available to IPG common stockholders - diluted	$	0.99	$	0.47		$	0.19

For the year ended December 31, 2010 , the benefit from the preferred stock repurchased is excluded from net income available to IPG common stockholders for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share since the associated common shares, if converted, were dilutive. In addition, the benefit is also net of $4.0 of preferred dividends that were declared during the first quarter of 2010 and associated with the preferred stock repurchased.

For the year ended December 31, 2009 , we calculated basic EPS using the two-class method. The two-class method was required as our 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the “ 4.50% Notes”) qualified as participating securities, having the right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents should dividends be declared on common stock. Under this method, earnings for the period (after deduction for contractual preferred stock dividends) was allocated on a pro-rata basis to the common stockholders and to the holders of participating securities based on their right to receive dividends. We retired the remaining outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 4.50% Notes in the fourth quarter of 2009 .

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

The following table presents the potential shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including these potential shares would be antidilutive.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011	2010	2009
4.75% Notes	0.0	0.0	16.1
4.50% Notes	0.0	0.0	0.6
Preferred stock outstanding	0.0	16.2	38.4
Total	0.0	16.2	55.1
Securities excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the exercise price was greater than the average market price:
Stock options ¹	8.9	15.6	21.2
Warrants ²	0.0	0.0	67.9


¹	These options are outstanding at the end of the respective periods. In any period in which the exercise price is less than the average market price, these options have the potential to be dilutive, and application of the treasury stock method would reduce this amount.


²	The potential dilutive impact of the warrants is based upon the difference between the market price of one share of our common stock and the stated exercise prices of the warrants, adjusted to reflect the period during which the warrants were outstanding. The warrants expired in June 2009.

Note 3: Debt and Credit Arrangements

Long-Term Debt

A summary of the carrying amounts and fair values of our long-term debt is listed below.



	Effective Interest Rate		December 31,
			2011				2010
			Book Value		Fair Value ¹		Book Value		Fair Value ¹
7.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2011	7.25	%	$	0.0	$	0.0	$	36.3	$	37.0
6.25% Unsecured Notes due 2014 (less unamortized discount of $0.3)	6.29	%	354.3		374.5		353.3		378.0
10.0% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2017 (less unamortized discount of $9.4)	10.38	%	590.6		690.0		589.4		705.0
4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (plus unamortized premium of $2.7)	3.50	%	202.7		220.5		205.0		235.0
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (plus unamortized premium of $3.0)	0.58	%	403.0		405.5		417.4		444.4
Other notes payable and capitalized leases			65.1				20.8
Total long-term debt			1,615.7				1,622.2
Less: current portion ²			404.8				38.9
Long-term debt, excluding current portion			$	1,210.9			$	1,583.3


¹	Fair values are derived from trading quotes by institutions making a market in the securities and estimations of value by those institutions using proprietary models.

On March 15, 2012 , holders of our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the “ 4.25% Notes”) may require us to repurchase their notes for cash at par, and accordingly, we included these notes in the current portion of long-term debt on our December 31, 2011 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The 4.25% Notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option beginning March 15, 2012 . Any 4.25% Notes not repurchased on March 15, 2012 and not called for redemption by us will be reclassified to long-term debt. On August 15, 2011 , our 7.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2011 (the " 2011 Notes") matured. Therefore we included these notes in current portion of long-term debt on our December 31, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Annual maturities are scheduled as follows based on the book value as of December 31, 2011 .



2012 ¹	$	1.8
2013 ²	16.0
2014	354.4
2015	0.1
2016	0.1
Thereafter	1,243.3
Total long-term debt	$	1,615.7


¹	Holders of our 4.25% Notes may require us to repurchase their notes for cash at par in March 2012 . The 4.25% Notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option beginning March 15, 2012 .


²	Holders of our 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the “ 4.75% Notes”) may require us to repurchase their notes for cash, stock or a combination, at our election, at par in March 2013 .

For those debt securities that have a premium or discount at the time of issuance, we amortize the amount through interest expense based on the maturity date or the first date the holders may require us to repurchase the debt securities, if applicable. A premium would result in a decrease in interest expense and a discount would result in an increase in interest expense in future periods. We also have recorded debt issuance costs related to certain financing transactions in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, which are also amortized through interest expense. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , we had unamortized debt issuance costs of $25.5 and $28.3 , respectively.

Our debt securities include covenants that, among other things, limit our liens and the liens of our consolidated subsidiaries, but do not require us to maintain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity.

Debt Transactions

7.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2011

In August 2011, the remaining $36.3 aggregate principal amount of our 2011 Notes matured, and we paid $37.6 in cash, including accrued and unpaid interest.

Floating Rate Senior Unsecured Notes due 2010

In April 2010, we repurchased $21.4 aggregate principal amount of our Floating Rate Senior Unsecured Notes due 2010 (the " 2010 Notes") for $21.5 in cash, which included accrued and unpaid interest. In November 2010, the remaining $192.3 aggregate principal amount of our 2010 Notes matured, and we paid $193.5 in cash, including accrued and unpaid interest.

Convertible Senior Notes

Conversion Features

Our 4.25% Notes and 4.75% Notes (the "Convertible Notes") are convertible into our common stock. The conversion rates of our Convertible Notes are subject to adjustment in specified circumstances, including the payment of cash dividends on our common stock. The conversion rates of our Convertible Notes are also subject to adjustment for certain events arising from stock splits and combinations, stock dividends and certain other actions by us that modify our capital structure. The Convertible Notes provide for an additional “make-whole” adjustment to the conversion rate in the event of a change of control meeting specified conditions.

Our Convertible Notes are convertible at any time if the average price of our common stock for 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date is greater than or equal to a specified percentage of the conversion price; this percentage was equal to 116.0% in 2011 and declines 0.5% each year until it reaches 110% at maturity . Each series of our Convertible Notes is also convertible, regardless of the price of our common stock, if: (i) we call that series of Convertible Notes for redemption; (ii) we make specified distributions to shareholders; (iii) we become a party to a consolidation, merger or binding share exchange pursuant to which our common stock would be converted into cash or property (other than securities); or (iv) the credit ratings assigned to that series of Convertible Notes by any two of Moody’s Investor Service, Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings are lower than Ba2, BB and BB, respectively, or that series of Convertible Notes is no longer rated by at least two of these ratings services. As of December 31, 2011 , our Convertible Notes were not convertible based on the triggers listed above. As a result of certain conversion features, our Convertible Notes contain embedded derivatives whose fair values as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were negligible. Our Convertible Notes are also convertible, whether or not the above conditions are met, from February 15, 2023 to March 15, 2023 . The Convertible Notes are not considered securities with participation rights in earnings available to IPG

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

common stockholders as there are no features attached to these securities that allow holders to participate in our undistributed earnings.

The conversion rates and corresponding conversion prices for our Convertible Notes as of December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 are listed below.



	December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Conversion price	$	12.13	$	12.42	$	12.42
Conversion rate per note (actual number)	82.4612		80.5153		80.5153

During 2011 , the conversion rate for our Convertible Notes was adjusted as a result of the cumulative effect of the cash dividends declared and paid on our common stock, which resulted in a corresponding adjustment of the conversion price.

Repurchase / Redemption Options

Holders of our Convertible Notes may require us to repurchase the Convertible Notes on certain dates for cash only, and on other dates for cash or our common stock or a combination of cash and common stock, at our election. Additionally, investors may require us to repurchase our Convertible Notes in the event of certain change of control events that occur prior to dates listed in the table below, for cash or our common stock or a combination of cash and common stock, at our election. At our option, we may redeem our Convertible Notes on or at any time after certain dates for cash. The redemption price in each of these instances will be 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The following table details when the repurchase and redemption options occur for our 4.25% and 4.75% Notes.



	4.25% Notes		4.75% Notes
Repurchase options
For cash on		3/15/2012
For cash, common stock or combination on	1)	3/15/2015	1)	3/15/2013
	2)	3/15/2018	2)	3/15/2018
Change of control events occurring prior to		3/15/2012		3/15/2013
Redemption options
For cash on or after		3/15/2012		3/15/2013

Capped Call

In November 2010, we purchased capped call options to hedge the risk of price appreciation on the shares of our common stock into which our 4.75% Notes are convertible. The strike price and cap price related to the capped call options as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are listed below.



	December 31,
	2011		2010
Strike price	$	12.13	$	12.42
Cap price	$	17.83	$	18.26

During 2011 , the strike price and cap price related to the capped call options were adjusted due to the payment of cash dividends on our common stock. As of December 31, 2011 , the options give us the right to purchase up to 16.5 shares of our common stock at the strike price, except that the economic value of the net proceeds of exercising the options will not exceed the difference between the strike price and the cap price. Subject to certain limitations, we may elect settlement of the options to occur in cash or in shares. The options will expire on April 2, 2013 . During 2010 , we paid an aggregate premium of $22.8 for the options, which was recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Credit Agreements

We maintain a committed corporate credit facility and uncommitted credit facilities with various banks that permit borrowings at variable interest rates. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , there were no borrowings under our committed corporate credit facility. However, there were borrowings under the uncommitted facilities made by several of our international subsidiaries. We have guaranteed the repayment of some of these borrowings made by certain subsidiaries. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding balances under the uncommitted credit facilities as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was approximately 5.0% .

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

A summary of our credit facilities is presented below.



	December 31,
	2011								2010
	Total Facility		Amount Outstanding		Letters of Credit		Total Available		Total Facility		Amount Outstanding		Letters of Credit		Total Available
Committed credit agreement	$	1,000.0	$	0.0	$	16.2	$	983.8	$	650.0	$	0.0	$	16.2	$	633.8
Uncommitted credit agreements	$	458.3	$	153.5	$	2.6	$	302.2	$	455.2	$	114.8	$	0.1	$	340.3

In May 2011 , we entered into an amendment and restatement of our credit agreement originally dated as of July 18, 2008 (the “Credit Agreement”), increasing the commitments of the lenders to $1,000.0 from $650.0 , and extending the Credit Agreement's expiration to May 31, 2016 . Additionally, the amendments modified our financial covenants, and provided additional flexibility with respect to, or eliminated, certain covenants such as restrictions on acquisitions, capital expenditures and restricted payments. In addition, the cost structure was reduced. The Credit Agreement is a revolving facility under which amounts borrowed by us or any of our subsidiaries designated under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and reborrowed, subject to an aggregate lending limit of $1,000.0 or the equivalent in other currencies. The aggregate available amount of letters of credit outstanding may decrease or increase, subject to a sublimit on letters of credit of $200.0 or the equivalent in other currencies. Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are unsecured.

Under the Credit Agreement, we can elect to receive advances bearing interest based on either the base rate or the Eurocurrency rate (each as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin that is determined based on our credit ratings. As of December 31, 2011 , the applicable margin is 0.40% for base rate advances and 1.40% for Eurocurrency rate advances. Letter of credit fees accrue on the average daily aggregate amount of letters of credit outstanding, at a rate equal to the applicable margin for Eurocurrency rate advances, and fronting fees accrue on the aggregate amount of letters of credit outstanding at an annual rate of 0.25% . We also pay a facility fee at an annual rate of 0.35% on the aggregate lending commitment under the Credit Agreement.



Interest coverage ratio (not less than): ¹		5.00x
Leverage ratio (not greater than): ²		2.75x


¹	The interest coverage ratio is defined as EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Agreement, to net interest expense plus cash dividends on convertible preferred stock for the four quarters then ended.


²	The leverage ratio is defined as debt as of the last day of such fiscal quarter to EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Agreement, for the four quarters then ended.

We were in compliance with all of our covenants in the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2011 .

Cash Pooling

Note 4: Convertible Preferred Stock

Each share of our 5 ¹ / 4 % Series B Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share and is convertible at the option of the holder at any time into shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including the payment of cash dividends on our common stock. Beginning October 15, 2010, each share of the Series B Preferred Stock may be converted at our option if the closing price of our common stock multiplied by the conversion rate in effect at that time equals or exceeds 130% of the liquidation preference for 20 trading days during any consecutive 30 trading day period. Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to an adjustment to the conversion rate if they convert their shares in connection with a fundamental change satisfying certain specified conditions. The Series B Preferred Stock is junior to all of our existing and future debt obligations and senior to our common stock with respect to payments of dividends and rights upon liquidation, winding up or dissolution, to the extent of the liquidation preference.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

The number of shares outstanding, conversion rates and corresponding conversion prices for our Series B Preferred Stock as of December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 are listed below.



	December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Shares outstanding (actual number)	221,474		221,474		525,000
Conversion rate per share	74.4500		73.1904		73.1904
Conversion price	$	13.43	$	13.66	$	13.66

During 2011 , the conversion rate for our Series B Preferred Stock was adjusted as a result of the cumulative effect of certain cash dividends declared and paid on our common stock during the year, which resulted in a corresponding adjustment of the conversion price. In 2010 , we launched a tender offer and purchased 303,526 shares (actual number) of our Series B Preferred Stock for cash for an aggregate purchase price of $267.6 . The aggregate purchase price was calculated as the number of shares tendered multiplied by the purchase price of $869.86 per share plus unpaid dividends of $1.9 , which were prorated for the period the tendered shares were outstanding, and transaction costs directly associated with the repurchase. The carrying value of the tendered shares was $293.3 and was determined based on the number of shares tendered multiplied by the liquidation preference, less the pro-rata amount of issuance costs associated with the original issuance of the preferred stock. A benefit of $25.7 , representing the excess carrying value of the tendered shares over consideration from the repurchase, was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. Additionally, the pro-rata amount of issuance costs of $10.2 was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.

The terms of our Series B Preferred Stock do not permit us to pay dividends on our common stock unless all accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid, or provision for the payment thereof has been made. We declared annual dividends of $52.50 per share, or $11.6 , $15.6 and $27.6 , on our Series B Preferred Stock during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Dividends on each share of Series B Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in cash or, if certain conditions are met, in common stock, at our option on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15, or the next business date if these dates fall on the weekend or a holiday, of each year. Dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock are cumulative from the date of issuance and are payable on each payment date to the extent that we have assets that are legally available to pay dividends and our Board of Directors, or an authorized committee of our Board, declares a dividend payable.

The terms of the Series B Preferred Stock include an embedded derivative instrument, the fair value of which as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was negligible. The Series B Preferred Stock is not considered a security with participation rights in earnings available to IPG common stockholders due to the contingent nature of the conversion feature of these securities.

Note 5: Acquisitions

We continue to evaluate strategic opportunities to grow and to increase our ownership interests in current investments, particularly in our digital and marketing services offerings, and to expand our presence in high-growth and key strategic world markets. Our acquisitions typically provide for an initial payment at the time of closing and additional contingent purchase price payments based on the future performance of the acquired entity. In addition, we have entered into agreements that may require us to purchase additional equity interests in certain consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries. The amounts at which we record these transactions in our financial statements are based on estimates of the future financial performance of the acquired entity, the timing of the exercise of these rights, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and other factors.

For acquisitions that were completed on or after January 1, 2009, we record deferred payment and redeemable noncontrolling interest amounts on our Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their acquisition-date fair value. Deferred payments are adjusted quarterly based on their estimated fair value with any changes impacting operating income. Deferred payments are recorded on a discounted basis and the related accretion expense is recognized in operating income between the acquisition date and the deferred payment date. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are adjusted quarterly with any changes impacting additional paid-in capital or retained earnings. See Note 14 for further information on contingent acquisition obligations. For acquisitions completed prior to January 1, 2009, contingent acquisition obligations were not recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets until the obligation was satisfied and consideration was determinable and distributable. At that point, we recorded the fair value of this consideration as an additional cost of the acquired entity. Certain acquisitions contained deferred payments that were fixed and determinable on the acquisition date. In such cases, we recognized this consideration as an additional cost of the acquired entity on the acquisition date and recorded a liability for the future payment.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

The following table presents changes in our redeemable noncontrolling interests.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Balance at beginning of period	$	291.2		$	277.8		$	288.4
Change in related noncontrolling interest balance	(7.7		)	1.5			2.5
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests:
Additions	17.9			31.9			0.5
Redemptions and reclassifications	(70.7		)	(30.1		)	(5.3		)
Redemption value adjustments ¹	12.7			10.1			(8.3		)
Balance at end of period	$	243.4		$	291.2		$	277.8


¹	Redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported at their estimated redemption value in each reporting period, but not less than their initial fair value. Any adjustment to the redemption value impacts retained earnings or additional paid-in capital, except adjustments as a result of currency translation.

During 2011 , we completed twenty-two acquisitions, which included purchases of controlling interests in previously unconsolidated subsidiaries. Of these acquisitions, eighteen are included in the Integrated Agency Networks (“IAN”) operating segment and four are included in the Constituency Management Group (“CMG”) operating segment. All acquired agencies have been integrated into one of our global networks or existing agencies. The most significant acquisitions included full service creative agencies in Australia, a public relations firm in Brazil, digital and direct marketing agencies in the United Kingdom, a healthcare communications firm in Germany and a social media agency in the United States. During 2011 , we recorded approximately $133.0 of goodwill and intangible assets related to these acquisitions during the year.

During 2010 , we completed five acquisitions, of which four were included in the IAN operating segment and one was included in the CMG operating segment. The most significant acquisitions included a premier full-service communications agency in the United Kingdom and a media and digital marketing service company in Brazil. During 2010 , we recorded approximately $63.0 of goodwill and intangible assets related to these acquisitions during this period.

During 2009 , we completed two acquisitions, both of which were included in the IAN operating segment.

For companies acquired, we make estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities for consolidation. The purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of the tangible net assets acquired is allocated to identifiable intangible assets and goodwill. Due to the characteristics of advertising, specialized marketing and communication services companies, our acquisitions typically do not have significant amounts of tangible assets, as the principal asset we typically acquire is creative talent. As a result, a substantial portion of the purchase price of these acquisitions is allocated to identifiable intangible assets, primarily customer lists and trade names, and goodwill.

For all of our acquisitions, if deferred payments and purchases of additional interests after the effective date of purchase are contingent upon the future employment of the former owners, then we recognize these payments as compensation expense. Compensation expense is determined based on the terms and conditions of the respective acquisition agreements and employment terms of the former owners of the acquired businesses. This future expense will not be allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired and is amortized over the required employment terms of the former owners.

The results of operations of our acquired companies were included in our consolidated results from the closing date of each acquisition. We did not make any stock payments related to our acquisitions in 2011 , 2010 or 2009 .

Details of cash paid for current and prior years' acquisitions are listed below.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Cost of investment: current-year acquisitions	$	48.0		$	47.1		$	3.8
Cost of investment: prior-year acquisitions	105.1			49.6			74.6
Less: net cash acquired	(18.5		)	(5.3		)	(0.1		)
Total cost of investment ¹	134.6			91.4			78.3
Operating expense ²	0.5			3.0			0.0

Total cash paid for acquisitions	$	135.1		$	94.4		$	78.3

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Of the total cash paid, $71.5 , $29.5 and $5.9 for the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 , respectively, are classified under the financing section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows within acquisition-related payments. These transactions relate to increases in our ownership interests in our consolidated subsidiaries as well as deferred payments for acquisitions that closed on or after January 1, 2009. Of the total cash paid, $63.1 , $61.9 and $72.4 for the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 , respectively, are classified under the investing section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows within acquisitions, including deferred payments, net of cash acquired. These transactions relate to initial payments for new transactions and deferred payments for acquisitions that closed prior to January 1, 2009.


²	Represents cash payments made that were either in excess of the contractual value or contingent upon the future employment of the former owners of acquired companies.

Note 6: Supplementary Data

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts – Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Balance at beginning of period	$	63.1		$	66.0		$	63.9
Charges to costs and expenses	10.4			10.7			19.3
Reversals to other accounts ¹	(0.5		)	(0.4		)	(2.8		)
Deductions:
Dispositions	0.0			(0.5		)	(0.2		)
Uncollectible accounts written off	(16.3		)	(11.8		)	(16.5		)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1.3		)	(0.9		)	2.3
Balance at end of period	$	55.4		$	63.1		$	66.0


¹	Amounts relate to allowance for doubtful accounts of acquired and newly consolidated companies, miscellaneous other amounts and reclassifications.

Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, net



	December 31,
	2011			2010
Furniture and equipment	$	881.5		$	881.5
Leasehold improvements	593.0			605.4
Land and buildings	111.6			114.5
	1,586.1			1,601.4
Less: accumulated depreciation	(1,126.3		)	(1,147.1		)
Total furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	459.8		$	454.3

The total depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 was $130.7 , $129.0 and $150.6 , respectively.

Accrued Liabilities

The following table presents the components of accrued liabilities.



	December 31,
	2011		2010
Salaries, benefits and related expenses	$	520.6	$	470.0
Office and related expenses	57.9		62.0
Acquisition obligations	43.7		63.5
Interest	40.3		41.5
Professional fees	25.3		24.6
Other	139.3		118.9
Total accrued liabilities	$	827.1	$	780.5

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

2004 Restatement Liabilities

As part of the 2004 Restatement, we recognized liabilities related to vendor discounts and credits where we had a contractual or legal obligation to rebate such amounts to our clients or vendors. Reductions to these liabilities are achieved through settlements with clients and vendors, but also may occur if the applicable statute of limitations in a jurisdiction has lapsed. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , we had vendor discounts and credit liabilities of $55.5 and $82.5 , respectively, related to the 2004 Restatement.

Share Repurchase Program

In February 2011, our Board of Directors (the “Board”) authorized a program to repurchase from time to time up to $300.0 of our common stock (the "2011 share repurchase program"). In August 2011, the Board authorized an increase in the amount available under our 2011 share repurchase program up to $450.0 of our common stock. We may effect such repurchases through open market purchases, trading plans established in accordance with SEC rules, derivative transactions or other means. We expect to continue to repurchase our common stock in future periods, although the timing and amount of the repurchases will depend on market conditions and our other funding requirements. The share repurchase program has no expiration date.

Since the inception of our share repurchase program we have repurchased 41.7 shares that have settled through December 31, 2011 , at an average price of $9.62 per share and an aggregate cost of $400.8 , including fees.

Other Income, net

Results of operations include certain items which are not directly associated with our revenue-producing operations.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
Gains on sales of businesses and investments	$	125.9	$	4.3		$	10.2
Net loss on early extinguishment of debt	0.0		(0.1		)	(25.1		)
Vendor discounts and credit adjustments	19.4		12.7			24.4
Other income (expense), net	4.9		(4.0		)	2.2
Total other income (expense), net	$	150.2	$	12.9		$	11.7

Sales of Businesses and Investments – This item primarily includes realized gains and losses relating to the sales of businesses and investments, cumulative translation adjustment balances from the liquidation of entities and sales of marketable securities and investments in publicly traded and privately held companies in our Rabbi Trusts. During 2011 , we received net proceeds of $133.5 from the sale of approximately half of our holdings in Facebook, Inc. (the "Facebook transaction"), a cost-method investment, and recorded a pre-tax gain of $132.2 . Additionally, during 2011 , we recognized a loss relating to the sale of a business in the domestic market within our IAN segment. During 2010 , we recognized a gain relating to the sale of a business in the domestic market within our CMG segment, which was partially offset by a loss recognized relating to the sale of one our European businesses within our IAN segment. During 2009 , we realized a gain relating to the sale of an investment in our Rabbi Trusts, which was partially offset by losses realized from the sale of various businesses.

Net Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt – During 2009 , we recorded a net charge of $25.1 primarily related to the settlement of our tender offers for certain outstanding debt securities.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Cash paid for interest	$	138.9	$	139.8	$	138.6
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds ¹	102.0		87.3		57.3


¹	Refunds of $25.4 , $28.7 and $55.0 were received for the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 , respectively.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Note 7: Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess purchase price remaining from an acquisition after an allocation of purchase price has been made to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values. The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for our segments, IAN and CMG, for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are listed below.



	IAN			CMG			Total ¹
Balance as of December 31, 2009	$	2,844.7		$	476.3		$	3,321.0
Current year acquisitions	37.5			1.3			38.8
Contingent and deferred payments for prior acquisitions	34.4			0.7			35.1
Other ²	(10.6		)	(15.8		)	(26.4		)
Balance as of December 31, 2010	$	2,906.0		$	462.5		$	3,368.5
Current year acquisitions	68.5			28.4			96.9
Contingent and deferred payments for prior acquisitions	0.8			0.0			0.8
Other ²	(22.4		)	0.5			(21.9		)
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	2,952.9		$	491.4		$	3,444.3


¹	For all periods presented we have not recorded a goodwill impairment charge.


²	Primarily includes foreign currency translation adjustments.

See Note 1 for information regarding our annual impairment methodology.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets are comprised of assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization and assets with definite lives subject to amortization. Other intangible assets primarily consist of customer lists and trade names, which have definitive lives and are subject to amortization on a straight-line basis with estimated useful lives generally between 7 and 15 years. Amortization expense for other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 was $20.2 , $19.4 and $19.3 , respectively. The following table provides a summary of other intangible assets, which are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.



	December 31,
	2011							2010
	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Amount		Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Amount
Customer lists	$	165.9	$	(81.7	)	$	84.2	$	147.0	$	(69.0	)	$	78.0
Trade names	52.9		(12.3		)	40.6		45.1		(9.7		)	35.4
Other	17.3		(7.8		)	9.5		17.4		(7.7		)	9.7
Total	$	236.1	$	(101.8	)	$	134.3	$	209.5	$	(86.4	)	$	123.1

The estimated annual amortization expense for other intangible assets for the next five years as of December 31, 2011 is listed below.



	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016
Estimated amortization expense	$	26.9	$	26.8	$	24.3	$	16.4	$	5.5

Note 8: Income Taxes

The components of income before income taxes, equity earnings and the impact of noncontrolling interests are listed below.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Domestic	$	428.4	$	216.2	$	141.9
Foreign	310.0		234.4		90.5
Total	$	738.4	$	450.6	$	232.4

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

The provision for income taxes is listed below.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
U.S. federal income taxes (including foreign withholding taxes):
Current	$	0.9		$	13.7		$	(48.4	)
Deferred	92.3			60.2			38.7
	93.2			73.9			(9.7		)
State and local income taxes:
Current	12.3			16.8			(6.1		)
Deferred	11.3			(0.1		)	40.1
	23.6			16.7			34.0
Foreign income taxes:
Current	93.1			84.8			55.4
Deferred	(19.7		)	(4.1		)	10.4
	73.4			80.7			65.8
Total	$	190.2		$	171.3		$	90.1

A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate before equity earnings and the impact of noncontrolling interests as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate is listed below.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.0		%	35.0		%	35.0		%

Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	258.4		$	157.7		$	81.3
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	15.3			10.8			22.1
Impact of foreign operations, including withholding taxes	(21.9		)	4.7			26.9
Change in net valuation allowance ¹	(32.9		)	(2.4		)	12.4
Worthless securities deduction	(23.0		)	(2.5		)	(2.3		)
(Decreases) increases in unrecognized tax benefits, net	(2.7		)	8.9			(55.6		)
Stock based compensation	0.2			0.2			16.4
Other	(3.2		)	(6.1		)	(11.1		)
Provision for income taxes	$	190.2		$	171.3		$	90.1
Effective income tax rate on operations	25.8		%	38.0		%	38.8		%


¹	Reflects changes in valuation allowance that impacted the effective income tax rate for each year presented.

In 2011 , our effective income tax rate of 25.8% was positively impacted primarily from the utilization of capital losses to offset nearly all of the $132.2 capital gain realized from the Facebook transaction. The capital gain enabled us to use capital loss carryforwards, on which a 100% valuation allowance had been previously established, and capital losses attributable to worthless securities in a consolidated subsidiary. Additionally, our effective income tax rate was positively impacted by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the effective settlement of the 2007 - 2008 IRS audit cycle, a lower effective income tax rate on non-U.S. operations and the net reversal of valuation allowances, primarily in Europe. The effective income tax rate was negatively impacted by state and local taxes and losses in certain foreign locations where we receive no tax benefit due to 100% valuation allowances.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are listed below.



	December 31,
	2011			2010
Postretirement/post-employment benefits	$	42.4		$	34.5
Deferred compensation	205.2			192.3
Pension costs	14.2			23.9
Basis differences in fixed assets	81.8			83.0
Rent	38.6			15.2
Interest	54.8			51.1
Accruals and reserves	55.6			42.0
Allowance for doubtful accounts	8.1			10.6
Basis differences in intangible assets	(330.1		)	(263.3		)
Investments in equity securities	30.8			5.3
Tax loss/tax credit carry forwards	478.1			621.5
Restructuring and other reorganization-related costs	2.0			2.7
Other	92.2			55.6
Total deferred tax assets, net	773.7			874.4
Valuation allowance	(489.9		)	(508.1		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	283.8		$	366.3

We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis. A valuation allowance is established when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. In circumstances where there is negative evidence, establishment of a valuation allowance is considered. We believe that cumulative losses in the most recent three-year period represent significant negative evidence, and as a result, we determined that certain of our deferred tax assets required the establishment of a valuation allowance. The realization of our deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on future earnings. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced in the near future if estimates of future taxable income are lower than anticipated. The deferred tax assets for which an allowance was recognized relate primarily to tax credit carryforwards, state and foreign tax loss carryforwards and in 2010, U.S. capital loss carryforwards.

The change in the valuation allowance is listed below.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Balance at beginning of period	$	508.1		$	425.5		$	379.5
(Reversed) charged to costs and expenses	(25.1		)	92.3			24.7
Charged (reversed) to gross tax assets and other accounts	6.9			(9.7		)	21.3
Balance at end of period	$	489.9		$	508.1		$	425.5

In 2011 , amounts reversed to costs and expenses relate primarily to the utilization of capital loss carryforwards on which a 100% valuation allowance had been previously established, the expiration of foreign tax credits on which a 100% valuation allowance had been established and the net reversal of valuation allowance based on positive evidence in the form of a sustained pattern of profitability; These reversals were partially offset by the establishment of an additional deferred tax asset and a corresponding valuation allowance for a Luxembourg tax loss carryforward.

In 2010 , amounts charged to costs and expenses primarily relate to the establishment of a deferred tax asset and a corresponding valuation allowance for a Luxembourg tax loss carryforward, which were first available for effective utilization in 2011 . This resulted from restructuring due to a tax law change in Luxembourg. Amounts reversed to gross tax assets and other accounts relate primarily to the effect of foreign currency translation.

In 2009 , amounts charged to costs and expenses primarily relate to the establishment of valuation allowances in the Asia Pacific region, where we believe that it is no longer “more likely than not” that the corresponding tax losses will be utilized, based on significant negative evidence in the form of the deterioration of business operations and a short carryforward period in which tax losses must be utilized.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

As of December 31, 2011 , there are $32.9 of tax credit carryforwards that expire in 2013 . There are also $1,413.5 of loss carryforwards, of which $58.4 are U.S. tax loss carryforwards that expire in the years 2029 through 2030 . The remaining $1,355.1 are non-U.S. tax loss carryforwards, of which $1,094.3 have unlimited carryforward periods and $260.8 have expiration periods from 2012 through 2030 .

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , we had $1,766.7 and $1,547.1 , respectively, of undistributed earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries. It is our intention to permanently reinvest undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. We have not provided deferred U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on temporary differences resulting from earnings for certain foreign subsidiaries which are permanently reinvested outside the U.S. It is not practicable to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability associated with these temporary differences.

The table below summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits.



	December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Balance at beginning of period	$	146.7		$	160.5		$	174.9
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior year	5.3			4.6			7.8
Decreases as a result of tax positions taken during a prior year	(18.1		)	(28.1		)	(50.9		)
Settlements with taxing authorities	(5.0		)	(10.2		)	0.0
Lapse of statutes of limitation	(0.2		)	(0.6		)	(5.0		)
Increases as a result of tax positions taken during the current year	32.3			20.5			33.7
Balance at end of period	$	161.0		$	146.7		$	160.5

Included in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits of $161.0 as of December 31, 2011 , is $160.1 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is $12.1 and $11.9 , respectively, of which a detriment of $0.2 and a benefit of $5.0 is included in the 2011 and 2010 Consolidated Statements of Operations, respectively. In accordance with our accounting policy, interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In 2011 , we effectively settled the 2007 - 2008 IRS audit cycle. The settlement resulted in no cash payment and our effective income tax rate was positively impacted by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits.

We have various tax years under examination by tax authorities in various countries and in various states, such as New York, in which we have significant business operations. It is not yet known whether these examinations will, in the aggregate, result in our paying additional taxes. We believe our tax reserves are adequate in relation to the potential for additional assessments in each of the jurisdictions in which we are subject to taxation. We regularly assess the likelihood of additional tax assessments in those jurisdictions and, if necessary, adjust our reserves as additional information or events require.

With respect to all tax years open to examination by U.S. federal, various state and local, and non-U.S. tax authorities, we currently anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by an amount between $5.0 and $15.0 in the next twelve months, a portion of which will affect our effective income tax rate, primarily as a result of the settlement of tax examinations and the lapsing of statutes of limitations. This net decrease is related to various items of income and expense, primarily attributable to transfer pricing adjustments.

We are effectively settled with respect to U.S. federal income tax audits for years prior to 2009 . With limited exceptions, we are no longer subject to state and local income tax audits for years prior to 1999 , or non-U.S. income tax audits for years prior to 2004 .

Note 9: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax are listed below.



	December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(140.9	)	$	(51.3	)	$	(85.3	)
Unrecognized losses, transition obligation and prior service cost	(85.0		)	(67.7		)	(90.9		)
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities	0.2			0.0			(0.4		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	$	(225.7	)	$	(119.0	)	$	(176.6	)

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Note 10: Incentive Compensation Plans

2009 Performance Incentive Plan

We issue stock and cash-based incentive awards to our employees under a plan established by the Compensation and Leadership Talent Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) and approved by our shareholders. In May 2009 , our shareholders approved the 2009 Performance Incentive Plan (the “ 2009 PIP”), which replaced previous incentive plans. The number of shares of common stock initially available for granting new stock options and stock appreciation rights under the 2009 PIP was 8.1 . The number of shares of common stock initially available for performance-based awards and other stock-based awards under the 2009 PIP was 26.5 . Subject to the terms of the 2009 PIP, there are limits on the number of shares that may be awarded to any one participant for each type of award. The vesting period of awards granted is generally commensurate with the requisite service period. We generally issue new shares to satisfy the exercise of stock options or the distribution of other stock-based awards.

Additionally, under the 2009 PIP, we are able to grant performance cash awards. The performance cash awards are granted to certain employees who otherwise would have been eligible to receive performance-based stock awards. These awards have a service period vesting condition and a performance vesting condition. The amount of the performance cash award received by an employee with a performance vesting condition can range from 0% to 200% of the target amount of the original grant value. Performance cash awards generally vest in three years. A committee of the Board of Directors may grant performance cash awards to any eligible employee; however, no employee can receive more than $6.0 during a performance period. Performance cash awards may be settled in shares on the vest date. The number of shares to be settled on the vesting date will be calculated as the cash value adjusted for performance divided by our stock price on the vesting date.

The amount of stock-based compensation expense as reflected in salaries and related expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations, and the related tax benefit are listed below.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Stock options	$	6.7	$	7.4	$	10.2
Stock-settled awards	21.9		32.7		34.2
Cash-settled awards	5.7		10.9		9.3
Performance-based awards	23.3		11.0		6.4
Employee stock purchase plan	0.7		0.5		0.7
Other ¹	4.1		4.3		1.5
Stock-based compensation expense	$	62.4	$	66.8	$	62.3
Tax benefit	$	22.1	$	22.1	$	21.5


1	Represents charges recorded for severance expense related to stock-based compensation awards.

Stock Options

Stock options are granted with the exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. They are generally exercisable between two and four years from the grant date and expire ten years from the grant date (or earlier in the case of certain terminations of employment).

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

The following tables are a summary of stock option activity during 2011 .



	Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price (per option)		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Stock options outstanding as of January 1, 2011	22.2		$	14.43
Granted	0.8		12.48
Exercised	(1.3	)	9.61
Cancelled/expired	(3.0	)	31.19
Forfeited	(0.6	)	5.73
Stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2011	18.1		12.10		4.4	$	20.7
Stock options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2011	17.2		12.37		4.3	$	17.8
Stock options exercisable as of December 31, 2011	13.1		14.16		3.2	$	3.3

	Options		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (per option)		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Non-vested as of January 1, 2011	6.5		$	3.38
Granted	0.8		4.57
Vested	(1.7	)	4.27
Forfeited	(0.6	)	3.11
Non-vested as of December 31, 2011	5.0		3.31		7.5	$	17.5

There were 1.3 and 0.5 stock options exercised in 2011 and 2010 , respectively, and there were no stock options exercised in 2009 . The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2011 and 2010 was $3.2 and $0.6 , respectively. The cash received from the stock options exercised in 2011 and 2010 was $13.3 and $4.8 , respectively. As of December 31, 2011 , there was $7.1 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options granted, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.

We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of options granted, which requires the input of subjective assumptions including the option’s expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. Changes in the assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value and our results of operations could be materially impacted. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per option during the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 was $4.57 , $3.88 and $2.69 , respectively.

The fair value of each option grant has been estimated with the following weighted-average assumptions.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Expected volatility ¹	39.9	%	42.2	%	68.3	%
Expected term (years) ²	6.7		6.5		6.8
Risk free interest rate ³	2.8	%	3.0	%	2.5	%
Expected dividend yield ⁴	1.9	%	0.0	%	0.0	%


1	The expected volatility used to estimate the fair value of stock options awarded is based on a blend of: (i) historical volatility of our common stock for periods equal to the expected term of our stock options and (ii) implied volatility of tradable forward put and call options to purchase and sell shares of our common stock.

The estimate of our expected term is based on the average of (i) an assumption that all outstanding options are exercised upon achieving their full vesting date and (ii) an assumption that all outstanding options will be exercised at the midpoint between the current date (i.e., the date awards have ratably vested through) and their full contractual term. In determining the estimate, we considered several factors, including the historical option exercise behavior of our employees and the terms and vesting periods of the options.


3	The risk free rate is determined using the implied yield currently available for zero-coupon U.S. government issuers with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the options.


4	The expected dividend yield is calculated based on an annualized dividend of $0.24 per share. No dividend yield was assumed in 2010 and 2009 because we did not pay cash dividends on our common stock during those years.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Stock-Based Compensation

We grant other stock-based compensation awards such as stock-settled awards, cash-settled awards and performance-based awards (settled in cash or shares) to certain key employees. The number of shares or units received by an employee for performance-based awards depends on Company performance against specific performance targets and could range from 0% to 200% of the target amount of shares originally granted. Incentive awards are subject to certain restrictions and vesting requirements as determined by the Compensation Committee. The fair value of the shares on the grant date is amortized over the vesting period, which is generally three years. Upon completion of the vesting period for cash-settled awards, the grantee is entitled to receive a payment in cash based on the fair market value of the corresponding number of shares of common stock. No monetary consideration is paid by a recipient for any incentive award. The fair value of cash-settled awards is adjusted each quarter based on our share price. The holders of stock-settled awards have absolute ownership interest in the underlying shares of common stock prior to vesting, which includes the right to vote and receive dividends. Dividends declared on common stock are accrued during the vesting period and paid when the award vests. The holders of cash-settled and performance-based awards have no ownership interest in the underlying shares of common stock until the awards vest and the shares of common stock are issued.

Stock-based compensation awards expected to be settled in cash have been classified as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 .



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Stock-Settled Awards:
Awards granted	0.8		3.7		7.8
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (per award)	$	11.94	$	8.47	$	4.21
Total fair value of vested awards distributed	$	63.1	$	36.4	$	23.8
Cash-Settled Awards:
Awards granted	0.0		0.6		1.4
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (per award)	$	8.96	$	8.50	$	4.43
Total fair value of vested awards distributed	$	10.4	$	4.8	$	7.5
Performance-Based Awards:
Awards granted	1.8		0.1		1.7
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (per award)	$	11.58	$	11.02	$	6.25
Total fair value of vested awards distributed	$	30.8	$	4.6	$	29.4

In conjunction with common stock dividends declared in 2011 , we accrued dividends of $2.5 on non-vested stock-settled awards and paid $0.3 for stock-settled awards that vested during 2011 .

A summary of the activity of our non-vested stock-settled awards, cash-settled awards, and performance-based awards during 2011 is presented below (performance-based awards are shown at 100% of the shares originally granted).



	Stock-Settled Awards					Cash-Settled Awards					Performance-Based Awards
	Awards			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value (per award)		Awards			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value (per award)		Awards			Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value (per award)
Non-vested as of January 1, 2011	15.0			$	6.96	2.7			$	7.14	3.6			$	8.38
Granted	0.8			11.94		0.0			8.96		1.8			11.58
Vested	(5.3		)	8.82		(0.8		)	9.76		(2.5		)	9.33
Forfeited	(1.3		)	6.41		(0.3		)	7.30		(0.9		)	9.72
Non-vested as of December 31, 2011	9.2			6.41		1.6			5.85		2.0			10.84
Total unrecognized compensation expense remaining	$	14.9				$	3.7				$	12.8
Weighted-average years expected to be recognized over	0.8					0.7					1.9

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

During 2011 and 2010 , additional performance cash awards with a total target value of $31.9 and $19.0 , respectively, were awarded under the 2009 PIP and will be settled in shares upon vesting, which is three years from the grant date. As of December 31, 2011 , there was $34.5 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

In conjunction with our annual grant of long-term incentive compensation awards, we reviewed our estimates and assumptions in 2011 , which resulted in a decrease to our estimated forfeiture rate, as our review of our actual forfeitures indicated a lower level of forfeitures than previously assumed.

2009 Restricted Cash Plan

In March 2009 , the Compensation Committee approved the Interpublic Restricted Cash Plan (the “Cash Plan”). Under the Cash Plan, the Board, the Compensation Committee or the Plan Administrator may grant cash awards to certain employees eligible to receive stock-settled and cash-settled awards. Cash awards, when granted, have a service period vesting condition and generally vest in three years.

Cash Awards

During the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 , the Compensation Committee granted cash awards under the Cash Plan with a total target value of $4.2 , $31.6 and $28.4 , respectively, and we recognized $16.6 , $12.8 and $4.5 , respectively, in salaries and related expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009 , the Compensation Committee granted performance awards to be settled in cash under the 2009 PIP with a total target value of $39.3 , $18.5 , and $31.7 , respectively, and we recognized $22.0 , $11.4 and $3.9 , respectively, in salaries and related expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We amortize the present value of the amount expected to vest for cash awards and performance cash awards over the vesting period using the straight-line method, less an assumed forfeiture rate. Cash awards do not fall within the scope of the authoritative guidance for stock compensation as they are not paid in equity and the value of the award is not correlated with our stock price. Due to the cash nature of the payouts and the vesting period, we account for these awards in accordance with authoritative guidance for deferred compensation arrangements.

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

The Interpublic Group of Companies Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP Plan”) became active April 1, 2007 . Under the ESPP Plan, eligible employees may purchase our common stock through payroll deductions not exceeding 10% of their eligible compensation or 900 (actual number) shares each offering period. The price an employee pays for a share of common stock under the ESPP Plan is 90% of the lesser of the average market price of a share on the first business day of the offering period or the average market price of a share on the last business day of the offering period of three months . An aggregate of 15.0 shares are reserved for issuance under the ESPP Plan, of which 2.0 shares have been issued through December 31, 2011 .

Note 11: Fair Value Measurements

Authoritative guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. We primarily apply the market approach for recurring fair value measurements. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:



Level 1		Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2		Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3		Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

There were no changes to our valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities on a recurring basis during 2011 as compared to the prior year.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

The following tables present information about our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 , and December 31, 2010 , and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.



	December 31, 2011												Balance Sheet Classification
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Balance Sheet Classification
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	1,596.5		$	0.0		$	0.0		$	1,596.5		Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term marketable securities	12.9			0.0			0.0			12.9			Marketable securities
Long-term investments	1.3			9.0			0.0			10.3			Other assets
Total	$	1,610.7		$	9.0		$	0.0		$	1,619.7

As a percentage of total assets	12.5		%	0.1		%	0.0		%	12.6		%

Liabilities
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests ¹	$	0.0		$	0.0		$	58.9		$	58.9

	December 31, 2010												Balance Sheet Classification
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Balance Sheet Classification
Assets
Cash equivalents	$	1,744.4		$	0.0		$	0.0		$	1,744.4		Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term marketable securities	13.7			0.0			0.0			13.7			Marketable securities
Long-term investments	1.3			13.8			0.0			15.1			Other assets
Total	$	1,759.4		$	13.8		$	0.0		$	1,773.2

As a percentage of total assets	13.5		%	0.1		%	0.0		%	13.6		%

Liabilities
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests ¹	$	0.0		$	0.0		$	52.0		$	52.0

Relates to unconditional obligations to purchase additional noncontrolling equity shares of consolidated subsidiaries. Fair value measurement of the obligation was based upon the amount payable as if the forward contracts were settled. The amount redeemable within the next twelve months is classified in accrued liabilities; any interests redeemable thereafter are classified in other non-current liabilities.

The following tables present additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which we utilize Level 3 inputs to determine fair value.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010
	Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
	Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests			Foreign currency derivatives			Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
Balance at beginning of period	$	52.0		$	0.6		$	47.8
Level 3 additions	28.1			0.0			2.7
Level 3 reductions	(28.0		)	0.0			(2.9		)
Realized losses included in net income	(6.7		)	(0.6		)	(4.4		)
Foreign currency translation	0.1			0.0			0.0
Balance at end of period	$	58.9		$	0.0		$	52.0

Level 3 additions relate to unconditional obligations to purchase additional equity interests in previous acquisitions for cash in future periods. Level 3 reductions primarily consist of cash payments made related to unconditional obligations to purchase additional equity interests in previous acquisitions, which are classified within the financing section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Realized losses included in net income for mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests and foreign currency derivatives are reported as a component of interest expense and other income, net, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Gross unrealized and realized gains and losses for our long-term investments and short-term marketable securities are listed below.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Reported in comprehensive income
Unrealized gains	$	0.3	$	0.5	$	0.9
Unrealized losses	0.4		0.0		0.5
Reported in other income, net
Realized gains	$	0.0	$	0.2	$	1.0
Realized losses	0.3		0.0		0.6

Note 12: Employee Benefits

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

We have a defined benefit pension plan (the “Domestic Pension Plan”) that consists of approximately 4,200 participants and has been closed to new participants. We also have numerous funded and unfunded plans outside the U.S. The Interpublic Pension Plan in the U.K. is a defined benefit plan and is our most material foreign pension plan in terms of the benefit obligation and plan assets.

Some of our domestic and foreign subsidiaries provide postretirement health benefits and life insurance to eligible employees and, in certain cases, their dependents. The domestic postretirement benefit plan is our most material postretirement benefit plan in terms of the benefit obligation. This plan consists of approximately 2,600 participants, is closed to new participants and is unfunded.

Differences between the aggregate income statement and balance sheet amounts listed in the tables below and the totals reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income relate to non-material foreign pension and postretirement benefit plans.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligation

The change in the benefit obligation, the change in plan assets, the funded status and amounts recognized for the domestic pension plan, the significant foreign pension plans and the domestic postretirement benefit plan are listed below.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)



	Domestic Pension Plan						Foreign Pension Plans						Domestic Postretirement Benefit Plan
	Domestic Pension Plan						Foreign Pension Plans						Domestic Postretirement Benefit Plan
December 31,	2011			2010			2011			2010			2011			2010
Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation as of January 1	$	130.9		$	139.6		$	431.1		$	464.0		$	51.8		$	55.1
Service cost	0.0			0.0			9.6			9.7			0.2			0.3
Interest cost	6.8			7.3			23.3			22.8			2.7			2.8
Benefits paid	(11.9		)	(16.6		)	(21.2		)	(21.1		)	(6.2		)	(7.0		)
Plan participant contributions	0.0			0.0			0.7			0.7			1.4			1.5
Actuarial losses (gains)	3.2			0.6			13.5			(2.3		)	0.9			(0.9		)
Curtailments and settlements	0.0			0.0			(5.8		)	(12.2		)	0.0			0.0
Foreign currency effect	0.0			0.0			4.9			(15.1		)	0.0			0.0
Other	0.0			0.0			0.5			(15.4		)	0.0			0.0

Projected benefit obligation as of December 31	$	129.0		$	130.9		$	456.6		$	431.1		$	50.8		$	51.8

Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1	$	95.3		$	91.1		$	312.1		$	300.2		$	0.0		$	0.0
Actual return on plan assets	9.7			11.2			9.0			28.3			0.0			0.0
Employer contributions	14.1			9.6			65.0			28.1			4.8			5.5
Plan participant contributions	0.0			0.0			0.7			0.7			1.4			1.5
Benefits paid	(11.9		)	(16.6		)	(21.2		)	(21.1		)	(6.2		)	(7.0		)
Settlements	0.0			0.0			(5.8		)	(12.2		)	0.0			0.0
Foreign currency effect	0.0			0.0			3.8			(7.4		)	0.0			0.0
Other	0.0			0.0			0.0			(4.5		)	0.0			0.0
																0.0
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31	$	107.2		$	95.3		$	363.6		$	312.1		$	0.0		$	0.0

Funded status of the plans at December 31	$	(21.8	)	$	(35.6	)	$	(93.0	)	$	(119.0	)	$	(50.8	)	$	(51.8	)



	Domestic Pension Plan						Foreign Pension Plans						Domestic Postretirement Benefit Plan
December 31,	2011			2010			2011			2010			2011			2010
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets
Non-current asset	$	0.0		$	0.0		$	19.6		$	8.1		$	0.0		$	0.0
Current liability	0.0			0.0			(8.1		)	(9.3		)	(4.9		)	(4.5		)
Non-current liability	(21.8		)	(35.6		)	(104.5		)	(117.8		)	(45.9		)	(47.3		)

Net liability recognized	$	(21.8	)	$	(35.6	)	$	(93.0	)	$	(119.0	)	$	(50.8	)	$	(51.8	)

Accumulated benefit obligation	$	129.0		$	130.9		$	432.8		$	408.8

Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net
Net actuarial loss	$	49.9		$	55.5		$	55.2		$	32.3		$	6.7		$	5.7
Prior service cost (credit)	0.0			0.1			1.9			1.6			(0.3		)	(0.4		)
Transition obligation	0.0			0.0			0.0			0.0			0.1			0.3

Total amount recognized	$	49.9		$	55.6		$	57.1		$	33.9		$	6.5		$	5.6

In 2012 , we estimate that we will recognize $6.1 , $1.0 and $0.2 of net actuarial losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net to net periodic cost related to our domestic pension plan, significant foreign pension plans and domestic postretirement benefit plan, respectively.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)



	Domestic Pension Plan				Foreign Pension Plans
December 31,	2011		2010		2011		2010
Pension plans with underfunded or unfunded accumulated benefit obligation
Aggregate projected benefit obligation	$	129.0	$	130.9	$	132.6	$	411.5
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation	129.0		130.9		127.0		394.4
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	107.2		95.3		20.2		285.7

Net Periodic Cost

The components of net periodic benefit cost and key assumptions are listed below.



	Domestic Pension Plan									Foreign Pension Plans									Domestic Postretirement Benefit Plan
Years ended December 31,	2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009
Service cost	$	0.0		$	0.0		$	0.0		$	9.6		$	9.7		$	11.7		$	0.2		$	0.3		$	0.4
Interest cost	6.8			7.3			8.0			23.3			22.8			23.2			2.7			2.8			3.1
Expected return on plan assets	(7.5		)	(7.0		)	(7.4		)	(19.0		)	(17.0		)	(13.7		)	0.0			0.0			0.0
Curtailment and settlement losses	0.0			0.0			0.0			0.0			1.4			2.5			0.0			0.0			0.0
Amortization of:
Transition obligation	0.0			0.0			0.0			0.0			0.0			0.0			0.1			0.2			0.1
Prior service cost (credit)	0.0			0.0			0.1			0.2			0.2			0.2			(0.1		)	(0.1		)	(0.1		)
Unrecognized actuarial losses	6.6			8.6			9.8			0.7			1.9			2.3			0.0			0.0			0.0
Net periodic cost	$	5.9		$	8.9		$	10.5		$	14.8		$	19.0		$	26.2		$	2.9		$	3.2		$	3.5

Assumptions



	Domestic Pension Plan						Foreign Pension Plans						Domestic Postretirement Benefit Plan
Years ended December 31,	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009
Net periodic cost
Discount rate	5.50	%	5.51	%	6.01	%	5.45	%	5.50	%	5.54	%	5.50	%	5.50	%	6.00	%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A		N/A		N/A		4.37	%	4.43	%	4.41	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Expected return on plan assets	7.50	%	7.49	%	8.16	%	5.88	%	5.84	%	5.05	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Benefit obligation
Discount rate	5.00	%	5.50	%	5.53	%	5.00	%	5.45	%	5.51	%	5.00	%	5.50	%	5.50	%
Rate of compensation increase	N/A		N/A		N/A		3.66	%	4.34	%	4.43	%	N/A		N/A		N/A
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
Initial rate (weighted-average)													8.00	%	8.50	%	8.00	%
Year ultimate rate is reached													2016		2017		2015
Ultimate rate													5.50	%	5.50	%	5.50	%

Discount Rates – At December 31, 2011 and 2010 , we determined our discount rates for our domestic pension plan, foreign pension plans and domestic postretirement benefit plan based on on either a bond selection/settlement approach or bond-yield curve approach. At December 31, 2009, we determined our discount rates for our domestic pension plan, foreign pension plans and domestic postretirement benefit plan based on a bond-yield curve approach. Using the bond selection/settlement approach, we determine the discount rate by selecting a portfolio of corporate bonds appropriate to provide for the projected benefit payments. Using the bond-yield curve approach, we determine the discount rate by matching the plans' cash flows to spot rates developed from a yield curve. Both approaches utilize high quality AA-rated corporate bonds and the plans' projected cash flows to develop a discounted value of the benefit payments, which is then used to develop a single discount rate. In countries where markets for high-quality long-term AA corporate bonds are not well developed, a portfolio of long-term government bonds is used as a basis to develop hypothetical corporate bond yields, which serve as a basis to derive the discount rate.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Expected Return on Assets – Our expected rate of return is determined at the beginning of each year and considers asset class index returns over various market and economic conditions, current and expected market conditions, risk premiums associated with asset classes and long-term inflation rates. We determine both a short-term and long-term view and then select a long-term rate of return assumption that matches the duration of our liabilities.

Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets

The following table presents the fair value of our domestic and foreign pension plans' assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. See Note 11 for a description of the fair value hierarchy.



	December 31, 2011								December 31, 2010
Asset Class	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Investment funds	$	18.4	$	307.1	$	43.8	$	369.3	$	19.5	$	289.1	$	53.9	$	362.5
Insurance contracts	0.0		24.8		0.0		24.8		0.0		25.1		0.0		25.1
Limited partnerships	0.0		0.0		41.1		41.1		0.0		0.0		3.2		3.2
Other	31.1		4.4		0.1		35.6		13.3		3.2		0.1		16.6
Total	$	49.5	$	336.3	$	85.0	$	470.8	$	32.8	$	317.4	$	57.2	$	407.4

Investment funds include mutual funds, common/collective trusts, hedge funds and other commingled assets that are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities. Mutual funds, which are publicly traded, are primarily valued using recently reported sales prices. Investment funds, which are not publicly traded, are valued based on the net asset value of shares held by the plan at year end, which reflects the fair value of the underlying investments. Insurance contracts are valued based on the cash surrender value of the contract. Limited partnerships are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities. Other investments primarily include cash and cash equivalents, equity securities and fixed income securities such as government and investment-grade corporate bonds.

The following table presents additional information about our domestic and foreign pension plans' assets for which we utilize Level 3 inputs to determine fair value.



	Year ended December 31, 2011											Year ended December 31, 2010
	Investment Funds			Limited Partnership			Other		Total			Investment Funds			Limited Partnership			Other			Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	53.9		$	3.2		$	0.1	$	57.2		$	38.6		$	4.7		$	0.5		$	43.8
Actual return on assets:
Assets sold during the year	0.1			0.0			0.0		0.1			(0.4		)	(0.2		)	0.0			(0.6		)
Assets still held at year end	(0.6		)	(1.2		)	0.0		(1.8		)	6.5			0.2			0.0			6.7
Net purchases, sales and settlements	(9.6		)	39.1			0.0		29.5			3.0			(1.5		)	0.0			1.5
Transfers in/out of Level 3	0.0			0.0			0.0		0.0			6.2			0.0			(0.4		)	5.8
Balance at end of period	$	43.8		$	41.1		$	0.1	$	85.0		$	53.9		$	3.2		$	0.1		$	57.2

Asset Allocation

The primary investment goal for our plans’ assets is to maximize total asset returns while ensuring the plans’ assets are available to fund the plans’ liabilities as they become due. The plans’ assets in aggregate and at the individual portfolio level are invested so that total portfolio risk exposure and risk-adjusted returns best achieve this objective. The aggregate amount of our own stock held as investment for our domestic and foreign pension funds is considered negligible relative to the total fund assets. As of December 31, 2011 , the weighted-average target and actual asset allocations relating to our domestic and foreign pension plans' assets are listed below.



			December 31,
Asset Class	2012 Target Allocation		2011		2010
Equity securities	25	%	20	%	26	%
Fixed income securities	47	%	47	%	47	%
Other	28	%	33	%	27	%
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Cash Flows

During 2011 , we contributed $14.1 and $65.0 to our domestic and foreign pension plans, respectively. For 2012 , we expect to contribute $5.6 and $15.7 to our domestic and foreign pension plans, respectively.

The following estimated future benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in the years indicated below.



Years	Domestic Pension Plan		Foreign Pension Plans		Domestic Postretirement Benefit Plan
2012	$	11.0	$	21.8	$	5.4
2013	10.9		24.2		5.4
2014	10.6		24.8		5.3
2015	9.9		25.8		5.1
2016	10.3		26.7		5.0
2017 - 2021	44.4		153.7		21.7

The estimated future payments for our domestic postretirement benefit plan is before any estimated federal subsidies expected to be received under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. The following federal subsidies are expected to be received in the years indicated below.



Years	Domestic Postretirement Benefit Plan
2012	$	0.5
2013	0.6
2014	0.6
2015	0.5
2016	0.5
2017 - 2021	1.4

Savings Plans

We sponsor defined contribution plans (the “Savings Plans”) that cover substantially all domestic employees. The Savings Plans permit participants to make contributions on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis and allow participants to choose among various investment alternatives. We match a portion of participant contributions based upon their years of service. Amounts expensed for the Savings Plans for 2011 , 2010 and 2009 were $35.4 , $34.3 and $35.1 , respectively. Expense includes a discretionary Company contribution of $3.7 , $3.6 and $3.8 offset by participant forfeitures of $2.6 , $2.4 and $2.7 in 2011 , 2010 and 2009 , respectively. In addition, we maintain defined contribution plans in various foreign countries and contributed $30.8 , $26.2 and $25.0 to these plans in 2011 , 2010 and 2009 , respectively.

Deferred Compensation and Benefit Arrangements

We have deferred compensation arrangements which (i) permit certain of our key officers and employees to defer a portion of their salary or incentive compensation, or (ii) require us to contribute an amount to the participant’s account. The arrangements typically provide that the participant will receive the amounts deferred plus interest upon attaining certain conditions, such as completing a certain number of years of service or upon retirement or termination. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , the deferred compensation liability balance was $96.0 and $104.2 , respectively. Amounts expensed for deferred compensation arrangements in 2011 , 2010 and 2009 were $7.6 , $14.1 and $11.6 , respectively.

We have deferred benefit arrangements with certain key officers and employees that provide participants with an annual payment, payable when the participant attains a certain age and after the participant’s employment has terminated. The deferred benefit liability was $178.3 and $177.1 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively. Amounts expensed for deferred benefit arrangements in 2011 , 2010 and 2009 were $14.8 , $12.9 and $12.0 , respectively.

We have purchased life insurance policies on participants’ lives to assist in the funding of the related deferred compensation and deferred benefit liabilities. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , the cash surrender value of these policies was $144.9 and $123.2 , respectively. In addition to the life insurance policies, certain investments are held for the purpose of paying the deferred compensation and deferred benefit liabilities. These investments, along with the life insurance policies, are held in a separate

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

revocable trust for the purpose of paying the deferred compensation and the deferred benefit arrangement liabilities. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , the value of such investments in the trust was $13.8 and $16.5 , respectively. The short-term investments are included in cash and cash equivalents, and the long-term investments and cash surrender value of the policies are included in other assets.

Long-Term Disability Plan

We have a long-term disability plan which provides income replacement benefits to eligible participants who are unable to perform their job duties during the first 24 months of disability. Income replacement benefits are continued thereafter if the participant is unable to perform any job related to his or her education, training or experience. As all income replacement benefits are fully insured, no related obligation is required as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 . In addition to income replacement benefits, plan participants may remain covered for certain health and life insurance benefits up to age 65 and as such, we have recorded an obligation of $9.3 and $10.2 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively.

Note 13: Segment Information

As of December 31, 2011 , we have two reportable segments, which are IAN and CMG. IAN is comprised of McCann Worldgroup, Draftfcb, Lowe & Partners, Mediabrands and our domestic integrated agencies. CMG is comprised of a number of our specialist marketing services offerings. We also report results for the “Corporate and other” group.

Within IAN, our agencies provide a comprehensive array of global communications and marketing services, each offering a distinctive range of solutions for our clients. In addition, our domestic integrated agencies, including Campbell-Ewald, Hill Holliday and Mullen, provide a full range of advertising, marketing communications services and/or marketing services and partner with our global operating divisions as needed. IAN’s operating divisions share similar economic characteristics and are similar in other areas, specifically related to the nature of their services, the manner in which the services are provided and the similarity of their respective customers.

CMG, which includes Weber Shandwick, FutureBrand, DeVries, GolinHarris, Jack Morton, and Octagon Worldwide, provides clients with diversified services, including public relations, meeting and event production, sports and entertainment marketing, corporate and brand identity and strategic marketing consulting. CMG shares some similarities with service lines offered by IAN; however, on an aggregate basis, CMG has a higher proportion of arrangements for which they act as principal, a different distribution model than IAN and different margin structure.

The profitability measure employed by our chief operating decision maker for allocating resources to operating divisions and assessing operating division performance is operating income, excluding the impact of restructuring and other reorganization-related charges, net and long-lived asset impairment and other charges, if applicable. With the exception of excluding these amounts from reportable segment operating income, all segments follow the same accounting policies as those described in Note 1.

Certain corporate and other charges are reported as a separate line item within total segment operating income and include corporate office expenses, shared service center expenses and certain other centrally managed expenses that are not fully allocated to operating divisions. Salaries and related expenses include salaries, long-term incentive awards, annual bonuses and other miscellaneous benefits for corporate office employees. Office and general expenses primarily include professional fees related to internal control compliance, financial statement audits and legal, information technology and other consulting services, which are engaged and managed through the corporate office. In addition, office and general expenses also include rental expense and depreciation of leasehold improvements for properties occupied by corporate office employees. A portion of these expenses are allocated to operating divisions based on a formula that uses the planned revenues of each of the operating units. Amounts allocated also include specific charges for information technology-related projects, which are allocated based on utilization.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following table.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Revenue:
IAN	$	5,891.8		$	5,468.4		$	5,061.7
CMG	1,122.8			1,038.9			945.7
Total	$	7,014.6		$	6,507.3		$	6,007.4

Segment operating income:
IAN	$	728.8		$	617.6		$	423.4
CMG	101.4			80.3			73.1
Corporate and other	(142.0		)	(145.3		)	(150.6		)
Total	688.2			552.6			345.9

Restructuring and other reorganization-related charges, net	(1.0		)	(3.9		)	(4.6		)
Interest expense	(136.8		)	(139.7		)	(155.6		)
Interest income	37.8			28.7			35.0
Other income, net	150.2			12.9			11.7
Income before income taxes	$	738.4		$	450.6		$	232.4

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and intangible assets:
IAN	$	125.7		$	116.7		$	131.6
CMG	12.8			14.2			15.0
Corporate and other	12.4			17.5			23.3
Total	$	150.9		$	148.4		$	169.9

Capital expenditures:
IAN	$	94.1		$	83.5		$	50.0
CMG	16.9			6.9			5.7
Corporate and other	29.3			5.9			11.4
Total	$	140.3		$	96.3		$	67.1

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Total assets:
IAN	$	10,589.2		$	10,481.7
CMG	1,019.9			930.5
Corporate and other	1,267.5			1,658.6
Total	$	12,876.6		$	13,070.8

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Revenue and long-lived assets, excluding intangible assets, are presented by major geographic area in the following table.



	Revenue						Long-Lived Assets
	Years ended December 31,						December 31,
	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010
Domestic	$	3,887.7	$	3,709.9	$	3,372.3	$	477.2	$	480.6
International:
United Kingdom	539.4		469.6		458.5		65.2		47.4
Continental Europe	908.9		863.2		922.2		72.1		85.2
Asia Pacific	741.7		639.8		575.4		78.4		82.1
Latin America	444.4		363.3		287.1		69.1		57.8
Other	492.5		461.5		391.9		34.5		38.4
Total international	3,126.9		2,797.4		2,635.1		319.3		310.9
Total consolidated	$	7,014.6	$	6,507.3	$	6,007.4	$	796.5	$	791.5

Revenue is primarily attributed to geographic areas based on where the services are performed. Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements are allocated based upon physical location. Other assets and investments are allocated based on the location of the related operations.

Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

We lease office premises and equipment. Where leases contain escalation clauses or concessions, such as rent holidays and landlord/tenant incentives or allowances, the impact of such adjustments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease period. Certain leases provide for renewal options and require the payment of real estate taxes or other occupancy costs, which are also subject to escalation clauses. Net rent expense is listed in the table below.



	Years ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Gross rent expense	$	369.5		$	365.2		$	391.5
Third-party sublease rental income	(19.4		)	(20.0		)	(26.8		)
Net rent expense	$	350.1		$	345.2		$	364.7

Cash amounts for future minimum lease commitments for office premises and equipment under non-cancelable leases, along with minimum sublease rental income to be received under non-cancelable subleases, are listed in the table below.



Period	Rent Obligations		Sublease Rental Income			Net Rent
2012	$	313.1	$	(26.9	)	$	286.2
2013	277.1		(26.0		)	251.1
2014	224.0		(13.9		)	210.1
2015	186.5		(6.1		)	180.4
2016	147.1		(1.4		)	145.7
Thereafter	487.9		(0.8		)	487.1
Total	$	1,635.7	$	(75.1	)	$	1,560.6

Guarantees

We have guaranteed certain obligations of our subsidiaries relating principally to credit facilities, certain media payables and operating leases of certain subsidiaries. The amount of parent company guarantees on lease obligations was $385.1 and $376.8 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively, and the amount of parent company guarantees primarily relating to credit facilities was $327.5 and $395.0 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 , respectively. In the event of non-payment by the applicable subsidiary of the obligations covered by a guarantee, we would be obligated to pay the amounts covered by that guarantee. As of December 31, 2011 , there are no material assets pledged as security for such parent company guarantees.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Contingent Acquisition Obligations

The following table details the estimated future contingent acquisition obligations payable in cash as of December 31, 2011 .



	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		Thereafter		Total
Deferred acquisition payments	$	40.7	$	13.6	$	14.5	$	5.9	$	29.3	$	16.6	$	120.6
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and call options with affiliates ¹	15.6		53.4		22.8		26.5		4.0		6.7		129.0
Total contingent acquisition payments	56.3		67.0		37.3		32.4		33.3		23.3		249.6
Less: cash compensation expense included above	3.6		0.3		0.2		0.2		0.0		0.0		4.3
Total	$	52.7	$	66.7	$	37.1	$	32.2	$	33.3	$	23.3	$	245.3

We have entered into certain acquisitions that contain both redeemable noncontrolling interests and call options with similar terms and conditions. In such instances, we have included the related estimated contingent acquisition obligation in the period when the earliest related option is exercisable. We have certain redeemable noncontrolling interests that are exercisable at the discretion of the noncontrolling equity owners as of December 31, 2011 . These estimated acquisition payments of $4.6 have been included within the total payments expected to be made in 2012 in the table. If not made in 2012 , they will continue to carry forward into 2013 or beyond until they are exercised or expire. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are included in the table at current exercise price payable in cash, not at applicable redemption value in accordance with the authoritative guidance for classification and measurement of redeemable securities.

The estimated amounts listed would be paid in the event of exercise at the earliest exercise date. See Note 5 for further information relating to the payment structure of our acquisitions. All payments are contingent upon achieving projected operating performance targets and satisfying other conditions specified in the related agreements and are subject to revisions as the earn-out periods progress.

Legal Matters

We are involved in various legal proceedings, and subject to investigations, inspections, audits, inquiries and similar actions by governmental authorities, arising in the normal course of business. We evaluate all cases each reporting period and record liabilities for losses from legal proceedings when we determine that it is probable that the outcome in a legal proceeding will be unfavorable and the amount, or potential range, of loss can be reasonably estimated. In certain cases, we cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss because, for example, the litigation is in its early stages. While any outcome related to litigation or such governmental proceedings in which we are involved cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the outcome of these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 15: Recent Accounting Standards

Goodwill

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued amended guidance for performing goodwill impairment tests as it relates to performing the two-step goodwill impairment test. Under the amended guidance, an entity is permitted to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We adopted the amended guidance for our 2011 annual impairment test, which was performed as of October 1, 2011. The adoption of the amended guidance did not have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for performing goodwill impairment tests, which was effective for us January 1, 2011. The amended guidance requires reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts to be assessed to determine if it is "more likely than not" that goodwill impairment exists. As part of this assessment, entities should consider all qualitative factors that could impact the carrying value. The adoption of this amended guidance did not have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

In September 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance to enhance disclosure requirements related to an employer's participation in multiemployer pension plans, which was effective for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The amended guidance requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures for entities with significant pension plans that multiple employers may contribute to. The adoption of this amended guidance did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance for presenting comprehensive income. The amended guidance eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders' equity. We may elect to present the items of net income and other comprehensive income in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. Under either method the statement would need to be presented with equal prominence as the other primary financial statements. In December 2011, the FASB further amended guidance for presenting comprehensive income by indefinitely deferring the requirement to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the income statement and statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. Both amendments will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2012. We will present net income and other comprehensive income in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income beginning in the first quarter of 2012 and will apply this change retrospectively. As this standard relates only to the presentation of other comprehensive income, the adoption of this accounting standard will not have an impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurements

In May 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance for measuring fair value and required disclosure information about such measures, which will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2012, and applied prospectively. The amended guidance requires an entity to disclose all transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as well as provide quantitative and qualitative disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurements. Additionally, the amended guidance requires an entity to disclose the fair value hierarchy level which was used to determine the fair value of financial instruments that are not measured at fair value, but for which fair value information must be disclosed. We do not expect the adoption of the amended guidance to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance to enhance disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The amended guidance for Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements was effective for us January 1, 2010. The amended guidance for Level 3 fair value measurements was effective for us January 1, 2011. The guidance requires disclosures of amounts and reasons for transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as well as additional information related to activities in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance expanded the disclosures related to the level of disaggregation of assets and liabilities and information about inputs and valuation techniques. The adoption of this amended guidance did not have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

In March 2010, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus related to guidance when applying the milestone method of revenue recognition. The consensus was issued by the FASB as an update to authoritative guidance for revenue recognition and was effective for us January 1, 2011. The amended guidance provides criteria for identifying those deliverables in an arrangement that meet the definition of a milestone. In addition, the amended guidance includes enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures about the arrangements when an entity recognizes revenue using the milestone method. The adoption of this amended guidance did not have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In September 2009, the EITF reached a consensus related to revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. The consensus was issued by the FASB as an update to authoritative guidance for revenue recognition and was effective for us January 1, 2011. The updated guidance revises how the estimated selling price of each deliverable in a multiple element arrangement is determined when the deliverables do not have stand-alone value. In addition, the guidance requires additional disclosures about the methods and assumptions used to evaluate multiple element arrangements and to identify the significant deliverables within those arrangements. The amended guidance did not have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

Note 16: Results by Quarter (Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended March 31,						Three Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended September 30,						Three Months Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2011			2010			2011			2010			2011			2010
Revenue	$	1,474.8		$	1,337.0		$	1,740.7		$	1,611.7		$	1,726.5		$	1,553.4		$	2,072.6		$	2,005.2
Salaries and related expenses	1,080.1			979.3			1,095.7			991.0			1,088.0			1,007.1			1,138.3			1,139.6
Office and general expenses	439.2			416.8			470.8			442.9			465.5			444.7			548.8			533.3
Restructuring and other reorganization-related charges (reversals), net	0.8			0.3			0.2			0.6			(0.2		)	1.4			0.2			1.6
Operating (loss) income	(45.3		)	(59.4		)	174.0			177.2			173.2			100.2			385.3			330.7
Other (expense) income, net ¹	(6.1		)	0.5			5.3			(2.1		)	137.1			(3.1		)	13.9			17.6
Total (expenses) and other income ¹	(29.7		)	(25.6		)	(18.1		)	(31.0		)	113.9			(31.0		)	(14.9		)	(10.5		)
(Benefit of) provision for income taxes	(21.5		)	(15.3		)	47.6			63.3			70.4			24.4			93.7			98.9
Net (loss) income ¹	(53.2		)	(70.3		)	108.9			83.1			217.5			45.6			278.3			222.8
Net (loss) income available to IPG common stockholders ¹	$	(48.1	)	$	(71.5	)	$	101.7		$	105.3		$	208.1		$	42.4		$	259.0		$	195.0
(Loss) earnings per share available to IPG common stockholders:
Basic	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.15	)	$	0.21		$	0.22		$	0.45		$	0.09		$	0.58		$	0.41
Diluted	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.15	)	$	0.19		$	0.15		$	0.40		$	0.08		$	0.50		$	0.36

Dividends declared per common stock	$	0.06		$	0.00		$	0.06		$	0.00		$	0.06		$	0.00		$	0.06		$	0.00


¹	The three months ended September 30, 2011, includes a pre-tax gain of $132.2 related to the sale of approximately half of our holdings in Facebook, Inc.

Note 17: Subsequent Events

On February 24, 2012, we announced that our Board had approved a new share repurchase program to repurchase from time to time up to $300.0 of our common stock (the “2012 share repurchase program”). The authorization for repurchases under the 2012 share repurchase program is in addition to any amounts remaining available for repurchase under the 2011 share repurchase program. See Note 6 for further information on the 2011 share repurchase program. We may effect repurchases under the 2012 share repurchase program through open market purchases, trading plans established in accordance with SEC rules, derivative transactions or other means. The timing and amount of repurchases under the authorization will depend on market conditions and our other funding requirements. The 2012 share repurchase program has no expiration date.

In addition, on February 24, 2012, we announced the exercise of the Company's option to redeem for cash all remaining 4.25% Notes outstanding on the redemption date, which will be March 26, 2012 . Under the terms of the 4.25% Notes, as a consequence of our exercise of our option to redeem, holders may elect to convert their 4.25% Notes into common stock at any time prior to the redemption date. The aggregate redemption price will be the $400.0 aggregate principal amount of the 4.25% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, less the principal amount of any 4.25% Notes required to have been repurchased by us on March 15, 2012 or previously converted. See Note 3 for further information on the holders' repurchase and conversion rights.



Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.



Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 , we have carried out an evaluation under the supervision of, and with the participation of, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded (1) that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2011 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and (2) that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2011 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Management (with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that IPG’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011 . PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of IPG’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 , as stated in their report which appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There has been no change in internal control over financial reporting in the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



Item 9B.	Other Information

None.

PART III



Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the “Election of Directors” section, the “Director Selection Process” section, the “Code of Conduct” section, the “Principal Committees of The Board of Directors” section, the “Audit Committee” section and the “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” section of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 24, 2012 (the “Proxy Statement”), except for the description of our Executive Officers, which appears in Part I of this Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Executive Officers of IPG.”

New York Stock Exchange Certification

In 2011 , our CEO provided the Annual CEO Certification to the New York Stock Exchange, as required under Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.



Item 11.	Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the “Compensation of Executive Officers” section, the “Non-Management Director Compensation” section, the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section and the “Compensation and Leadership Talent Committee Report” section of the Proxy Statement.



Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the “Outstanding Shares” section of the Proxy Statement, except for information regarding the shares of common stock to be issued or which may be issued under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2011 , which is provided in the following table.

Equity Compensation Plan Information



Plan Category	Number of Shares of Common Stock to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a) ^{1, 2, 3}	Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Stock Options (b)		Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) (c) ⁴
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders	21,715,636	$	12.10	58,190,453

Includes a total of 1,964,513 performance-based share awards made under the 2006 and 2009 Performance Incentive Plan representing the target number of shares to be issued to employees following the completion of the 2009-2011 performance period (the “2011 LTIP Share Awards”), the 2010-2012 performance period (the “2012 LTIP Share Awards”) and the 2011-2013 performance period (the “2013 LTIP Share Awards”), respectively. The computation of the weighted-average exercise price in column (b) of this table does not take the 2011 LTIP Share Awards, the 2012 LTIP Share Awards or the 2013 LTIP Share Awards into account.

Includes a total of 1,693,601 restricted share unit and performance-based awards (“Share Unit Awards”) which may be settled in shares or cash. The computation of the weighted-average exercise price in column (b) of this table does not take the Share Unit Awards into account. Each Share Unit Award actually settled in cash will increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance shown in column (c).


³	IPG has issued restricted cash awards ("Performance Cash Awards"), half of which shall be settled in shares and half of which shall be settled in cash. Using the 2011 closing stock price of $9.73, the awards which shall be settled in shares represent rights to an additional 5,241,203 shares. These shares are not included in the table above.


⁴	Includes (i) 44,543,216 shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2009 Performance Incentive Plan, (ii) 12,989,250 shares of common stock available for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006) and (iii) 657,987 shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2009 Non-Management Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan.



Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the “Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons” section and the “Director Independence” section of the Proxy Statement.



Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the “Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” section of the Proxy Statement.

PART IV



Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Listed below are all financial statements, financial statement schedules and exhibits filed as part of this Report on Form 10-K.

1. Financial Statements:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended

December 31, 2011 , 2010 and 2009

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Financial Statement Schedules:

All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are either not applicable or the required information is otherwise provided.

3. Exhibits:

All exhibits, including management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements, required pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K to be filed as part of this report or incorporated herein by reference to other documents, are listed in the Exhibit Index that immediately precedes the exhibits filed with this Report on Form 10-K and the exhibits transmitted to the SEC as part of the electronic filing of this Report.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



	THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.
	(Registrant)

	By	/s/ Michael I. Roth
		Michael I. Roth Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 24, 2012

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



Name	Title	Date
/s/ Michael I. Roth	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)	February 24, 2012
Michael I. Roth		February 24, 2012

/s/ Frank Mergenthaler	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	February 24, 2012
Frank Mergenthaler		February 24, 2012

/s/ Christopher F. Carroll	Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)	February 24, 2012
Christopher F. Carroll		February 24, 2012

/s/ Reginald K. Brack	Director	February 24, 2012
Reginald K. Brack	Director	February 24, 2012

/s/ Jocelyn Carter-Miller	Director	February 24, 2012
Jocelyn Carter-Miller	Director	February 24, 2012

/s/ Jill M. Considine	Director	February 24, 2012
Jill M. Considine	Director	February 24, 2012

/s/ Richard A. Goldstein	Director	February 24, 2012
Richard A. Goldstein	Director	February 24, 2012

/s/ H. John Greeniaus	Director	February 24, 2012
H. John Greeniaus	Director	February 24, 2012

/s/ Mary J. Steele Guilfoile	Director	February 24, 2012
Mary J. Steele Guilfoile	Director	February 24, 2012

/s/ Dawn Hudson	Director	February 24, 2012
Dawn Hudson	Director	February 24, 2012

/s/ William T. Kerr	Director	February 24, 2012
William T. Kerr	Director	February 24, 2012

/s/ David M. Thomas	Director	February 24, 2012
David M. Thomas	Director	February 24, 2012

EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit No.		Description
3(i)		Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant dated as of May 26, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i)(3) to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on May 27, 2011.

3(ii)		By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended through May 26, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 27, 2011.

4(iii)(A)		Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of October 20, 2000 (the "2000 Indenture"), between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, as trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 24, 2000.

4(iii)(B)		First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 22, 2001, to the 2000 Indenture, with respect to the 7.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2011 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on December 4, 2001.

4(iii)(C)		Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2003, to the 2000 Indenture, with respect to the 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 18, 2003.

4(iii)(D)		Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2005, to the 2000 Indenture, as modified by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 22, 2001, with respect to the 7.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2011 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2005.

4(iii)(E)		Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2005, to the 2000 Indenture, as modified by the Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2003, with respect to the 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2005.

4(iii)(F)		Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 11, 2005, to the 2000 Indenture, as modified by the Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 13, 2003, and the Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2005, with respect to the 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 15, 2005.

4(iii)(G)		Senior Debt Indenture dated as of November 12, 2004 (the "2004 Indenture"), between the Registrant and SunTrust Bank, as trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 15, 2004.

4(iii)(H)		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 18, 2004, to the 2004 Indenture, with respect to the 6.25% Notes due 2014 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 19, 2004.

4(iii)(I)		Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 28, 2005, to the 2004 Indenture, as modified by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 18, 2004, with respect to the 6.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2014 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2005.

4(iii)(J)		Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 8, 2006, to the 2004 Indenture, with respect to the Floating Rate Notes due 2010 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 8, 2006.

4(iii)(K)		Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 15, 2009, to the 2004 Indenture, creating a series of securities designated 10.0% Senior Notes due 2017, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 16, 2009.

4(iii)(L)		Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of November 15, 2006 (the “2006 Indenture”), between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, as trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 17, 2006.

4(iii)(M)		First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 15, 2006, to the 2006 Indenture, with respect to the 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 17, 2006.



Exhibit No.		Description
4(iii)(N)		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2007, to the 2006 Indenture, with respect to the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 21, 2007.

10(i)(A)		Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2006, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 17, 2006.

10(i)(B)		Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 21, 2007.

10(i)(C)		Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 16, 2009.

10(i)(D)		5-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2008, amended and restated as of April 23, 2010 and as further amended and restated as of May 31, 2011, among the Registrant, the lenders named therein and Citibank, N.A. as administrative agent, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with SEC on June 1, 2011.

(i) Michael I. Roth

10(iii)(A)(1)		Employment Agreement, made as of July 13, 2004, by and between the Registrant and Michael I. Roth, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(9) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. *

10(iii)(A)(2)		Supplemental Employment Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2005, between the Registrant and Michael I. Roth, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 21, 2005. *

10(iii)(A)(3)		Supplemental Employment Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2005, between the Registrant and Michael I. Roth, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 17, 2005. *

10(iii)(A)(4)		Amendment, made as of September 12, 2007, to an Employment Agreement, made as of July 13, 2004, between the Registrant and Michael I. Roth, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(7) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. *

10(iii)(A)(5)		Amendment, dated May 1, 2008, to an Employment Agreement, made as of July 13, 2004, between the Registrant and Michael I. Roth, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(1) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. *

10(iii)(A)(6)		The Interpublic Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan Participation Agreement, dated March 31, 2008, between the Registrant and Michael Roth, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(1) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. *

10(iii)(A)(7)		Executive Change of Control Agreement, effective as of May 27, 2010, by and between the Registrant and Michael I. Roth, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2010. *

(ii) Christopher Carroll

10(iii)(A)(8)		Employment Agreement, made as of April, 2006, by and between the Registrant and Christopher Carroll.*

10(iii)(A)(9)		Amendment, dated as of October 29, 2007, to an Employment Agreement, made as of April 1, 2006, between the Registrant and Christopher Carroll.*

10(iii)(A)(10)		Executive Change of Control Agreement, effective as of May 31, 2010, by and between the Registrant and Christopher Carroll.*



Exhibit No.		Description
(iii) Philippe Krakowsky

10(iii)(A)(11)		Executive Special Benefits Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2002, and signed as of August 21, 2002, between the Registrant and Philippe Krakowsky, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(v) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.*

10(iii)(A)(12)		Employment Agreement, made as of January 1, 2006 and executed on March 20, 2006, by and between the Registrant and Philippe Krakowsky, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10,1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 24, 2006.*

10(iii)(A)(13)		Amendment, made as of September 12, 2007, to an Employment Agreement, made as of January 1, 2006, between the Registrant and Philippe Krakowsky, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(13) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(14)		Amendment, dated September 12, 2007, to an Executive Special Benefit Agreement, dated February 1, 2002, between the Registrant and Philippe Krakowsky, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(15) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(15)		Amendment, dated May 1, 2008, to an Employment Agreement, made as of January 1, 2006, between the Registrant and Philippe Krakowsky, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(3) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.*

10(iii)(A)(16)		Executive Change of Control Agreement, effective as of May 27, 2010, by and between the Registrant and Philippe Krakowsky, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2010.*

(iv) Frank Mergenthaler

10(iii)(A)(17)		Employment Agreement, made as of July 13, 2005, between the Registrant and Frank Mergenthaler is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2005.*

10(iii)(A)(18)		Amendment, made as of September 12, 2007, to an Employment Agreement, made as of July 18, 2005, between the Registrant and Frank Mergenthaler, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(9) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(19)		Amendment, dated May 1, 2008, to an Employment Agreement, made as of July 18, 2005, between the Registrant and Frank Mergenthaler, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(2) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.*

10(iii)(A)(20)		Executive Change of Control Agreement, effective as of May 27, 2010, by and between the Registrant and Frank Mergenthaler, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2010.*

(v) Timothy A. Sompolski

10(iii)(A)(21)		Employment Agreement, made as of July 6, 2004, by and between the Registrant and Timothy Sompolski, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(11) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004. *

10(iii)(A)(22)		Amendment, made as of September 12, 2007, to an Employment Agreement, made as of July 6, 2004, between the Registrant and Timothy A. Sompolski, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(16) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. *

10(iii)(A)(23)		Amendment, dated May 1, 2008, to an Employment Agreement, made as of July 6, 2004, between the Registrant and Timothy A. Sompolski, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(4) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. *

10(iii)(A)(24)		Executive Change of Control Agreement, effective as of May 27, 2010, by and between the Registrant and Timothy A. Sompolski, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2010. *

10(iii)(A)(25)		Retirement Agreement, effective as of March 24, 2011, between Interpublic and Timothy A. Sompolski, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2012.*



Exhibit No.		Description
(vi) Nicolas Brien

10(iii)(A)(26)		Employment Agreement, effective as of April 1, 2010, by and between the Registrant and Nicolas Brien, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(24) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.*

10(iii)(A)(27)		Executive Change of Control Agreement, effective as of May 27, 2010, by and between the Registrant and Nicolas Brien, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(24) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. *

(vii) Jill M. Considine

10(iii)(A)(28)		Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2008, between the Registrant and Jill M. Considine, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(1) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.*

10(iii)(A)(29)		Letter, dated November 2, 2006, from Jill M. Considine to the Registrant, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(B) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.*

(viii) Richard A. Goldstein

10(iii)(A)(30)		Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Richard A. Goldstein, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(3) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.*

10(iii)(A)(31)		Letter, dated July 24, 2006, from Richard A. Goldstein to the Registrant, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006.*

Compensation Plans and Arrangements:

10(iii)(A)(32)		Trust Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1990, between the Registrant, Lintas Campbell-Ewald Company, McCann-Erickson USA, Inc., McCann-Erickson Marketing, Inc., Lintas, Inc. and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990. *

10(iii)(A)(33)		The 1997 Performance Incentive Plan of the Registrant is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997. *

10(iii)(A)(34)		True North Communications Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit(c)(xiv) of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

10(iii)(A)(35)		Resolution of the Board of Directors of True North Communications Inc. adopted on March 1, 2002 amending the Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit(c)(xv) of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.*

10(iii)(A)(36)		The 2002 Performance Incentive Plan of the Registrant is incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed April 17, 2002.*

10(iii)(A)(37)		The Interpublic Outside Directors Stock Incentive Plan of the Registrant, as amended through August 1, 2003, is incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.*

10(iii)(A)(38)		The Interpublic 2004 Performance Incentive Plan (the "2004 PIP") is incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 23, 2004.*

10(iii)(A)(39)		2004 PIP - Form of Option Certificate is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 27, 2004.*



Exhibit No.		Description
10(iii)(A)(40)		The Interpublic Non-Management Directors' Stock Incentive Plan (the "Non-Management Directors' Plan") is incorporated by reference to Appendix C to the Registrant's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 23, 2004.*

10(iii)(A)(41)		Non-Management Directors' Plan - Form of Plan Option Certificate is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 27, 2004.*

10(iii)(A)(42)		The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006) of the Registrant is incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on October 21, 2005.*

10(iii)(A)(43)		The Interpublic 2006 Performance Incentive Plan (the "2006 PIP") is incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 27, 2006.*

10(iii)(A)(44)		Amendment to the 2006 PIP is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(1) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(45)		2006 PIP - Form of Instrument of Performance Shares is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 21, 2006.*

10(iii)(A)(46)		2006 PIP - Form of Instrument of Performance Units is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 21, 2006.*

10(iii)(A)(47)		2006 PIP - Form of Instrument of Performance Shares is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 21, 2006.*

10(iii)(A)(48)		2006 PIP - Form of Instrument of Performance Units is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 21, 2006.*

10(iii)(A)(49)		2006 PIP - Form of Instrument of Nonstatutory Stock Options is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 21, 2006.*

10(iii)(A)(50)		Interpublic Executive Severance Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(1) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(51)		The Interpublic Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan, Amended and Restated (the "Restated SERIP"), effective January 1, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(1) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(52)		Restated SERIP - Form of Restated Participation Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(2) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(53)		Restated SERIP - Form of Participation Agreement (Form For New Participants) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(3) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(54)		The Interpublic Capital Accumulation Plan, Amended and Restated (the “Restated CAP”), effective January 1, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(4) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(55)		Restated CAP - Form of Restated Participation Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(5) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(56)		Restated CAP - Form of Participation Agreement (Form For New Participants), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(6) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(57)		Description of the Change in Compensation for Non-Management Directors is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(91) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.*

10(iii)(A)(58)		Description of Changes to the Compensation of Board Committee Chairs and Presiding Director is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(2) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(59)		Description of the Change in Compensation for Non-Management Directors and Board Committe Chairs is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(73) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.*



Exhibit No.		Description
10(iii)(A)(60)		The Interpublic Restricted Cash Plan (the “Restricted Cash Plan”) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(3) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(61)		The Restricted Cash Plan, as Amended and Restated as of May 18, 2009 (the "Amended Cash Plan") is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(13) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(62)		Amended Cash Plan Restricted Cash Award Agreement.

10(iii)(A)(63)		The Interpublic 2009 Performance Incentive Plan (the “2009 PIP”) is incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 2, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(64)		2009 PIP Restricted Stock Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(2) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(65)		2009 PIP Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(3) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(66)		2009 PIP Performance Share Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(4) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(67)		2009 PIP Performance Unit Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(5) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(68)		2009 PIP Combined Restricted Stock and Performance Cash Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(6) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(69)		2009 PIP Combined Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Cash Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(7) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(70)		2009 PIP Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(8) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.*

10(iii)(A)(71)		2009 PIP Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (updated) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(84) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.*

10(iii)(A)(72)		2009 PIP Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (updated) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(85) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.*

10(iii)(A)(73)		2009 PIP Performance Share Award Agreement (updated) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(86) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.*



Exhibit No.		Description
10(iii)(A)(74)		2009 PIP Combined Performance Share and Performance Cash Award Agreement (updated) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(87) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.*

10(iii)(A)(75)		2009 PIP Performance Cash Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(88) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.*

10(iii)(A)(76)		2009 PIP Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement (updated) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(89) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.*

10(iii)(A)(77)		The 2009 Non-Management Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan (the “2009 NMD Plan”) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(9) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. *

10(iii)(A)(78)		2009 NMD Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(10) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. *

10(iii)(A)(79)		2009 NMD Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(11) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. *

10(iii)(A)(80)		2009 NMD Plan Non-Statutory Stock Option Award Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(12) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. *

10(iii)(A)(81)		Supplement to the 2006 PIP and 2009 PIP is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(88) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. *

12		Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

21		Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

23		Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

24		Power of Attorney to sign Form 10-K and resolution of Board of Directors re Power of Attorney.

31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

101		Interactive Data File, for the period ended December 31, 2011.


*	Management contracts and compensation plans and arrangements.

EXHIBIT 10(iii)(A)(8)

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT made as of April 1, 2006 by and between THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. , a Delaware corporation ("Interpublic" ) and CHRISTOPHER F. CARROLL ( "Executive" ).

In consideration of the mutual promises set forth herein the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Term of Employment

1.01 Subject to the provisions of Article VII and Article VIII, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, Interpublic will employ Executive beginning April 1, 2006 ( "Commencement Date" ) and continuing thereafter, subject to termination in accordance with the provisions of Article VII hereof. (The period during which Executive is employed hereunder is referred to herein as the "term of employment" ). Executive will serve Interpublic during the term of employment.

ARTICLE II

Duties

2.01 During the term of employment, Executive will:

(i) Serve as Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Interpublic;

(ii) Use his best efforts to promote the interests of Interpublic and devote his full time and efforts to their business and affairs;

(iii) Perform such duties as Interpublic may from time to time assign to him;

(iv) Serve in such other offices of Interpublic as he may be elected or appointed to; and

(v) Report to the Chief Financial Officer of Interpubl ic.

A RTICLE III

Regular C ompensation

3.01 Interpublic will compensate Executive for the duties performed by him hereunder, by payment of a base salary at the rate of Four Hundred Eighty-Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($483,500) per annum, payable in equal installments, which Interpublic shall pay at semi-monthly intervals, subject to customary withholding for federal, state and local taxes.

3.02 Executive's compensation will be subject to periodic reviews in accordance with Interpublic's policies. Interpublic may at any time increase the compensation paid to Executive under this Article III if Interpublic in its sole discretion shall deem it advisable so to do in order to compensate him fairly for services rendered to Interpublic.

ARTICLE IV

Bonuses

4.01 Executive will be eligible during the term of employment to participate in Interpublic's Annual Management Incentive Plan, or any successor plan, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan established from time to time. Executive shall be eligible for a target award equal to fifty percent (50%) of his base salary. The actual award, if any, may vary from zero percent (0%) to two hundred percent (200%) of target, and shall be determined by Interpublic based on Company performance, Executive's individual performance, and management discretion.

ARTICLE V

Incentives

5.01 I nterpublic will make any adjustments which may be necessary (on the terms set forth in Executive's October 14, 2005 Letter Agreement with McCann-Erickson) to the grant of Interpublic restricted stock received by Executive upon joining McCann.

5.02 Beginning in 2006, and concurrent with grants to the executive team, Executive shall participate in the Company's long-term incentive programs with a total expected annual award value at target of Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000). Such award shall be provided in a manner consistent with those provided to the executive team and may comprise stock options, restricted stock,

performance-based restricted stock or another form of incentive at the Compensation Committee's discretion. Awards will be subject to performance and vesting terms and conditions consistent with those generally required of the executive team.

ARTICLE VI

Other Employment Benefits

6.0 1 Executive shall be eligible to participate in such other employee benefits as are available from time to time to other key management executives of Interpublic in accordance with the then-current terms and conditions established by Interpublic for eligibility and employee contributions required for participation in such benefits opportunities.

6.02 Employee will be entitled to annual paid time off, in accordance with Interpublic's policies and procedures, to be taken in such amounts and at such times as shall be mutually convenient for Executive and Interpublic.

6.03 Executive shall be reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him in the conduct of the business of Interpublic provided that Executive submits all substantiation of such expenses to Interpublic on a timely basis in accordance with standard policies of Interpublic.

6.04 Executive shall be entitled to an automobile allowance of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) per annum, which shall cover all car-related expenses and parking.

6.05 Executive shall be entitled to a club allowance of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per annum.

6.06 Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Executive Medical Plus Plan which includes a financial planning allowance of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500) per year.

6.07 Executive shall participate in Interpublic's Capital Accumulation Plan, with an annual contribution of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000).

6.08 Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict the ability of Interpublic to change or terminate any or all of its employee benefit plans and programs fro m time to time; nor shall anything in this Agreement prevent any such change or termination from affecting Executive.

ARTICLE VII

Termination

7.01 Interpublic may terminate the employment of Executive hereunder at any time and for any reason by giving Executive written notice specifying a termination date. In such event, Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate on the date specified in such notice and Interpublic shall thereaft er pay him in accordance with the following:

(i) If such termination occurs within the first eighteen (18) months of this Agreement, Interpublic shall pay Executive his annual base salary for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of termination, plus an amount equal to his target award under Section 4.01 of this Agreement for the year in which termination occurred;

(ii) If such termination occurs after the first eighteen (18) months of this Agreement, Interpublic shall pay Executive his annual base salary for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of termination, plus an amount equal to his target bonus under Section 4.01 of this Agreement for the year in which termination occurred;

(iii) During the periods set forth in (i) and (ii) above, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all benefits and allowances accorded to him prior to the date of termination (except where such participation is prohibited by the terms and conditions of any particular Plan, such as the 401(K) Plan) and to continued vesting of all equity awards.

7.02 Executive may at any time give notice in writing to Interpublic specifying a termination date not less than six (6) months after the date on which such notice is given, in which event his employment hereunder shall terminate on the date specified in such notice. Provided however, Interpublic may, at its option, upon receipt of such notice determine an earlier termination date. During the notice period, Executive will continue to be an employee, will assist Interpublic in the transition of his responsibilities and will be entitled to continue to receive base salary and to participate in all benefit plans for which an employee at Executive's level is eligible, but not to receive any bonus award that might otherwise be paid during that period except as otherwise provided herein. Interpublic may require that Executive not come in to work during the notice period. In no event, however, may Executive perform services for any other employer during the notice period.

7.03 Notwithstand ing the provisions of Section 7.01, Interpublic may terminate the employment of Executive hereunder, at any time after the Commencement Date, for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" means the following:

(i) Any material breach by Executive of any provision of this Agreement (including without limitation Sections 8.01 and 8.02 hereof) upon notice of same by Interpublic which breach, if capable of being cured, has not been cured within fifteen (15) days after such notice (it being understood and agreed that a breach of Section 8.01 or 8.02 hereof, among others, shall be deemed not capable of being cured);

(ii) Executive's absence from duty for a period of time exceeding fifteen (15) consecutive business days or twenty (20) out of any thirty (30) consecutive business days (other than on account of permitted vacation or as per-mitted for illness, disability or authorized leave in accordance with Interpublic's policies and procedures) without the consent of the Interpublic Board of Directors;

(iii) The acceptance by Executive, prior to the effective date of Executive's voluntary resignation from employment with Interpublic, of a position with another employer, without the consent of the Interpublic Board of Directors;

(iv) Misappropriation by Executive of funds or property of Interpublic or any attempt by Executive to secure any personal profit related to the business of Interpublic (other than as permitted by this Agreement) and not fairly disclosed to and approved by the Interpublic Board of Directors;

(v) Fraud, dishonesty, disloyalty, gross negligence, or willful misconduct on the part of Executive in the performance of his duties as an employee of Interpublic;

(vi) A felony conviction of Executive; or

(vii) Executive's engaging, during the term of employment, in activities which are prohibited by federal, state, or local laws, or Interpublic's policy, prohibiting discrimination or harassment based on age, sex, race, religion, disability, national origin or any other protected ca tegory.

Upon a termination for Cause, Interpublic shall pay Executive his salary through the date of termination of employment, and Executive shall not be entitle d to any bonus with respect to the year of termination, or to any other payments hereunder.

ARTICLE VIII

Covenants

8.01 While Executive is employed hereunder by Interpublic he shall not, without the prior written consent of Interpublic, which will not be unreasonably withheld, engage, directly or indirectly, in any other trade, business or employment, or have any interest, direct or indirect, in any other business, firm or corporation; provided, however, that he may continue to own or may hereafter acquire any securities of any class of any publicly-owned company.

8.02 Executive shall treat as confidential and keep secret the affairs of Interpublic and shall not at any time during the term of employment or thereafter, without the prior written consent of Interpublic, divulge, furnish or make known or accessible to, or use for the benefit of, anyone other than Interpublic and its subsidiaries and affiliates any information of a confidential nature relating in any way to the business of Interpublic or its subsidiaries or affiliates or their clients and obtained by him in the course of his employment hereunder.

8.03 All records, papers and documents kept or made by Executive relating to the business of Interpublic or its subsidiaries or affiliates or their clients shall be and remain the property of Interpublic.

8.04 All articles invented by Executive, processes discovered by him, trademarks, designs, advertising copy and art work, display and promotion materials and, in general, everything of value conceived or created by him pertaining to the business of Interpublic or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates during the term of employment, and any and all rights of every nature whatever thereto, shall immediately become the property of Interpublic, and Executive will assign, transfer and deliver all patents, copyrights, royalties, designs and copy, and any and all interests and rights whatever thereto and thereunder to Interpublic.

8.05 During any period in which payments are being made to Executive pursuant to Section 7.01 above (the “Severance Period”) and for a period of one (1) year following either the end of the Severance Period or the termination of Executive's employment hereunder for any reason, whichever is later, Executive shall not: (a) directly or indirectly solicit any employee of Interpublic to leave such employ to enter the employ of Executive or of any person, firm or corporation with which Executive is then associated, or induce or encourage any such employee to leave the employment of Interpublic or to join any other company, or hire any such employee, or otherwise interfere with the relationship between Interpublic and any of its employees or (b) directly or indirectly solicit or handle on Executive's own behalf or on behalf of any other person, firm or corporation, the event marketing, pub lic relations, advertising, sales promotion or market research business of any person or entity which is a client of Interpublic, or to induce any such client to cease to engage the services of Interpublic or to use the services of any entity or person that competes directly with a material business of Interpublic, where the identity of such client, or the client's need, desire or receptiveness to services offered by Interpublic is known by Executive as a part of his employment with Interpublic. In addition, during the Severance Period, Executive shall not accept any form of employment (including as an advisor, consultant or otherwise) with an employer that is in competition with the business of Interpublic. Executive acknowledges that these provisions are reasonable and necessary to protect Interpublic's legitimate business interests, and that these provisions do not prevent Executive from earning a living.

8.06 If at the time of enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, a court shall hold that the duration, scope or area restriction of any provision hereof is unreasonable under circumstances now or then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted by the court for the stated duration, scope or area.

8.07 Executive acknowle dges that a remedy at law for any breach or attempted breach of Article VIII of this Agreement will be inadequate, and agrees that Interpublic shall be entitled to specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief in the case of any such breach or attempted breach.

8.08 Executive represents and warrants that neither the execution and delivery of this Employment Agreement nor the performance of Executive's services hereunder will conflict with, or result in a breach of, any agreement to which Executive is a party or by which he may be bound or affected, in particular the terms of any employment agreement to which Executive may be a party. Executive further represents and warrants that he has full right, power and authority to enter into and carry out the provisions of this Employment Agreement.

ARTICLE IX

Arbitrat ion

9.01 Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, including claims involving alleged legally protected rights, such as claims for age discrimination in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended, and all other federal and state law claims for defamation, breach of contract, wrongful termination and any other claim arising because of Executive's employment, termination of employment or otherwise, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association and Section 12.01 hereof, and judgement upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitration shall take place in the city where Executive customarily renders services to Interpublic. The prevailing party in any such arbitration shall be entitled to receive attorney's fees and costs.

ARTICLE X

Assignment

10.01 This Agreement shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of Interpublic. Neither this Agreement nor any rights hereunder shall be as signable by Executive and any such purported assignment by him shall be void.

ARTICL E XI

Agreemen t Entire

11. 01 This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between Interpublic and Executive concerning his employment by Interpublic or any of its parents, affiliates or subsidiaries and supersedes any and all previous agreements between Executive and Interpublic or any of its parents, affiliates or subsidiaries concerning such employment, and/or any compensation or bonuses. Each party hereto shall pay its own costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be changed orally.

ARTI CLE XII

American Jo bs Creation Act

12.01 This Agreement shall be construed, administered and interpreted in accordance with a good-faith interpretation of section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 885 of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. If Interpublic or Executive determines that any provision of this Agreement is or might be inconsistent with such provisions (including any administrative guidance issued thereunder), the parties shall agree to such amendments to this A greement as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with such provisions.

ARTICLE XIII

Applicable Law

13.01 The Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.

By: /s/ Timothy Sompolski

Timothy Sompolski

Executive Vice President,

Chief Human Resource Officer

/s/ Christopher F. Carroll

Christopher F. Carroll

EXHIBIT 10(iii)(A)(9)

AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AMENDMENT made as of October 29, 2007 (the “ Effective Date ”), between THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. (“ Interpublic ”) and CHRISTOPHER F. CARROLL (“ Executive ”).

WITNESSETH :

WHEREAS, Interpublic and Executive are parties to an Employment Agreement made as of April 1, 2006 (the “ Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for payments that are or might be treated as deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (the “ Code ”); and

WHEREAS, Interpublic and Executive wish to avoid causing the Agreement or any action taken thereunder to violate any applicable requirement of Section 409A of the Code;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises set forth herein and in the Agreement, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1. Incorporation by Reference . All provisions of the Agreement are hereby incorporated herein by reference and shall remain in full force and effect except to the extent that (a) such provisions are expressly modified by the provisions of this Amendment, or (b) Section 12.01 of the Agreement requires such provisions to be modified.

2. Defined Terms . When the initial letter or letters of any of the following words or phrases in this Amendment are capitalized, such word or phrase shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended:

a. “ ESP ” means the Interpublic Executive Severance Plan, as amended from time to time.

b. “ 401(k) Plan ” means the Interpublic Savings Plan, as amended from time to time.

c. “ IPG ” means Interpublic or any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates.

d. “ Other Severance Payment ” means any payment or taxable benefit, including any reimbursement of expenses (to the extent taxable), that Executive is entitled to receive under any other agreement, plan, program, policy, or other arrangement involving or maintained by IPG by reason of an “involuntary separation from service” (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(n)) or participation in a program that constitutes a “window program” for purposes of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii); provided , however , that an Other Severance Payment shall not include:

i. the portion (if any) of any payment or benefit that Executive would be entitled to receive upon any circumstance other than an “involuntary separation from service” or participation in a “window program;” or

ii. any payment that is required to be made (and is made) on or before March 15th of the first calendar year that begins after the Termination Date. Interpublic shall determine whether a payment is required to be made on or before March 15th of the first calendar year that begins after the Termination Date based on the facts known as of the date Executive first acquired the right (including a contingent right) to become eligible to receive such payment.

e. “ Restricted Severance Payment ” means:

i. each payment prescribed by Section 7.01(i) and (iii) of the Agreement, disregarding (A) any such payment that is required to be made (and is made) on or before March 15th of the first calendar year that begins after the Termination Date and (B) any benefit that is not includable in Executive's income for federal income tax purposes; plus

ii. each Other Severance Payment.

Interpublic shall determine whether a payment is required to be made on or before March 15th of the first calendar year that begins after the Termination Date based on the facts known as of the date Executive first acquired the right (including a contingent right) to become eligible to receive such payment.

f. “ Severance Exclusion Amount ” means two (2) times the lesser of:

i. Executive's annualized compensation based upon his annual rate of pay for services provided to IPG for Executive's taxable year immediately preceding the taxable year in which the Termination Date occurs (adjusted for any increase during such taxable year preceding the Termination Date that was expected to continue indefinitely if Executive's employment had not been terminated); or

ii. the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs.

g. “ Specified Employee ” has the meaning prescribed by Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, determined in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(i).

h. “ Termination Date ” means the date of Executive's “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code), as determined by Interpublic in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(h)(1). A sale of assets to an unrelated buyer that results in Executive working for the buyer or one of its affiliates shall not, by itself, constitute a “separation from service” unless Interpublic, with the buyer's written consent, so provides within sixty (60) or fewer days before the closing of such sale. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the phrase “termination date” as it appears in the Agreement without capitalization shall have the same meaning as set forth in this subparagraph h.

If the initial letter or letters of any word or phrase in this Amendment are capitalized, and such word or phrase is not defined in this Amendment, such word or phrase shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended.

3. Allowances . Sections 6.04, 6.05 and 6.06 of the Agreement are hereby clarified as follows:

a. Section 6.04 of the Agreement is clarified by adding the following sentence to the end thereof:

“Such allowance shall be paid in equal installments according to Interpublic's payroll practices and policies as are in effect from time to time.”

b. Section 6.05 of the Agreement is clarified by adding the following sentence to the end thereof:

“Such allowance for each year shall be paid on or before March 15th of the subsequent year.”

c. Section 6.06 of the Agreement is clarified by adding the following sentence to the end thereof:

“Such financial planning allowance shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the Executive Medical Plus Plan.”

4. Termination of Employment by Interpublic . Section 7.01 of the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:

“7.01. Interpublic may terminate the employment of Executive hereunder at any time and for any reason by giving Executive written notice specifying a Termination Date. If Interpublic terminates Executive's employment involuntarily (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(n)(1)) without Cause, Executive's employment hereunder shall terminate on the date specified in such notice and Executive shall be entitled to the following:

“(i) Interpublic shall pay to Executive his base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date for the following number of months:

“(A) If the Termination Date occurs before October 1, 2007, the number of months shall be eighteen (18) months, or

“(B) If the Termination Date occurs on or after October 1, 2007, the number of months shall be twelve (12) months.

“Except as required by Section 7.04 hereof, the amount required by this Section 7.01(i) shall be paid in successive semi-monthly installments, commencing on Interpublic's first semi-monthly pay date that occurs after the Termination Date. The amount of each semi-monthly installment, before withholding, shall be equal to one-half of Executive's base salary for one month at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date, with any residue in respect of a period of less than one-half of one month to be paid together with the last installment. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each installment required by this Section 7.01(i) shall be treated as a separate payment;

“(ii) Interpublic shall pay to Executive an amount equal to his target bonus under Section 4.01 of the Agreement for the year in which the Termination Date occurs. Such amount shall be paid in a lump sum within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date; and

“(iii) Executive shall be eligible to receive the following employee benefits:

“(a) Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits . Interpublic shall provide to Executive medical, dental, and vision benefits (or cash in lieu of such benefits) in accordance with Section 4.2 of ESP (including the indemnification required by Section 4.2(b) of ESP) as in effect on the Effective Date hereof, subject to the following provisions:

“(1) Executive's “severance period” under ESP shall be as follows:

“(A) If Executive's employment hereunder is terminated involuntarily without Cause before October 1, 2007, such “severance period” shall be the eighteen (18) month period that begins on the first day of the first month that begins after the Termination Date; or

“(B) If Executive's employment hereunder is terminated involuntarily without Cause on or after October 1, 2007, such “severance period” shall be the twelve (12) month period that begins on the first day of the first month that begins after the Termination Date;

“(2) Any amendment, suspension, or termination of ESP after the Effective Date that has the effect of reducing the level of benefits required by this Section 7.01(iii)(a) shall be disregarded unless Executive expressly consents in writing to such amendment, suspension, or termination; and

“(3) Executive's right to the level of benefits required by this Section 7.01(iii)(a) shall not be conditioned on Executive's execution of the agreement required by Section 5 of ESP.

“(b) Interpublic Savings Plan .

“(1) Executive shall not be eligible to contribute or defer (and shall not contribute or defer) any compensation with respect to the period after the Termination Date under the 401(k) Plan or any other savings or deferred compensation plan (whether tax-qualified or nonqualified) maintained by IPG.

“(2) Interpublic shall pay to Executive a lump-sum amount equal to the aggregate of the matching contributions that Interpublic would have made for the benefit of Executive under the 401(k) Plan if Executive had participated in the 401(k) Plan and made pre-tax deferrals and after-tax contributions to the 401(k) Plan at the same rate as in effect immediately before the Termination Date during the period that begins on the day after the Termination Date and ends on the last day of the period during which Executive is entitled to receive severance payments under Section 7.01(i).

“(C) Subject to Section 7.04 hereof, such payment shall be made (without interest) within thirty (30) days after the last day of the period during which Executive is entitled to receive severance payments under Section 7.01(i). The amount of the lump-sum payment required by this paragraph (b) shall be determined based on the matching formula prescribed by the 401(k) Plan as in effect during the period described herein.”

“(c) Executive shall continue to vest in all equity awards issued as of the Effective Date hereof during the period Executive is entitled to receive severance payments under Section 7.01(i).

“(d) Automobile Allowance .

“(A) Executive shall be entitled to the annual automobile allowance prescribed by Section 6.04 hereof until the last day of the period during which Executive is entitled to receive severance payments under Section 7.01(i).

“(B) The allowance prescribed by this Section 7.01(iii)(d) shall be paid in successive semi-monthly installments each equal to 1/24th of the annual allowance specified by Section 6.04 hereof. Except as required by Section 7.04 hereof, such installments shall commence on Interpublic's first semi-monthly pay date that occurs after the Termination Date. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each installment required by this paragraph (d) shall be treated as a separate payment.”

“(iv) Reimbursements .

“(a) Subject to clauses (b) and (c), below, if Executive's employment is terminated involuntarily without Cause in accordance with this Section 7.01, Interpublic shall reimburse Executive for the following expenses incurred during the period that begins on the day after the Termination Date and ends on the last day of the period during which Executive is entitled to receive severance payments under Section 7.01(i):

“(1) Club Allowance . Executive shall be entitled to the annual club allowance prescribed by Section 6.05 hereof until the last day of the period during which Executive is entitled to receive severance payments under Section 7.01(i), as follows:

“(A) for the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, the amount of the allowance shall be the amount specified by Section 6.05 minus the portion of such allowance (if any) already reimbursed for such calendar year; and

“(B) for any calendar year that begins after the year in which the Termination Date occurs, the amount of the allowance shall be the amount specified by Section 6.05 multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of calendar months during such calendar year that begin before the last day of the period during which Executive is entitled to receive severance payments under Section 7.01(i), and the denominator of which is twelve (12).

“(2) Financial Planning Allowance . Interpublic shall reimburse Executive for financial planning expenses as specified by Section 6.06 hereof, as follows:

“(A) for the calendar year in which the Termination Date occurs, the amount of the allowance shall be the amount specified by Section 6.06 minus the portion of such allowance (if any) already reimbursed for such calendar year; and

“(B) for any calendar year that begins after the year in which the Termination Date occurs, the amount of the allowance shall be the amount specified by Section 6.06 multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of calendar months during such calendar year that begin before the last day of the period during which Executive is entitled to receive severance payments under Section 7.01(i), and the denominator of which is twelve (12).

“(b) In order to be eligible for reimbursement of any amount specified by paragraph (a), above, Executive must submit a request for reimbursement, along with invoices and receipts documenting the expenses incurred and the amount paid, to Interpublic on or before the ninetieth (90th) day of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the expense is incurred. Subject to paragraph (c), below, Interpublic shall pay any amount required by paragraph (a), above, within thirty (30) days after Interpublic's receipt of Executive's valid request for reimbursement.

“(c) If Interpublic determines that Executive is a Specified Employee as of the Termination Date, no payment required by this Section 7.01(iv) shall be made before the first day of the seventh month following the Termination Date. If this Section 7.01(iv) specifies payment on an earlier date, the payment shall be made on Interpublic's first pay date for the seventh month following the Termination Date.”

5. Special Payment Rules . A new Section 7.04 shall be added to the Agreement, to provide in its entirety as follows:

“7.04 Special Payment Rules .

“(i) 'Specified Employee' Rule . This Section 7.04(i) is intended to comply with the requirement under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code to delay certain post-termination payments to Specified Employees for six (6) months after the Termination Date. In order to avoid an inadvertent violation of such requirement, the restrictions set forth in this Section 7.04(i) may be more restrictive than is required under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code. However, this Section 7.04(i) shall not be construed to allow payment of any amount at any time that would cause a violation of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code.

“(a) If (x) Interpublic determines that Executive is a Specified Employee as of the Termination Date, and (y) the sum of Executive's Restricted Severance Payments that are scheduled to be made before the first day of the seventh month following the Termination Date exceeds Executive's Severance Exclusion Amount, then:

“(1) each payment that Section 7.01(i) hereof requires to be made on or before March 15th of the first calendar year that begins after the Termination Date shall be made at the time prescribed by Section 7.01(i) hereof. Interpublic shall determine whether a payment is required to be made on or before March 15th of the first calendar year that begins after the Termination Date based on the facts known as of the date Executive first acquired the right (including a contingent right) to become eligible to receive such payment;

“(2) each payment required by Section 7.01(i) and (iii) hereof, other than the payments described by subparagraph (1), above, shall be made at the time prescribed by Section 7.01 hereof until the sum of (x) such payments, and (y) all Other Severance Payments equals Executive's Severance Exclusion Amount; and

“(3) to the extent that any payment required by Section 7.01(i) or (iii) hereof, other than a payment described by subparagraph (1), above, cannot be made by reason of subparagraph (2), above, such payment shall be made on the later of:

“(A) Interpublic's first semi-monthly pay date for the seventh month after the Termination Date (or, if earlier, a date determined by Interpublic that occurs within the ninety (90) day period immediately following the date of Executive's death); or

“(B) the date on which such payment would otherwise be due in accordance with Sections 7.01(i) or (iii) hereof.

“(b) Interest shall not be added to any payment that is delayed by reason of the application of this Section 7.04(i).

“(ii) Change of Control Rule . If Interpublic terminates Executive's employment for any reason other than Cause within two years after a “Change of Control” (as defined in ESP), any amount payable under Section 7.01(i) shall be paid in a lump sum. Except as required by Section 7.04(i), such lump-sum payment shall be made within thirty (30) days after the Termination Date.”

6. Reimbursement of Prevailing Party Fees and Costs . Section 9.01 of the Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new sentences to the end thereof:

“In order to be eligible for a payment or reimbursement pursuant to this Section 9.01, the party entitled to reimbursement or other payments shall submit to the other party a written request for payment, with invoices and receipts documenting the amount to be reimbursed or paid, within thirty (30) days after a final decision is rendered. Subject to the immediately preceding sentence, all reimbursements and other payments required by this Section 9.01 shall be made by March 15th of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which a final decision is rendered.”

7. Entire Agreement . Article XI of the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced by the following:

Article XI

Entire Agreement

“11.01 This Agreement, as amended, sets forth the entire understanding between Interpublic and Executive concerning his employment by Interpublic and supersedes any and all previous agreements between Executive and Interpublic concerning such employment and/or any compensation or bonuses. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of an amendment to this Agreement and the terms of this Agreement in effect before such amendment, the terms of the amendment shall govern. Each party hereto shall pay its own costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement and each amendment thereto. Any amendment or modification to this Agreement shall be set forth in writing and signed by Executive and an authorized director or officer of Interpublic.”

8. American Jobs Creation Act . Section 12.01 of the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:

“12.01 This Agreement shall be construed, administered, and interpreted in accordance with (i) before January 1, 2008, a reasonable, good-faith interpretation of Section 409A of the Code and Section 885 of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (collectively the “ AJCA ”) and (ii) after December 31, 2007, the AJCA. If Interpublic or Executive determines that any provision of this Agreement is or might be inconsistent with the requirements of the AJCA, the parties shall attempt in good faith to agree on such amendments to this Agreement as may be necessary or appropriate to avoid causing Executive to incur adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed to transfer any liability for failure to comply with Section 409A from Executive or any other individual to Interpublic.

9. Applicable Law . Section 13.01 of the Agreement is hereby clarified by adding to the end thereof the phrase “without regard to any rule or principle concerning conflicts or choice of law that might otherwise refer construction or enforcement to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Interpublic, by its duly authorized officer, and Executive have caused this Amendment to the Agreement to be executed.



The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.	Executive
BY: /s/ Timothy Sompolski Timothy Sompolski Executive Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer	/s/ Christopher F. Carroll Christopher F. Carroll
DATE: 10/29/07	DATE: 10/29/07

EXHIBIT 10(iii)(A)(10)

EXECUTIVE CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) effective as of the date of execution, by and between The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (“ Interpublic ”), a Delaware corporation, and Christopher Carroll (the “ Executive ”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Interpublic and the Executive are parties to an Executive Change of Control Agreement dated as of October 29, 2007 (the “ Existing Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 6.7 of the Existing Agreement, the parties wish to amend and restate the Existing Agreement to extend the term thereof and to clarify and update certain provisions. Such amendment and restatement shall supersede and replace the Existing Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Executive's continued service to the Company, and the mutual agreements herein contained, Interpublic and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

When the initial letter or letters of the following words and phrases are capitalized in this Agreement, such words and phrases shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended:

Section 1.1. Base Amount means the portion, if any, of the amounts payable under Article 2 hereof that, if this Agreement did not exist, would be payable to the Executive pursuant to the terms of an Other Arrangement. The Base amount includes amounts payable under an employment agreement, the Interpublic Executive Severance Plan (“ ESP ”), the Interpublic Capital Accumulation Plan (“ CAP ”), and the Interpublic Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan (“ SERIP ”).

Section 1.2. Board of Directors means the Board of Directors of Interpublic.

Section 1.3. Cause means -

(a) a material breach by the Executive of a provision in an employment agreement with Interpublic or a Subsidiary that, if capable of being cured, has not been cured within fifteen (15) days after the Executive receives written notice from Interpublic or any Subsidiary of such breach;

(b) misappropriation by the Executive of funds or property of Interpublic or a Subsidiary;

(c) any attempt by the Executive to secure any personal profit related to the business of Interpublic or a Subsidiary that is not approved in writing by the Board of Directors or by the person to whom the Executive reports directly;

(d) fraud, material dishonesty, gross negligence, gross malfeasance or insubordination by the Executive, or willful (i) failure by the Executive to follow the code of conduct of Interpublic or a Subsidiary or (ii) misconduct by the Executive in the performance of his duties as an employee of Interpublic or a Subsidiary, excluding in each case any act (or series of acts) taken in good faith by the Executive that does not (and in the aggregate do not) cause material harm to Interpublic or a Subsidiary;

(e) refusal or failure by the Executive to attempt in good faith to perform the Executive's duties as an employee or to follow a reasonable good-faith direction of the Board of Directors or the person to whom the Executive reports directly that has not been cured within fifteen (15) days after the Executive receives written notice from Interpublic of such refusal or failure;

(f) commission by the Executive, or a formal charge or indictment alleging commission by the Executive, of a felony or a crime involving dishonesty, fraud, or moral turpitude; or

(g) conduct by the Executive that is clearly prohibited by the policy of Interpublic or a Subsidiary prohibiting discrimination or harassment based on age, gender, race, religion, disability, national origin or any other protected category.

(h)

Section 1.4. Change of Control means -

(a) subject to subsections (b) and (c), below, the first to occur of the following events:

i. any person (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “ 1934 Act ”)) becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) of stock that, together with other stock held by such person, possesses more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of Interpublic's then-outstanding stock;

ii. any person (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the 1934 Act) acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person) ownership of stock of Interpublic possessing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of Interpublic's then-outstanding stock;

iii. any person (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the 1934 Act) acquires (or

has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to forty percent (40%) or more of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of Interpublic immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions (where gross fair market value is determined without regard to any associated liabilities); or

iv. during any 12-month period, a majority of the members of the Board of Directors is replaced by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors before the date of their appointment or election.

(b) A Change of Control shall not be deemed to occur by reason of -

i. the acquisition of additional control of Interpublic by any person or persons acting as a group that is considered to “effectively control” Interpublic (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), or

ii. a transfer of assets to any entity controlled by the shareholders of Interpublic immediately after such transfer, including a transfer to (A) a shareholder of Interpublic (immediately before such transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its stock; (B) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned (immediately after such transfer) directly or indirectly by Interpublic; (C) a person or persons acting as a group that owns (immediately after such transfer) directly or indirectly fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all outstanding stock of Interpublic; or (D) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned (immediately after such transfer) directly or indirectly by a person described in clause (C), above.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision in this Section 1.4 to the contrary, a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred unless the relevant facts and circumstances give rise to a change in the ownership or effective control of Interpublic, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of Interpublic, within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code.

(d)

Section 1.5. Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Section 1.6 Company means Interpublic and its Subsidiaries.

Section 1.7 Designated Number means two (2). The Designated Number of Months means a number of calendar months equal to twelve (12) times the Designated Number.

Section 1.8 Good Reason .

(a) The Executive shall be deemed to resign for Good Reason if and only if (i) his Termination of Employment occurs within the two (2) year period immediately following the date on which a Covered Action (as defined by subsection (b), below) occurs and (ii) the conditions specified by subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this Section 1.8 are satisfied.

(b) The Executive shall have Good Reason to resign from employment with the Company only if at least one of the following events (each a “ Covered Action ”) occurs within the two (2) year period immediately following the effective date of a Change of Control:

i. Interpublic or a Subsidiary materially reduces the Executive's annualized rate of base salary;

ii. an action by Interpublic or a Subsidiary results in a material diminution of the Executive's authority, duties or responsibilities;

iii. an action by Interpublic or a Subsidiary results in a material diminution in the authority, duties, or responsibilities of the supervisor to whom the Executive is required to report, including a requirement that the Executive report to a corporate officer or employee instead of reporting directly to the Board of Directors;

iv. Interpublic or a Subsidiary materially diminishes the budget over which the Executive retains authority;

v. Interpublic or a Subsidiary requires the Executive, without his express written consent, to be based in an office more than fifty (50) miles outside the city in which he is principally based, unless (A) the relocation decision is made by the Executive or (B) the Executive is notified in writing that Interpublic or his employer is seriously considering such a relocation and the Executive does not object in writing within ten (10) days after he receives such written notice; or

vi. Interpublic or a Subsidiary materially breaches an employment agreement between Interpublic or the Subsidiary and the Executive.

i. within the ninety (90) day period immediately following the date on which such Covered Action first occurs, the Executive notifies Interpublic in writing that such Covered Action has occurred; and

ii. such Covered Action is not remedied within the thirty (30) day period immediately following the date on which Interpublic receives a notice provided in accordance with paragraph (i), above.

(d) The Executive shall not have Good Reason to resign as a result of a Covered Action unless before the end of the thirty-one (31) day period immediately following the end of the thirty (30) day period specified by paragraph (c)(ii), above, the Executive gives Interpublic a minimum of thirty (30) days', and a maximum of ninety (90) days', advance written notice of the effective date of his resignation.

Section 1.9. Other Arrangement means any other agreement, plan, program, policy, or other arrangement involving or maintained by Interpublic or a Subsidiary under which the Executive is or might be eligible to receive compensation or benefits.

Section 1.10. Outside Auditor means either (i) the outside auditor retained by Interpublic in the last fiscal year ending before such Change of Control or (ii) a national auditing firm acceptable to the Executive.

Section 1.11. Qualifying Termination means a Termination of Employment of the Executive that -

(a) is (i) an “involuntary separation” (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(n)) that is initiated by Interpublic or a Subsidiary for a reason other than Cause or (ii) initiated by the Executive for Good Reason, and

(b) occurs during the period that begins upon a Change of Control and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the second anniversary of such Change of Control.

(c)

Section 1.12. Severance Period means the period starting on the date of the Executive's Qualifying Termination and ending on the last day of the calendar month that is the Designated Number of Months after such date.

Section 1.13. Subsidiary means any corporation or other entity that is required to be combined with Interpublic as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code.

Section 1.14 Termination of Employment means the Executive's “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) with the Company. For purposes of this Agreement:

(a) If the Executive is on a bona fide leave of absence and does not have a statutory or contractual right to reemployment, he shall be deemed to have had a Termination of Employment on the first date that is more than six (6) months after the commencement of such leave of absence. However, if the leave of absence is due to any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to last for a continuous period of six (6) months or more, and such impairment causes the Executive to be unable to perform the duties of his position of employment or any substantially similar position of employment, the preceding sentence shall be deemed to refer to a twenty-nine (29) month period rather than to a six (6) month period. For the avoidance of doubt, a leave of absence shall be treated as bona fide only if there is a reasonable expectation that the Participant will return from such leave; and

(b) A sale of assets by Interpublic or a Subsidiary to an unrelated buyer that results in the Executive working for the buyer or one of its affiliates shall not, by itself, constitute a Termination of Employment unless Interpublic, with the buyer's written consent, so provides in writing 60 or fewer days before the closing of such sale.

Section 1.15. Unsecured Trust means a trust established pursuant to a trust agreement or other written instrument that (a) states that the assets of such trust are subject to claims of the Company's creditors, (b) states that such trust shall be irrevocable until all claims for benefits under the plans, programs, agreements, and other arrangements covered by such trust have been satisfied, and (c) complies with the applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code.

ARTICLE 2

PAYMENTS UPON QUALIFYING TERMINATION

Section 2.1 Severance Payment . Subject to the requirements of Section 3.2 hereof, if the Executive's employment terminates as a result of a Qualifying Termination, Interpublic shall, within thirty (30) days after the date of the Executive's Qualifying Termination (or such later date as required by Section 2.5 hereof), pay to the Executive a lump-sum amount (without any discount to reflect the time value of money) equal to the Designated Number multiplied by the sum of:

(a) The greater of (i) the Executive's annual base salary for the calendar year in which the Qualifying Termination occurs (determined on the basis of the Executive's annual salary in effect immediately prior to such Qualifying Termination) or (ii) the Executive's annual base salary for the calendar year in which the Change of Control occurs (determined on the basis of the Executive's annual salary in effect immediately prior to such Change of Control); plus

(b) The greater of (i) the Executive's Incentive Performance award under the 2009 Performance Incentive Plan or any successor thereto (“ Target EIP Award ”) for the calendar year in which the Qualifying Termination occurs or (ii) the Executive's Target EIP Award for the calendar year in which the Change of Control occurs, as such Target EIP Award is in effect immediately prior to such Change of Control.

Section 2.2 Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits . If the Executive's employment terminates as a result of a Qualifying Termination, Interpublic shall make cash payments to the Executive in lieu of continuing medical, dental, and vision benefits, in accordance with Section 4.2 of the Interpublic Executive Severance Plan (“ ESP ”), subject to the following provisions:

(a) The “designated number of months” for purposes of determining the Executive's “severance period” and “COBRA period” under ESP shall be the Designated Number of Months set forth in Section 1.7 hereof;

(b) Any amendment, suspension, or termination of ESP after the date of this Agreement that has the effect of reducing the level of benefits required by this Section 2.2, shall be disregarded unless the Executive expressly consents in writing to such amendment, suspension, or termination; and

(c) The Executive's right to the level of benefits required by this Section 2.2 shall not be conditioned on the Executive executing the agreement required by Section 5 of ESP.

Section 2.3 CAP Supplement .

(a) If (x) the Executive's employment terminates as a result of a Qualifying Termination and (y) the Executive participates in the Interpublic Capital Accumulation Plan (“ CAP ”), Interpublic shall pay to the Executive a lump-sum amount (without any discount to reflect the time value of money) equal to the sum of (i) plus (ii) plus (iii), where:

i. equals the balance of the Executive's CAP account (including any unvested balance) immediately before the Qualifying Termination plus the sum of the annual dollar credits that would have been added to the Executive's account under CAP on each December 31st after the Executive's Termination of Employment if he had remained

employed by the Company continuously through the last day of the Severance Period (provided that this paragraph (i) shall not require duplication of any amount that is added to the Executive's account under CAP in accordance with the terms thereof);

ii. equals (A) the dollar credit that would have been added to the Executive's account under CAP on December 31st of the calendar year in which the Severance Period ends if the Executive had remained employed by the Company continuously through such December 31st, multiplied by (B) a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days from January 1st of such calendar year through the last day of the Severance Period and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365); and

iii. equals (A) the interest crediting rate under CAP for the calendar year in which the Executive's account balance under CAP is paid, multiplied by (B) the vested balance of the Executive's account under CAP as of January 1st of such year, multiplied by (C) a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days from January 1st of such year through the date on which the Executive's account balance under CAP is paid and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365).

Except as required by Section 2.5 hereof, Interpublic shall make the payment required by this Section 2.3 within thirty (30) days after the date of the Executive's Qualifying Termination.

(b) Before a Change of Control, Interpublic shall contribute to an Unsecured Trust an amount that an Outside Auditor engaged by Interpublic, at Interpublic's expense, concludes, in its best judgment (considering the information available to such Outside Auditor at the time of the calculation and the time constraints on completing the calculation), is equal to the amount the Executive would be entitled to receive under this Section 2.3 if the Executive had a Qualifying Termination immediately after the Change of Control. For purposes of this calculation, the Outside Auditor shall assume that (i) payment of the amount described in the immediately preceding sentence will be due within thirty (30) days after the Change of Control and (ii) the rate of return on assets of the Unsecured Trust will be the interest crediting rate under CAP for the calendar year in which the Change of Control occurs.

Section 2.4 SERIP Supplement .

(a) If (x) the Executive's employment terminates as a result of a Qualifying Termination and (y) the Executive participates in the Interpublic Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan (“ SERIP ”), Interpublic shall pay to the Executive a lump-sum amount (without any discount to reflect the time value of money) equal to the amount (if any) that the Executive would be entitled to receive under SERIP if he had remained employed by the Company continuously through the end of the Severance Period, plus any additional amount that becomes payable by reason of SERIP's special change of control vesting provisions. Except as required by Section 2.5 hereof, Interpublic shall make the payment required by this Section 2.4 within thirty (30) days after the date of the Executive's Qualifying Termination.

(b) Before a Change of Control, Interpublic shall contribute to an Unsecured Trust an amount that an Outside Auditor engaged by Interpublic, at Interpublic's expense, concludes, in its best judgment (considering the information available to such Outside Auditor at the time of the calculation and the time constraints on completing the calculation), is equal to the amount the Executive would be entitled to receive under this Section 2.4 if the Executive had a Qualifying Termination immediately after the Change of Control. For purposes of this calculation, the Outside Auditor shall assume that (i) payment of the amount described in the immediately preceding sentence will be due within thirty (30) days after the Change of Control and (ii) the rate of return on assets of the Unsecured Trust will be the plan interest rate specified by SERIP.

Section 2.5 Special Payment Rules .

(a) Specified Employee Rules . If Interpublic determines that the Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, and determined in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(i)) on the date of his Termination of Employment, Interpublic shall make the payments specified by paragraphs (i), (ii), and (iii) of this Section 2.5(a) and shall not make any payments pursuant to Section 2.1, Section 2.3, or Section 2.4 hereof (except insofar as such Sections determine the amount required by this Section 2.5(a)).

i. Interpublic shall pay the Base Amount at the time or times prescribed by the terms of the applicable Other Arrangement through the last day of the sixth calendar month that begins after the date of the Executive's Termination of Employment;

ii. Within thirty (30) days after the date of the Executive's Qualifying Termination, Interpublic shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum the excess (if any) of (A) the sum of the amounts prescribed by this Article 2 over (B) the aggregate Base Amount payable under all Other Arrangements. The amounts in clauses (A) and (B) of this paragraph (ii) shall be determined without any adjustment (such as a discount) to reflect the time value of money; and

iii. On the 6-Month Pay Date (as defined below), Interpublic shall pay to the Executive an amount equal to the excess (if any) of (A) the sum of the aggregate amounts prescribed by this Article 2 (taking into account Section 4.5) over (B) the aggregate amount paid in accordance with paragraphs (i) and (ii), above (determined without any adjustment (such as interest) to reflect the time value of money). The “6-Month Pay Date” shall be Interpublic's first semi-monthly pay date for the seventh calendar month that begins after the date of the Executive's Termination of Employment (or, if earlier, a date determined by Interpublic that occurs within the ninety (90) day period immediately following the date of the Executive's death).

(b) This Section 2.5 shall be interpreted consistent with the intent that any delay shall apply only to the extent required to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and that no delay shall apply with respect to any payment that is not subject to the requirements of Section 409A by reason of the “short-term deferral” rule described in Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(b)(4) or the “two-year, two-time” rule described in Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(b)(9).

Section 2.6 Death Prior to Payment . If the Executive dies after his Qualifying Termination but before all of the payments required by this Article 2 have been made, Interpublic shall pay to the Executive's estate an amount equal to the sum of the then-unpaid

amounts required by this Article 2. Such payment shall be made in a lump sum (without any discount to reflect the time value of money) as soon as practicable, and no more than ninety (90) days, after the Executive's death. The date of payment shall be determined by Interpublic in its sole discretion, and not by the Executive or his personal representative.

ARTICLE 3

TAX MATTERS

Section 3.1 Withholding and Taxes . The Company may withhold (or cause to be withheld) from any amounts payable to the Executive or on his behalf hereunder any or all federal, state, city, or other taxes that the Company reasonably determines are required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. However, the Executive shall be solely responsible for paying all taxes (including any excise taxes) on any compensation (including imputed compensation) and other income provided to him or on his behalf, regardless of whether taxes are withheld. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed (a) to limit the Executive's responsibility under this Section 3.1 or (b) to transfer to or impose on the Company any liability relating to taxes (including excise taxes) on compensation (including imputed compensation) or other income under this Agreement.

Section 3.2 Forfeiture of Certain Parachute Payments.

(a) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if subsection (b), below, applies, the Executive shall forfeit amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement to the extent an Outside Auditor determines is necessary to ensure that the Executive is not reasonably likely to receive a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.

(b) This subsection (b) shall apply if -

i. any payment to be made under this Agreement is reasonably likely to result in the Executive receiving a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), and

ii. the Executive's forfeiture of payments due under this Agreement would result in the aggregate after-tax amount that the Executive would receive being greater than the aggregate after-tax amount that the Executive would receive if there were no such forfeiture.

(c) Interpublic shall engage, at Interpublic's expense, an Outside Auditor to determine (i) whether any amount shall be forfeited pursuant to subsection (a), above, and (ii) the amount of any such forfeiture. The Outside Auditor's determination shall be conclusive and binding.

(d) If the Outside Auditor engaged pursuant to subsection (c), above, determines that adverse tax consequences relating to Section 280G of the Code (determined on a net after-tax basis) could be avoided by the Executive forfeiting payments under one or more Other Arrangements, and such Other Arrangements permit a forfeiture to avoid adverse tax consequences relating to Section 280G of the Code, the Executive shall not forfeit the right to receive any amount due under this Agreement unless and until he has forfeited the right to all payments under such Other Arrangements.

ARTICLE 4

COLLATERAL MATTERS

Section 4.1 Nature of Payments . All payments and benefits provided to the Executive under this Agreement shall be considered either severance payments in consideration of his past services on behalf of the Company or payments in consideration of the covenant set forth in Section 4.7 hereof. No payment or benefit provided hereunder shall be regarded as a penalty on the Company.

Section 4.2 Mitigation . The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise. Unless the Executive breaches the covenant set forth in Section 4.7 hereof, the amount of any payment provided for herein shall not be reduced by any remuneration that the Executive may earn after his Termination of Employment.

Section 4.3 Setoff for Debts . Interpublic may reduce the amount of any payment or benefit otherwise due to the Executive under Article 2 hereof by any amount that the Executive owes to the Company pursuant to a written instrument executed by the Executive, but only if the Company has not already recovered such amount by setoff or otherwise and, to the extent required by Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(j)(4)(xiii), (a) the debt was incurred in the ordinary course of the Executive's relationship with the Company, (b) the entire amount of reduction in any taxable year does not exceed $5,000, and (c) the reduction is made at the same time and in the same amount as required by the terms of such written instrument.

Section 4.4 Benefits Not Addressed in this Agreement . The effect of a Change of Control or a Qualifying Termination on the rights of the Executive with respect to any compensation, awards, or benefits under any Other Arrangement that does not provide for salary continuation payments and that is not expressly addressed in Article 2 (including rights under any deferred compensation arrangement, any Executive Special Benefit Agreement (“ ESBA ”), and the 2009 Performance Incentive Plan and any predecessor or successor thereto (collectively, the “ PIP ”)) shall be determined solely by the terms of the governing documents for such Other Arrangement, and not by the terms of this Agreement.

Section 4.5 Coordination with Employment Contract, ESP, CAP, and SERIP . The payments and benefits required by Article 2 hereof shall be in lieu of (and not in addition to) any payments under CAP, SERIP, or an Other Arrangement that provides for salary continuation payments to which the Executive might have a claim by reason of a Qualifying Termination, whether such Other Arrangement is executed before or after the date hereof, unless expressly provided otherwise in such Other Arrangement; provided that if Other Arrangements provide for a payment (or payments) by reason of a Qualifying Termination that is (or are) larger in the aggregate (determined without regard to the time value of money) than the severance payment prescribed by Section 2.1 hereof, the Company shall pay the Executive the larger

amount (in lieu of the amount prescribed by Section 2.1, and without any adjustment for interest) in a lump sum (without any discount to reflect the time value of money) at the time prescribed by Section 2.1 (or such later date as required by Section 2.5 hereof). If the Executive resigns for Good Reason, he shall be deemed to have satisfied any notice requirement for resignation, and any service requirement following such notice, under any employment contract between the Executive and Interpublic or a Subsidiary. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to reduce, limit, or otherwise affect in any way any benefits payable to the Executive under Article 2 hereof, any ESBA, any deferred compensation arrangement, the PIP, or any Other Arrangement that does not provide for salary continuation payments and is not expressly addressed in Article 2.

Section 4.6 Funding . Except as required by Section 2.3(b), Section 2.4(b), and Section 4.8(c) hereof, this Agreement does not require the Company to set aside any amounts that may be necessary to satisfy its obligations hereunder. Any assets that the Company sets aside to fund the Company's obligations under this Agreement, whether in an Unsecured Trust or otherwise, shall be subject to the claims of the Company's creditors in the event of the Company's bankruptcy or insolvency.

Section 4.7 Covenant of Executive .

(a) If the Executive has a Qualifying Termination that entitles him to a payment under Article 2 hereof, the Executive shall not, during the eighteen (18) months next following the date of his Termination of Employment, either (i) solicit any employee of the Company to leave such employ and to enter into the employ of, or to provide services to, the Executive or any person with which the Executive is associated or (ii) solicit or handle on his own behalf, or on behalf of any person with which the Executive is associated, the advertising, public relations, sales promotion or market research business of any person that is a client of the Company as of the date of the Executive's Termination of Employment.

(b) The Executive acknowledges that the provisions of this Section 4.7 are a material inducement to Interpublic entering into this Agreement, that such provisions are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company, and that such provisions do not prevent the Executive from earning a living. If at the time of enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, a court with jurisdiction shall hold that the duration, scope, or restrictiveness of any provision hereof is unreasonable under circumstances now or then existing, the parties agree that the maximum duration, scope, or restriction reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted by the court for the stated duration, scope, or restriction.

(c) The Executive acknowledges that a remedy at law for any breach or attempted breach of this Section 4.7 will be inadequate, and agrees that the Company shall be entitled to specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief in the case of any such breach or attempted breach. This Section 4.7 shall not limit any other right or remedy that the Company may have under applicable law or any other agreement between the Company and the Executive.

Section 4.8 Legal Expenses .

(a) Each party hereto shall pay its own costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement.

(b) Interpublic shall reimburse the Executive for any legal fees and expenses that the Executive incurs during the Executive's life as a result of the Company contesting the validity, the enforceability, or the Executive's interpretation of, or any determination under, this Agreement (collectively “ Reimbursable Expenses ”). In order to ensure compliance with the requirements of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv):

i. The Executive shall submit any request for reimbursement for any Reimbursable Expense in writing to Interpublic (accompanied by any evidence that Interpublic reasonably requests in writing within thirty (30) days after Interpublic is first notified that such Reimbursable Expense is incurred) within one-hundred eighty (180) days after the applicable Reimbursable Expense is incurred (or, if later, within thirty (30) days after Interpublic requests in writing evidence of such Reimbursable Expense);

ii. Interpublic shall pay to the Executive the amount of any Reimbursable Expenses within thirty (30) days after Interpublic receives the Executive's written request for reimbursement (and in any event by the end of the Executive's taxable year next following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred); provided that if Interpublic determines that the Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, and determined in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(i)) at the time of his Termination of Employment, payment shall not be made before the first day of the seventh month that begins after the Executive's Termination of Employment, and if this paragraph (ii) prescribes an earlier payment date, payment shall be made, without interest, on Interpublic's first semi-monthly pay date for the seventh month that begins after the Executive's Termination of Employment;

iii. The amount of fees and expenses eligible for reimbursement during one year shall not affect the amount of Reimbursable Expenses that the Executive may incur during any other year; and

iv. The Executive may not exchange the right to reimbursement for Reimbursable Expenses set forth in this Section 4.8(b) for cash or any other benefit.

(c) Without limiting the foregoing, Interpublic shall, before the earlier of (i) thirty (30) days after receiving notice from the Executive to Interpublic so requesting or (ii) the occurrence of a Change of Control, provide the Executive with an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $100,000 from a bank with a Moody's credit rating of Aa or better and a Standard & Poor's credit rating of AA or better, against which the Executive may draw in the event that Interpublic does not timely remit payment for any Reimbursable Expense. Such letter of credit shall not expire before the later of (x) the date this Agreement terminates by its terms or (y) September 1, 2020.

ARTICLE 5

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 5.1 Term of Agreement .

(a) Subject to subsection (b), below, this Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest of -

i. September 1, 2013, if a Change of Control has not occurred on or before such date;

ii. the date of the Executive's Termination of Employment if such Termination of Employment is not a Qualifying Termination; or

iii. the expiration of a number of years after a Change of Control equal to the Designated Number plus three (3).

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 5.1, the Company's obligations under Section 4.8 hereof and all obligations of the Company and the Executive that arise before termination of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement. In addition, if this Agreement is terminated and the Executive subsequently experiences a Qualifying Termination, Interpublic shall pay any severance to which the Executive may be entitled under any Other Arrangement (such as an employment agreement or ESP) in a lump sum at the time required by Section 2.1 hereof, and any benefits payable under CAP and SERIP shall be paid at the time(s) prescribed by Section 2.3 and Section 2.4 hereof (in each case, subject to Section 2.5 hereof).

Section 5.2 Payments to be Made in Cash . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments required by this Agreement shall be made in cash.

Section 5.3 Obligation to Make Payments . Interpublic may satisfy any provision of this Agreement that obligates Interpublic to make a payment or contribution, or to provide a benefit, by causing another party, such as a Subsidiary or the trustee of an Unsecured Trust, to make the payment or contribution or to provide the benefit.

Section 5.4 Governing Law . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to any rule or principle concerning conflicts or choice of law that might otherwise refer construction or enforcement to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.

Section 5.5 Code Section 409A . This Agreement shall be construed, administered, and interpreted in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If the Company or the Executive determines that any provision of this Agreement is or might be inconsistent with such requirements, the parties shall attempt in good faith to agree on such amendments to this Agreement as may be necessary or appropriate to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed to transfer any liability for a failure to comply with Section 409A of the Code from the Executive or any other individual to the Company.

Section 5.6 Successors to the Company . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Interpublic and its subsidiaries and shall be binding upon and enforceable by Interpublic and any successor thereto, including any person or persons (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the 1934 Act) acquiring directly or indirectly the business or assets of Interpublic whether by merger, consolidation, sale or otherwise, but shall not otherwise be assignable by Interpublic. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, Interpublic shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by merger, consolidation, sale of stock or assets, or otherwise) to the business or assets of Interpublic, expressly, absolutely and unconditionally to assume, and to agree to perform under, this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as Interpublic would have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Interpublic” shall mean Interpublic as heretofore defined and any successor to its business or assets that becomes bound by this Agreement either pursuant to this Agreement or by operation of law.

Section 5.7 Successor to the Executive . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon and enforceable by the Executive and his personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, legatees and, subject to

Section 5.8 hereof, his designees (collectively, his “ Successors ”). If the Executive dies while amounts are or may be payable to him under this Agreement, references hereunder to the “Executive” shall, where appropriate, be deemed to refer to his Successors.

Section 5.8 Nonalienability . Except to the extent that Interpublic determines is necessary to comply with a domestic relations order (as defined in Section 414(p)(1)(B) of the Code), no right of or amount payable to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge, execution, attachment, levy or similar process, or (except as provided in Section 4.3 hereof) to setoff against any obligation or to assignment by operation of law. Any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any action prohibited by the immediately preceding sentence shall be void.

Section 5.9 Notices . All notices provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing. Notices and other correspondence (including any request for reimbursement) to Interpublic shall be deemed given when personally delivered or sent by certified or registered mail or overnight delivery service to The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., l114 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York l0036, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Notices to the Executive shall be deemed given when personally delivered or sent by certified or registered mail or overnight delivery service to the last address for the Executive shown on the records of the Company. Either Interpublic or the Executive may, by notice to the other, designate an address other than the foregoing for the receipt of subsequent notices.

Section 5.10 Amendment . No amendment of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and is executed by both

Interpublic and the Executive.

Section 5.11 Waivers . No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing and executed by the party giving such waiver. No waiver of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach or a waiver of either such provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No failure or delay on the part of either the Company or the Executive to exercise any right or remedy conferred by law or this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right or remedy, and no exercise or waiver, in whole or in part, of any right or remedy conferred by law or herein shall operate as a waiver of any other right or remedy.

Section 5.12 Non-Duplication and Changes to Benefit Plans .

(a) No term or other provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted to require the Company to duplicate any payment or other compensation that the Executive is entitled to receive under an Other Arrangement.

(b) No term or other provision of this Agreement shall restrict the Company's ability to amend, suspend, or terminate any or all of its employee benefit plans and programs from time to time, or prevent any such amendment, suspension, or termination from affecting the Executive.

Section 5.13 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or part thereof, each of which shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 5.14 Construction .

(a) The captions to the respective articles and sections of this Agreement are intended for convenience of reference only and have no substantive significance.

(b) Unless the contrary is clearly indicated by the context, (i) the use of the masculine gender shall also include within its meaning the feminine and vice versa; (ii) the word “include” shall mean include, but not limited to; and (iii) any reference to a statute or section of a statute shall also be a reference to any successor or amended statute or section, and any regulations or other guidance of general applicability issued thereunder.

Section 5.15 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.

Section 5.16 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Company and the Executive concerning the matters set forth herein and supersedes any and all previous agreements (including the Existing Agreement) between the Company and the Executive concerning such matters.

* * * * *

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the last date set forth below.



The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.		Executive
BY: /s/ Timothy Sompolski Timothy Sompolski EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer	/s/ Christopher F. Carroll Christopher F. Carroll
DATE: 5/27/10	DATE: 5/3/10

EXHIBIT 10(iii)(A)(62)

The Interpublic Restricted Cash Plan

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. , a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants to the Participant named below a restricted cash award (the “Award”). The terms and conditions of the Award are set forth in this Award Agreement (the “Agreement”) and in The Interpublic Restricted Cash Plan (the “Plan”), which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. This Agreement is the Award Letter referenced in the Plan.



Date of Award	< >			Participant's Name	< >
Amount to be Paid Upon Vesting			< >
Vesting Date		< > Subject to the (i) provisions of the Plan and (ii) Participant's execution of the non-solicitation and non-service agreement that is attached hereto as Exhibit B, the scheduled vesting date is the date set forth above. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Plan, if the Participant terminates employment with the Company and its Affiliates before any portion of this Award becomes vested, the unvested portion shall be forfeited. Under all circumstances, vesting of the award is subject to the Participant's execution of this Agreement and Exhibit B.
Payment Date		Subject to the vesting conditions set forth herein, the Amount set forth above shall be paid to the Participant during the calendar year prescribed by Section 8(b) of the Plan no later than the last day of the applicable “2 ½ month period” set forth in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)(i)(A).

The provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by reference. All capitalized terms that are not defined in this Agreement have the meanings set forth in the Plan. Except as expressly provided herein, in case of any conflict between this Agreement and the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

Please (i) review the rest of this Agreement, the Plan document and the non-solicitation and non-service agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B, and (ii) execute the Agreement and Exhibit B by checking the box below.

By checking the box below, you are effectively executing and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of (i) this Agreement (including the terms under “Forfeiture of Award”) and (ii) the non-solicitation and non-service agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B.

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

Ken Lareau

Vice President, Global Executive Compensation

I have read this Agreement, the Plan, and Exhibit B and I understand and agree to their terms and conditions.

____________________________________

Participant's Signature

The Interpublic Restricted Cash Plan

Restricted Cash Award Agreement

The following terms and conditions supplement the terms of the Plan:



Withholding	As set forth in the Plan, the Company may be required to withhold income and employment taxes when the Award is paid to the Participant. The Participant (or Beneficiary, if applicable) remains responsible at all times for paying any income and employment taxes with respect to this Award. If the Participant relocates to another jurisdiction, the Participant is responsible for notifying the Company of such relocation and for complying with all applicable tax requirements. Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates are responsible for any liability or penalty relating to taxes (including excise taxes) on compensation (including imputed compensation) or other income attributed to the Participant (or a Beneficiary) pursuant to this Agreement, whether as a result of the Participant failing to make timely payments of tax or otherwise.
Forfeiture of Award	Before accepting this Award, the Participant must disclose to the Company in writing all grants to the Participant of options, shares and other equity rights with respect to any Subsidiary of the Company (“Subsidiary Grants”) that are still outstanding. Failure to disclose in writing the existence of any such outstanding Subsidiary Grants shall result in immediate cancellation and forfeiture of the Award set forth in this Agreement, unless the Compensation Committee determines in its sole discretion that such failure was reasonable under the circumstances.
Interpretation and Construction	This Agreement and the Plan shall be construed and interpreted by the Committee, in its sole discretion. Any interpretation or other determination by the Committee (including, but not limited to, correction of any defect or omission and reconciliation of any inconsistency in the Agreement or the Plan) shall be binding and conclusive.
Entire Understanding	This Agreement, the Award Letter from Interpublic, the terms of the Plan and the non-solicitation and non-service agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B constitute the entire understanding between the Participant and the Company and its Affiliates regarding this Award. Any prior agreements, commitments, or negotiations concerning this Award are superseded.

EXHIBIT 12



COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Amounts in Millions, Except Ratios)

	Years ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009		2008		2007
Earnings ¹
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	738.4	$	450.6	$	232.4	$	471.5	$	235.7

Fixed charges ¹
Interest expense	136.8		139.7		155.6		211.9		236.7
Interest factor of net operating rents ²	175.6		172.8		181.4		183.9		185.6
Total fixed charges	312.4		312.5		337.0		395.8		422.3

Earnings, as adjusted	$	1,050.8	$	763.1	$	569.4	$	867.3	$	658.0

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges	3.4		2.4		1.7		2.2		1.6

Earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates and adjustments for net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Fixed charges consist of interest on indebtedness, amortization of debt discount, waiver and other amendment fees, debt issuance costs (all of which are included in interest expense) and the portion of net rental expense deemed representative of the interest component (one-third).


2	We have calculated the interest factor of net operating rent as one third of our operating rent, as this represents a reasonable approximation of the interest factor.

EXHIBIT 21

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

Our principal subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011, are listed below. All other subsidiaries, if considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute a significant subsidiary under Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X.



Company Name		State (U.S.)
Campbell Mithun, Inc.		Delaware
Campbell-Ewald Company		Delaware
Carmichael Lynch, Inc.		Minnesota
CMGRP, Inc.		New York
Deutsch Inc.		New York
Draftfcb, Inc.		Delaware
Geomentum, Inc.		Delaware
Golin/Harris International, Inc.		Virginia
Hill Holliday LLC		Delaware
Huge, LLC		New York
Jack Morton Worldwide Inc.		Delaware
Lowe & Partners Worldwide, Inc.		Delaware
McCann Relationship Marketing, Inc.		New York
McCann-Erickson Marketing, Inc.		New York
McCann-Erickson USA, Inc.		Delaware
McCann-Erickson Worldwide, Inc.		Delaware
Mediabrands Worldwide, Inc.		California
Momentum-NA, Inc.		Colorado
Mullen Communications, Inc.		Massachusetts
Octagon, Inc.		District Of Columbia
R/GA Media Group, Inc.		Delaware
The Hacker Group, Inc.		Delaware
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.		Delaware
The Martin Agency, Inc.		Virginia
Torre Lazur Healthcare Group, LLC		New Jersey
True North Holdings (Asia Pacific) Inc.		Delaware
True North Holdings (Europe), Inc.		Delaware
True North Holdings (Latin America), Inc.		Delaware
Universal McCann Worldwide, Inc.		Delaware

Company Name		Country
Initiative Media Australia Pty Ltd		Australia
McCann Worldgroup Pty Limited		Australia
Mediabrands Australia Pty Ltd		Australia
Mediabrands Belgium S.A.		Belgium
Borghierh Lowe Propaganda e Marketing Ltda		Brazil
Giovanni+Draftfcb Ltda.		Brazil
McCann-Erickson Publicidade Ltda		Brazil
NEXT PR Participacoes Ltda.		Brazil
MacLaren McCann Canada Inc.		Canada
Media - I.D.A. Vision Inc.		Canada
The Interpublic Group of Companies Canada, Inc.		Canada
McCann-Erickson Guangming Ltd.		China
Mediabrands (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.		China
IPG Mediabrands S.A.		Colombia
Universal McCann Servicos de Medios Ltda - Colombia BRANCH		Colombia
MediaPrint ApS		Denmark
GIS France G.I.E.		France
Ligne Directe Sarl		France
McCann-Erickson France SAS		France



Company Name		Country
McCann-Erickson Paris SAS		France
Mediabrands S.A.S.		France
Creative Media Services GmbH		Germany
Draftfcb Holding Deutschland GmbH		Germany
McCann-Erickson Deutschland GmbH & Co Management Property KG		Germany
True North Holdings (Germany) GmbH		Germany
Universal McCann GmbH		Germany
Initiative Media S.A.		Greece
Associated Corporate Consultants (India) Pvt Limited		India
Draftfcb-Ulka Advertising Private Limited		India
Lintas India Private Limited		India
McCann Erickson Ltd		Israel
Initiative Media Milano S.r.l.		Italy
McCann Erickson Italia S.r.l.		Italy
Universal-McCann S.r.l.		Italy
ACTS Inc		Japan
Advertisement And Communication Services (Mauritius) Limited		Mauritius
IPG Media Brands Communications S.A. de C.V.		Mexico
Mediabrands Netherlands B.V.		Netherlands
Universal Media B.V.		Netherlands
Foote Cone & Belding Limited		New Zealand
Mediafront AS		Norway
McCann Worldgroup Philippines Inc.		Philippines
Brand Connection, Actividades Publicitarias, Lda.		Portugal
Megameios - Publicidade E Meios, A.C.E.		Portugal
B.V. McCann-Erickson S.R.L.		Romania
Jeddah Albert Promoseven Advertising and Public Relations Company Ltd		Saudia Arabia
Draftfcb South Africa (Pty) Ltd		South Africa
McCann Worldgroup South Africa (Pty) Ltd		South Africa
Iniciativas de Medios, S.A.		Spain
McCann Erickson S.A.		Spain
Universal McCann, S.A.		Spain
IPG Advertising (Thailand) Limited		Thailand
Universal / McCann-Media Planlama ve Dagitim A.S.		Turkey
Brand Connection (Branch of Frontline Marketing LLC) BRANCH		United Arab Emirates
Initiative Media Middle East FZ-LLC		United Arab Emirates
Universal Media Seven FZ-LLC		United Arab Emirates
ICC Lowe Limited		United Kingdom
CMGRP UK Limited		United Kingdom
Complete HealthVizion Limited		United Kingdom
DLKW Lowe Limited		United Kingdom
Draftfcb London Limited		United Kingdom
Momentum Activating Demand Limited		United Kingdom
International Poster Management Limited		United Kingdom
Interpublic Limited		United Kingdom
IPG Holdings (UK) Limited		United Kingdom
Jack Morton Worldwide Limited		United Kingdom
McCann Manchester Limited		United Kingdom
McCann-Erickson Advertising Limited		United Kingdom
McCann-Erickson Central Limited		United Kingdom
Mediabrands International Limited		United Kingdom
Mediabrands Limited		United Kingdom

EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (333-28029, 333-42675, 333-59254; 333-89896, 333-115923, 333-115924, 333-159544, 333-134498, 333-134497, 333-159546) of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. of our report dated February 24, 2012 relating to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

February 24, 2012

EXHIBIT 24

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Michael I. Roth, FRANK MERGENTHALER, CHRISTOPHER F. CARROLL and NICHOLAS J. CAMERA, and each of them, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her, and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., S.E.C. File No. 1-6686, and any and all amendments and supplements thereto and all other instruments necessary or desirable in connection therewith, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requested and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might do or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents or any of them or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Dated: February 24, 2012



/s/ Michael I. Roth		/s/ Reginald K. Brack
Michael I. Roth		Reginald K. Brack

/s/ Jocelyn Carter-Miller		/s/ Jill M. Considine
Jocelyn Carter-Miller		Jill M. Considine

/s/ Richard A. Goldstein		/s/ H. John Greeniaus
Richard A. Goldstein		H. John Greeniaus

/s/ Mary J. Steele Guilfoile		/s/ Dawn Hudson
Mary J. Steele Guilfoile		Dawn Hudson

/s/ William T. Kerr		/s/ David M. Thomas
William T. Kerr		David M. Thomas

/s/ Frank Mergenthaler		/s/ Christopher F. Carroll
Frank Mergenthaler		Christopher F. Carroll

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.

Certified Resolutions

I, Nicholas J. Camera, Secretary of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (the "Corporation"), hereby certify that the resolutions attached hereto were duly adopted on February 23rd, 2012 by the Board of Directors of the Corporation and that such resolutions have not been amended or revoked.

WITNESS my hand and the seal of the Corporation this 23rd day of February, 2012.

/s/ Nicholas J. Camera Nicholas J. Camera

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Michael I. Roth, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 24, 2012



	/s/ Michael I. Roth
	Michael I. Roth
	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Frank Mergenthaler, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 24, 2012



	/s/ Frank Mergenthaler
	Frank Mergenthaler
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer's knowledge, that:

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



Dated: February 24, 2012	/s/ Michael I. Roth
	Michael I. Roth
	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



Dated: February 24, 2012	/s/ Frank Mergenthaler
	Frank Mergenthaler
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer