Feb 12 (Reuters) - Interpublic Group missed

estimates for fourth-quarter results on Wednesday, as clients in

major markets like the U.S. cut back on ad spending.

Companies are tightening their marketing and advertising

budgets, resulting in slower project progress and delays in

launching new business initiatives.

The company saw a more than 3% fall in revenue from the U.S.

and the UK in the fourth quarter. In Europe, revenue dropped 3%

and Asia Pacific reported a decline of around 8%.

Interpublic said during its third-quarter earnings call in

October that economic and political uncertainty in the U.S. and

in many of the largest international markets remain "a

significant consideration" for the rest of last year.

The results contrast that of rival Omnicom Group ( OMC ),

which beat Wall Street expectations for fourth-quarter revenue

last week helped by strong growth in its advertising and media

segment.

IPG-owned media research firm Magna Global said that the

global advertising market's size is expected to grow at a slower

rate in 2025 versus prior years due to the lack of major

cyclical events.

The advertising industry, often seen as a mirror of

corporate strength, will consolidate, as Omnicom ( OMC ) and

Interpublic join forces in a $13 billion all-stock deal.

This deal is expected to create the world's largest

advertising agency and could attract regulatory scrutiny.

Based in New York, Interpublic has clients in sectors

ranging from healthcare to retail and owns brands such as

McCann, Weber Shandwick, Mediabrands and MullenLowe.

On an adjusted basis, the company earned $1.11 per share

in the fourth quarter, compared with expectations of $1.17,

according to data compiled by LSEG.

The company reported revenue of $2.43 billion, below

estimates of $2.52 billion.

Interpublic also announced a new share repurchase program of

up to $155 million.