Federal Register #2026-21659

FTC proposed consent order on Publicis–LiveRamp transaction and HHS ACF-118 plan notices

This federal notice package covers an FTC proposed consent order on Publicis’s planned acquisition of LiveRamp and separate HHS requests for comment on the ACF-118 child-care plan preprint. - Government buyers: Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Child Care. - Companies named: Publicis Groupe S.A. and LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. The proposed acquisition is valued at $2.2 billion; this is a transaction value, not a procurement contract value. - FTC matter: The FTC alleges the acquisition could reduce competition in U.S. media agency and audience data services. The proposed order would require nondiscriminatory access to LiveRamp’s standalone services, continued interoperability with non-Publicis platforms, and protections against misuse or disclosure of competitors’ sensitive information. It also calls for employee training and independent compliance audits. - HHS matters: ACF seeks comments on a proposed three-year ACF-118 Child Care and Development Fund plan preprint for states and territories, with changes intended to reduce burden, streamline questions, reduce data entry, and strengthen program integrity. A separate notice seeks an extension of the existing ACF-118 preprint without changes. - Procurement status: These are regulatory and information-collection notices, not requests to purchase products or services.

Description

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on a proposed consent agreement addressing the alleged anticompetitive effects of Publicis Groupe S.A.’s proposed acquisition of LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. The complaint alleges that the acquisition could substantially lessen competition in U.S. media agency services and audience data services. The proposed order would require Publicis and LiveRamp to provide nondiscriminatory access to LiveRamp services and protect competitors’ sensitive information, among other measures. Comments are due November 23, 2026.

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