Interpublic to lose more than $20m in GM bankruptcy

LONDON - Interpublic Group, though well placed to weather the collapse of General Motors, could stand to lose more than $20m after the US automaker filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The exact amount could be higher as exposure to these bankruptcies is not limited to unpaid bills, but also to unbilled work in progress -- or in the closure of departments or whole offices if the restructured client moves to another agency as a result of the turmoil.

The amount owed to Interpublic, owner of the McCann Erickson and Lowe Worldwide ad agencies, is smaller than the $58m owed to Omnicom agencies by Chrysler, or the $78m or more Publicis agencies are owed.

Read Bob Willott's Bottom Line blog for a full analysis --