Although neither party will comment, Daimler-Chrysler admitted that it was aware of negotiations for a possible takeover of True North by Omnicom.
But the company insisted that any deal would have no impact on an upcoming pitch between True North's FCB Worldwide and the Omnicom-owned BBDO.
Despite the speculation about True North's acquisition by Omnicom, the Daimler-Chrysler review adds a new dimension to the "winner-takes-all" contest and significantly increases the importance of its outcome.
Daimler-Chrysler provides about 10 per cent of True North's revenue, and its loss has been described as "potentially catastrophic" by former network executives.
Defeat would almost certainly result in True North's acquisition by a rival holding firm, any deal being made easier by its lack of conflicting car business.
