WPP (WPP) 6-K3 Sep 202020 Q2 Operating and Financial Review for the period ended 30 June 2020Financial data

Company Profile

Cover Page

Cover Page	6 Months Ended
Cover Page	Jun. 30, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	6-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	WPP plc
Entity Central Index Key	0000806968
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Unaudited Condensed Consolidate

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Income Statement - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019
Profit or loss [abstract]
Revenue	£ 5,582.7	£ 6,368.2	[1]	£ 13,234.1
Costs of services	(4,804.7)	(5,328.8)	[1]	(10,825.1)
Gross profit	778	1,039.4		2,409
General and administrative costs	(3,231.4)	(443.1)	[1]	(1,113.1)
Operating (loss)/profit	(2,453.4)	596.3		1,295.9
Share of results of associates	(51.9)	1.5	[1]	14.7
(Loss)/profit before interest and taxation	(2,505.3)	597.8		1,310.6
Finance and investment income	51.2	41.8		99
Finance costs	(157.3)	(180.1)		(359.1)
Revaluation of financial instruments	30	(50.5)		(68.4)
(Loss)/profit before taxation	(2,581.4)	409		982.1
Taxation	(24)	(109.3)		(275)
(Loss)/profit for the period from continuing operations	(2,605.4)	299.7		707.1
Profit for the period from discontinued operations	3.1	49.7		10.8
(Loss)/profit for the period	(2,602.3)	349.4		717.9
Attributable to:
Continuing operations	(2,626.5)	269.2		627.9
Discontinued operations	(6.8)	43.2		(3.8)
Total Equity holders of the parent	(2,633.3)	312.4		624.1
Continuing operations	21.1	30.5		79.2
Discontinued operations	9.9	6.5		14.6
Non-controlling interests	31	37		93.8
(Loss)/profit for the period	£ (2,602.3)	£ 349.4		£ 717.9
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per ordinary share	£ (2.150)	£ 0.250		£ 0.499
Diluted earnings per ordinary share	(2.150)	0.248		0.495
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	(2.145)	0.215		0.502
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	£ (2.145)	£ 0.214		£ 0.498

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_2

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Comprehensive Income - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of comprehensive income [abstract]
(Loss)/profit for the period	£ (2,602.3)	£ 349.4	£ 717.9
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments	111.2	87.1	(379.4)
Exchange adjustments recycled to the income statement on disposal of discontinued operations	(15.4)		(284)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss	95.8	87.1	(663.4)
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plans			(36.6)
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension plans			6.4
Movements on equity investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income	(102.4)	(75.7)	(141.4)
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss	(102.4)	(75.7)	(171.6)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period	(6.6)	11.4	(835)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period	(2,608.9)	360.8	(117.1)
Equity holders of the parent:
Continuing operations	(2,636.9)	270.3	193.5
Discontinued operations	(21.1)	50.4	(386.4)
Total Equity holders of the parent	(2,658)	320.7	(192.9)
Continuing operations	39	34.6	61.9
Discontinued operations	10.1	5.5	13.9
Total Non-controlling interests	49.1	40.1	75.8
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period	£ (2,608.9)	£ 360.8	£ (117.1)

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Cash Flow Statement - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of cash flows [abstract]
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities	£ (401.9)	£ (126.4)	£ 1,850.5
Investing activities
Acquisitions	(96.8)	(72.9)	(161.3)
Disposal of investments and subsidiaries	203.9	133.7	2,141
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(121.3)	(145.9)	(339.3)
Purchase of other intangible assets (including capitalised computer software)	(19.2)	(21.1)	(54.8)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment	3.1	167.2	174
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities	(30.3)	61	1,759.6
Financing activities
Repayment of lease liabilities	(154.5)	(103.8)	(249.8)
Share option proceeds		0.2	0.6
Cash consideration for non-controlling interests	(37.8)	(9.1)	(62.7)
Share repurchases and buybacks	(285.5)		(43.8)
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings	699.8	(134.6)	(1,713.2)
Financing and share issue costs	(6.8)	(4.4)	(6.4)
Equity dividends paid			(750.5)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiary undertakings	(40.1)	(58.5)	(96.2)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities	175.1	(310.2)	(2,922)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(257.1)	(375.6)	688.1
Translation of cash and cash equivalents	7.1	11.7	(89.7)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,799.6	2,201.2	2,201.2
Cash and cash equivalents including cash held in disposal group at end of period	2,549.6	1,837.3	2,799.6
Cash and cash equivalents held in disposal group presented as held for sale	(13.5)		(66.3)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	£ 2,536.1	£ 1,837.3	£ 2,733.3

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Balance Sheet - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Non-current assets
Goodwill	£ 8,120.2	£ 10,170.7	£ 13,252.1
Other	1,488.9	1,468.8	1,786.2
Property, plant and equipment	914	876	984.4
Right-of-use assets	1,773.9	1,734.5	1,825.2
Interests in associates and joint ventures	515.7	813	739.6
Other investments	398	498.3	574.7
Deferred tax assets	205.2	187.9	155.4
Trade and other receivables	144	137.6	182.7
Non-current assets	13,559.9	15,886.8	19,500.3
Current assets
Corporate income tax recoverable	180.8	165.4	248.1
Trade and other receivables	9,403.3	11,822.3	13,170.2
Cash and short-term deposits	2,762.6	2,969	2,173.2
Subtotal of current assets before including assets classified as held for sale	12,346.7	14,956.7	15,591.5
Assets classified as held for sale	49.8	485.3
Total of current assets after including assets classified as held for sale	12,396.5	15,442	15,591.5
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	(10,772.3)	(14,186.8)	(14,365.7)
Corporate income tax payable	(371.3)	(499.9)	(493.9)
Short-term lease liabilities	(310.2)	(302.2)	(388.4)
Bank overdrafts, bonds and bank loans	(352.3)	(461.3)	(1,134.8)
Current liabilities other than liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale	(11,806.1)	(15,450.2)	(16,382.8)
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale	(20.9)	(170.4)
Total of current liabilities after including liabilitites associated with assets as held for sale	(11,827)	(15,620.6)	(16,382.8)
Net current assets/(liabilities)	569.5	(178.6)	(791.3)
Total assets less current liabilities	14,129.4	15,708.2	18,709
Non-current liabilities
Bonds and bank loans	(5,135.8)	(4,047.3)	(5,309.4)
Trade and other payables	(386.3)	(483.3)	(567.7)
Deferred tax liabilities	(398.9)	(379.8)	(397.7)
Provisions for post-employment benefits	(169.5)	(159)	(184.9)
Provisions for liabilities and charges	(235.1)	(247.8)	(255.8)
Long-term lease liabilities	(2,035.6)	(1,947.5)	(1,957.3)
Non-current liabilities	(8,361.2)	(7,264.7)	(8,672.8)
Net assets	5,768.2	8,443.5	10,036.2
Equity
Called-up share capital	129.6	132.8	133.3
Share premium account	570.3	570.3	569.9
Other reserves	(100.7)	(501.2)	483.5
Own shares	(1,124.3)	(1,178.7)	(1,207.4)
Retained earnings	5,924.9	9,048.9	9,652.4
Equity shareholders' funds	5,399.8	8,072.1	9,631.7
Non-controlling interests	368.4	371.4	404.5
Total equity	£ 5,768.2	£ 8,443.5	£ 10,036.2

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_5

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Changes in Equity - GBP (£) £ in Millions		Total	Called-up share capital [member]	Share premium account [member]	Other reserves [member]	Own shares [member]	Retained earnings [member]	Total equity shareholder's funds [member]		Non-controlling interests [member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		£ 9,705.5	£ 133.3	£ 569.7	£ 393.5	£ (1,255.7)	£ 9,440.3	£ 9,281.1	[1]	£ 424.4
Ordinary shares issued		0.2		0.2				0.2	[1]
Treasury share allocations						0.8	(0.8)
(Loss)/profit for the period		349.4					312.4	312.4	[1]	37
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments		87.1			84			84	[1]	3.1
Movements on equity investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income		(75.7)					(75.7)	(75.7)	[1]
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		11.4			84		(75.7)	8.3	[1]	3.1
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		360.8			84		236.7	320.7	[1]	40.1
Dividends paid		(58.5)								(58.5)
Non-cash share-based incentive plans (including share options)		32.5					32.5	32.5	[1]
Tax adjustments on share-based payments		1					1	1	[1]
Net movement in own shares held by ESOP Trusts						47.5	(47.5)
Recognition/remeasurement of financial instruments		2.3			6		(3.7)	2.3	[1]
Acquisition of subsidiaries	[2]	(7.6)					(6.1)	(6.1)	[1]	(1.5)
End of year at Jun. 30, 2019		10,036.2	133.3	569.9	483.5	(1,207.4)	9,652.4	9,631.7	[1]	404.5
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		9,705.5	133.3	569.7	393.5	(1,255.7)	9,440.3	9,281.1	[1]	424.4
(Loss)/profit for the period		717.9
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments		(379.4)
Exchange adjustments recycled to the income statement on disposal of discontinued operations		(284)
Movements on equity investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income		(141.4)
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plans		(36.6)
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension plans		6.4
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		(835)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(117.1)
End of year at Dec. 31, 2019		8,443.5	132.8	570.3	(501.2)	(1,178.7)	9,048.9	8,072.1	[1]	371.4
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019		10,036.2	133.3	569.9	483.5	(1,207.4)	9,652.4	9,631.7	[1]	404.5
Ordinary shares issued		0.4		0.4				0.4	[1]
Share cancellations		(47.7)	(0.5)		0.5		(47.7)	(47.7)	[1]
Treasury share allocations						0.2	(0.2)
(Loss)/profit for the period		368.5					311.7	311.7	[1]	56.8
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments		(466.5)			(445.4)			(445.4)	[1]	(21.1)
Exchange adjustments recycled to the income statement on disposal of discontinued operations		(284)			(284)			(284)	[1]
Movements on equity investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income		(65.7)					(65.7)	(65.7)	[1]
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plans		(36.6)					(36.6)	(36.6)	[1]
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension plans		6.4					6.4	6.4	[1]
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		(846.4)			(729.4)		(95.9)	(825.3)	[1]	(21.1)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(477.9)			(729.4)		215.8	(513.6)	[1]	35.7
Dividends paid		(788.2)					(750.5)	(750.5)	[1]	(37.7)
Non-cash share-based incentive plans (including share options)		38.9					38.9	38.9	[1]
Tax adjustments on share-based payments		2.1					2.1	2.1	[1]
Net movement in own shares held by ESOP Trusts						28.5	(28.5)
Recognition/remeasurement of financial instruments		13.3			(3.5)		16.8	13.3	[1]
Share purchases-close period commitments	[1]	(252.3)			(252.3)			(252.3)
Acquisition of subsidiaries	[2]	(81.3)					(50.2)	(50.2)	[1]	(31.1)
End of year at Dec. 31, 2019		8,443.5	132.8	570.3	(501.2)	(1,178.7)	9,048.9	8,072.1	[1]	371.4
Share cancellations		(281.2)	(3.2)		3.2		(281.2)	(281.2)	[1]
Treasury share allocations						0.5	(0.5)
(Loss)/profit for the period		(2,602.3)					(2,633.3)	(2,633.3)	[1]	31
Exchange adjustments on foreign currency net investments		111.2			93.1			93.1	[1]	18.1
Exchange adjustments recycled to the income statement on disposal of discontinued operations		(15.4)			(15.4)			(15.4)	[1]
Movements on equity investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income		(102.4)					(102.4)	(102.4)	[1]
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		(6.6)			77.7		(102.4)	(24.7)	[1]	18.1
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(2,608.9)			77.7		(2,735.7)	(2,658)	[1]	49.1
Dividends paid		(40.1)								(40.1)
Non-cash share-based incentive plans (including share options)		30.6					30.6	30.6	[1]
Tax adjustments on share-based payments		2.6					2.6	2.6	[1]
Net movement in own shares held by ESOP Trusts		(0.4)				53.9	(54.3)	(0.4)	[1]
Recognition/remeasurement of financial instruments		34.5			67.3		(32.8)	34.5	[1]
Share purchases-close period commitments	[3]	252.3			252.3			252.3
Acquisition of subsidiaries	[2]	(64.7)					(52.7)	(52.7)	[1]	(12)
End of year at Jun. 30, 2020		£ 5,768.2	£ 129.6	£ 570.3	£ (100.7)	£ (1,124.3)	£ 5,924.9	£ 5,399.8	[1]	£ 368.4

[1]	During 2019, the Company entered into an arrangement with a third party to conduct share buybacks on its behalf in the close period commencing on 2 January 2020 and ending on 27 February 2020, in accordance with UK listing rules. The commitment resulting from this agreement constitutes a liability at 31 December 2019, which is included in Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year and has been recognised as a movement in equity.
[2]	Acquisition of subsidiaries represent movements in retained earnings and non-controlling interests arising from changes in ownership of existing subsidiaries and recognition of non-controlling interests of new acquisitions.
[3]	During 2019, the Company entered into an arrangement with a third party to conduct share buybacks on its behalf in the close period commencing on 2 January 2020 and ending on 27 February 2020, in accordance with UK listing rules. The commitment resulting from this agreement constituted a liability at 31 December 2019 and was recognized as a movement in other reserves in the year ended 31 December 2019. As the close period ended on 27 February 2020 the movement in other reserves has been reversed in the period ended 30 June 2020.

Basis of accounting

Basis of accounting	6 Months Ended
Basis of accounting	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Basis of accounting	1. Basis of accounting The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments and held for sale assets as disclosed in our accounting policies.

Accounting policies

Accounting policies	6 Months Ended
Accounting policies	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Accounting policies	2. Accounting policies The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements comply with the recognition and measurement criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), IAS 34: Interim Financial Reporting and with the accounting policies of the Group which were set out on pages F-7 F-15 20-F. Impact of Interest Rate Benchmark Reform The amendments issued by the IASB, Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7), are mandatory and are effective from 1 January 2020. They provide relief on specific aspects of pre-replacement Impact of COVID-19 on critical judgements and estimation uncertainty The critical judgements and estimation uncertainty in applying accounting policies set out on page F-15 of the 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F remain applicable. However, the level of judgement and estimation uncertainty has increased since 31 December 2019 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has had the most significant impact on the following areas of estimation uncertainty: Impairment of goodwill: Given the COVID-19 COVID-19 e Expected credit losses: Under IFRS 9, the expected credit losses are measured as the difference between the asset’s gross carrying amount and the present value of discounted estimated future COVID-19 Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) and liabilities in respect of put options: When measuring the liabilities for earnouts and put options, estimates are required regarding discount rates and growth rates in determining future financial performance, which involves judgement on the duration and shape of the recovery from COVID-19 Government Support In reaction to the COVID-19 The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorized for issue on 3

Currency conversion

Currency conversion	6 Months Ended
Currency conversion	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Currency conversion	3. Currency conversion The presentation currency of the Group is pounds sterling and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on this basis. The 2020 unaudited condensed consolidated interim income statement is prepared using, among other currencies, average exchange rates of US$1.2604 to the pound (period ended 30 June 2019: US$1.2938; year ended 31 December 2019: US$1.2765) and €1.1439 to the pound (period ended 30 June 2019: €1.1453; year ended 31 December 2019: €1.1403). The unaudited condensed consolidated interim balance sheet as at 30 June 2020 has been prepared using the exchange rates on that day of US$1.2379 to the pound (30 June 2019: US$1.2695; 31 December 2019: US$1.3263) and €1.1010 to the pound (30 June 2019: €1.1175; 31 December 2019: €1.1813).

Costs of services and general a

Costs of services and general and administrative costs	6 Months Ended
Costs of services and general and administrative costs	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Costs of services and general and administrative costs	4. Costs of services and general and administrative costs Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Costs of services 4,804.7 5,328.8 10,825.1 General and administrative costs 3,231.4 443.1 1,113.1 8,036.1 5,771.9 11,938.2 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current Costs of services and general and administrative costs include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Staff costs 3,330.0 3,501.7 7,090.6 Establishment costs 314.4 331.7 672.9 Media pass-through costs 613.7 818.8 1,656.2 Other costs of services and general and administrative costs 2 3,778.0 1,119.7 2,518.5 8,036.1 5,771.9 11,938.2 Note s 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 13 2 Other costs of services and general and administrative costs include £301.3 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £350.0 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £731.4 million) of other pass through costs. Staff costs include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Wages and salaries 2,417.5 2,442.5 4,946.2 Cash-based incentive plans 17.2 64.8 227.6 Share-based incentive plans 30.6 30.0 66.0 Social security costs 304.6 304.9 591.7 Pension costs 86.4 83.5 169.7 Severance 18.8 16.1 42.6 Other staff costs 454.9 559.9 1,046.8 3,330.0 3,501.7 7,090.6 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current Other costs of services and general and administrative costs include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 53.1 52.8 121.5 Goodwill impairment 2,520.8 — 47.7 Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries (16.0 ) (40.6 ) (40.4 ) Gains on remeasurement of equity interests arising from a change in scope of ownership — (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Investment and oth er 220.6 — 7.5 Restructuring and transformation costs 17.9 33.9 153.5 Restructuring costs in relation to COVID-19 39.3 — — Litigation settlement — (16.8 ) (16.8 ) Gain on sale of freehold property in New York — (7.9 ) (7.9 ) Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 88.2 88.5 185.5 Amortisation of other intangible assets 9.6 9.9 21.2 Depreciation of right-of-use 155.4 152.1 301.6 Short-term lease expense 19.7 49.9 83.8 Low-value 1.1 1.2 2.9 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 13 Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles in the period ended 30 June 2020 includes an impairment charge in the period for entities which have closed. Further details of the goodwill impairment charge of £2,520.8 million are provided in note 14. The goodwill impairment charge of £47.7 million in 2019 relates to a number of under-performing businesses in the Group where the impact of current, local economic conditions and trading circumstances on these businesses is sufficiently severe to indicate impairment to the carrying value of goodwill. Investment and other write-downs of £220.6 million primarily relate to the impairment of certain investments in associates, including £209.8 million in relation to Imagina in Spain. Further details of the Group’s impairment review are provided in note 14. Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries in the period ended 30 June 2020 of £16.0 million include a gain of £14.7 million on the disposal of the sports agency Two Circles Restructuring costs in relation to C OVID of £39.3 million primarily relates to severance actions taken in the second quarter in response to the pandemic. Restructuring and transformation costs of £17.9 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £23.6 million, year ended 31 December right-size In the period ended 30 June 2019, the remaining million (year ended 31 December 2019: £ In 2019, the Group received £16.8 million in settlement of a class action lawsuit against C s In March 2019, the Group entered into a sale and leaseback agreement for its office space at 3 Columbus Circle in New York. The Group sold the freehold for proceeds of £159.0 million and simultaneously entered into a 15-year In the period ended 30 June 2020, the Group received £28.6 million of aid from governments around the world in relation to the C OVID which is included as a credit in other staff costs. Management continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 on long-term working practices and the Group’s real estate portfolio, which could result in impairments of right-of-use assets in the future. At the current time, given the level of uncertainty, such impact has not been quantified and any resulting impairments could have an impact on the Group’s financial results .

Share of results of associates

Share of results of associates	6 Months Ended
Share of results of associates	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Share of results of associates	5. Share of results of associates Share of results of associates include: Continuing operations Six months ended Six months ended 1 Year ended £m £m £m Share of profit before interest and taxation 46.2 26.2 99.2 Share of exceptional losses (51.4 ) (13.6 ) (47.8 ) Share of interest and non-controlling (40.4 ) (8.0 ) (19.4 ) Share of taxation (6.3 ) (3.1 ) (17.3 ) (51.9 ) 1.5 14.7 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13. Share of exceptional losses of £51.4 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £13.6 million, year ended 31 December 2019: £47.8 million) primarily comprise £27.3 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £nil , year ended 31 December 2019: £5.3 million) of amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets as well as restructuring and one-off transaction costs of £23.1 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £nil , year ended 31 December 2019: £20.3 million) within Kantar.

Finance and investment income,

Finance and investment income, finance costs and revaluation of financial instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Finance and investment income, finance costs and revaluation of financial instruments	6. Finance and investment income, finance costs and revaluation of financial instruments Finance and investment income includes: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Income from equity investments 6.8 9.3 18.3 Interest income 44.4 32.5 80.7 51.2 41.8 99.0 Finance costs include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Net interest expense on pension plans 1.4 1.8 3.5 Interest on other long-term employee benefits 1.4 1.8 3.9 Interest payable and similar charges 104.3 127.8 252.0 Interest expense related to lease liabilities 50.2 48.7 99.7 157.3 180.1 359.1 Revaluation of financial instruments include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Movements in fair value of treasury instruments (2.0 ) 7.3 0.4 Premium on the early repayment of bonds — (32.2 ) (63.4 ) Revaluation of investments held at fair value through profit or loss 1.7 1.6 9.1 Revaluation of put options over non-controlling 26.0 (19.5 ) (13.5 ) Revaluation of payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) 4.3 (7.7 ) (1.0 ) 30.0 (50.5 ) (68.4 ) Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 1 3

Segmental analysis

Segmental analysis	6 Months Ended
Segmental analysis	Jun. 30, 2020
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Segmental analysis	7. Segmental analysis Reported contributions by reportable segments were as follows: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Revenue Global Integrated Agencies 4,249.2 4,873.6 10,205.2 Public Relations 446.8 471.5 956.5 Specialist Agencies 886.7 1,023.1 2,072.4 5,582.7 6,368.2 13,234.1 Revenue less pass-through costs 2 Global Integrated Agencies 3,461.5 3,858.1 8,108.1 Public Relations 426.3 442.2 898.0 Specialist Agencies 779.9 899.1 1,840.4 Headline operating profit 3 Global Integrated Agencies 256.0 463.5 1,219.5 Public Relations 71.9 67.9 140.6 Specialist Agencies 54.4 85.9 200.5 382.3 617.3 1,560.6 Notes 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 2 Revenue less pass-through costs is revenue less media, and other pass-through costs. Pass-through costs comprise fees paid to external suppliers where they are engaged to perform part or all of a specific project and are charged directly to clients, predominantly media costs. See note 4 for more details of the pass-through costs. 3 A reconciliation from operating (loss)/profit to headline operating profit is provided in note 23. Reported contributions by geographical area were as follows: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Revenue North America 2 2,177.1 2,334.3 4,854.7 United Kingdom 757.6 907.7 1,797.1 Western Continental Europe 1,092.9 1,263.6 2,628.8 Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe 1,555.1 1,862.6 3,953.5 5,582.7 6,368.2 13,234.1 Revenue less pass-through costs 3 North America 2 1,856.1 1,951.3 4,034.3 United Kingdom 585.6 692.6 1,390.1 Western Continental Europe 919.5 1,041.7 2,176.4 Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe 1,306.5 1,513.8 3,245.7 Headline operating profit 4 North America 2 215.4 278.3 662.0 United Kingdom 35.4 86.7 188.5 Western Continental Europe 43.8 96.5 261.5 Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe 87.7 155.8 448.6 382.3 617.3 1,560.6 Notes 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13 2 North America includes the US with revenue of £2,065.2 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £2,203.8 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £4,576.5 million), revenue less pass-through costs of £1,757.5 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £1,843.0 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £3,806.3 million) and headline operating profit of £207.1 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £262.8 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £620.6 million). 3 Revenue less pass-through costs is revenue less media and other pass-through costs. Pass-through costs comprise fees paid to external suppliers where they are engaged to perform part or all of a specific project and are charged directly to clients, predominantly media costs. See note 4 for more details of the pass-through costs. 4 A reconciliation from operating (loss)/ profit to headline operating profit is provided in note 2 3

Taxation

Taxation	6 Months Ended
Taxation	Jun. 30, 2020
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Taxation	8. Taxation The tax rate on reported (loss)/ profit before tax was - The tax charge comprises: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended 2019 £m £m £m Corporation tax Current year 35.7 187.4 423.0 Prior years (1.7 ) (19.7 ) (63.4 ) 34.0 167.7 359.6 Deferred tax Current year (6.7 ) (46.7 ) (78.3 ) Prior years (3.3 ) (11.7 ) (6.3 ) (10.0 ) (58.4 ) (84.6 ) Tax charge 24.0 109.3 275.0 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 figures have been re-presented Non-current The tax charge may be affected by the impact of acquisitions, disposals and other corporate restructurings, the resolution of open tax issues, and the ability to use brought forward tax losses. Changes in local or international tax rules, or challenges by tax or competition authorities, for example, the European Commission’s state aid decision into Group Financing Exemption in the UK CFC rules, may expose the Group to additional tax liabilities or impact the carrying value of deferred tax assets, which could affect the future tax charge. The Group does not currently expect any material additional charges, or credits, to arise in respect of these matters, beyond the amounts already provided. Liabilities relating to these open and judgemental matters are based upon estimates of whether additional taxes will be due after taking into account external advice where appropriate. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts which were initially recorded then such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made.

Ordinary dividends

Ordinary dividends	6 Months Ended
Ordinary dividends	Jun. 30, 2020
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Ordinary dividends	9. Ordinary dividends The Board has recommended an interim dividend of 10.0p (2019: 22.7p) per ordinary share. This is expected to be paid on 6 November 2020 to shareholders on the register at 9 October 2020. In March 2020, we announced the Board’s decision to suspend the 2019 final dividend of per share to protect liquidity in light of the threat to liquidity and cash flow from the C OVID .

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	6 Months Ended
Earnings per share	Jun. 30, 2020
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Earnings per share	10. Earnings per share Basic EPS The calculation of basic EPS is as follows: Continuing operations Six months Six months Year ended Earnings 1 (2,626.5 ) 269.2 627.9 Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation (million) 1,224.7 1,249.1 1,250.0 EPS (214.5p ) 2 1.5 50.2p Discontinued o Six months Six months Year ended Earnings 1 (6.8 ) 43.2 (3.8 ) Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation (million) 1,224.7 1,249.1 1,250.0 EPS ( ) 3.5 (0.3p ) Continued and discontinued o Six months Six months Year ended Earnings 1 (2,633.3 ) 312.4 624.1 Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation (million) 1,224.7 1,249.1 1,250.0 EPS (215.0p ) 25.0p 49.9p Note 1 Earnings is equivalent to (loss)/ Diluted EPS The calculation of diluted EPS is as follows: Continuing o Six months Six months Year ended Diluted earnings (£ million) (2,626.5 ) 269.2 627.9 Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation 1 1,224.7 1,257.3 1,260.6 Diluted EPS (214.5p ) 21.4 49.8p Discontinued o Six months 20 Six months Year ended Diluted earnings (£ million) (6.8 ) 43.2 (3.8 ) Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation 1 1,224.7 1,257.3 1,260.6 Diluted EPS (0.5 ) 3.4 (0.3p ) Continuing and discontinued operations Six months 20 Six months Year ended Diluted earnings (£ million) (2,633.3 ) 312.4 624.1 Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation 1 1,224.7 1,257.3 1,260.6 Diluted EPS (215.0p ) 24.8p 49.5p Note 1 The weighted average shares used in the basic EPS calculation has also been used for diluted EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect of the weighted average shares calculated for the diluted EPS calculation. A reconciliation between the shares used in calculating basic and diluted EPS is as follows: Six months Six months Year ended m m m Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation 1,224.7 1,249.1 1,250.0 Dilutive share options outstanding — 0.1 0.3 Other potentially issuable shares 12.3 8.1 10.3 Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation 1,237.0 1,257.3 1,260.6 At 30 June 2020 there were 1,296,079,242 (30 June 2019: 1,332,703,852, 31 December 2019: 1,328,167,813) ordinary shares in issue, including treasury shares of 70,750,170 (30 June 2019: 70,799,200, 31 December 2019: 70,787,730).

Analysis of cash flows

Analysis of cash flows	6 Months Ended
Analysis of cash flows	Jun. 30, 2020
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Analysis of cash flows	11. Analysis of cash flows The following tables analyse the items included within the main cash flow headings on page 3: Net cash flow from operating activities: Six months Six months Year ended £m £m £m (Loss) / (2,602.3 ) 349.4 717.9 Taxation 26.1 128.8 353.8 Revaluation of financial instruments (30.0 ) 57.2 77.8 Finance costs 157.6 189.2 376.4 Finance and investment income (51.4 ) (43.6 ) (102.6 ) Share of results of associates 51.9 (8.0 ) (21.2 ) Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale — — 94.5 Loss/(gain) on sale of discontinued operations 3.3 — (73.8 ) Attributable tax expense on sale of 1.9 — 157.4 Non-cash 30.6 32.5 71.4 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 88.2 106.2 203.2 Depreciation of right-of-use 155.4 168.4 317.9 Goodwill impairment 2,520.8 — 47.7 Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 53.1 66.9 135.6 Amortisation of other intangible assets 9.6 18.3 29.6 Investment and other write-downs 220.6 — 7.5 Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries (16.0 ) (40.6 ) (45.1 ) Gains on remeasurement of equity interests arising from a change in scope of ownership — (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Gain on sale of freehold property in New York — (7.9 ) (7.9 ) (Gains)/losses on sale of property, plant and equipment (0.1 ) (0.6 ) 3.2 Movements in trade working capital 1, 2 (456.0 ) (296.7 ) 563.4 Movements in other receivables, payables and provisions 1 (294.7 ) (482.5 ) (213.1 ) Corporation and overseas tax paid (201.2 ) (261.0 ) (536.0 ) Payment on early settlement of bonds — — (63.4 ) Interest and similar charges paid (77.4 ) (110.8 ) (270.6 ) Interest paid on lease liabilities (48.6 ) (51.7 ) (105.1 ) Interest received 45.2 35.8 80.8 Investment income 6.8 9.3 18.3 Dividends received from associates 4.7 15.4 33.3 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities (401.9 ) (126.4 ) 1,850.5 Notes 1 The Group typically experiences an outflow of working capital in the first half of the financial year and an inflow in the second half. This is primarily due to the seasonal nature of working capital flows associated with its media buying activities on behalf of clients. 2 Trade working capital represents trade receivables, work in progress, accrued income, trade payables, and deferred income. Acquisitions and disposals: Six months Six months Year ended £m £m £m Initial cash consideration (5.9 ) (6.4 ) (3.9 ) Earnout payments (88.5 ) (57.9 ) (130.2 ) Purchase of other investments (including associates) (2.4 ) (8.6 ) (27.2 ) Acquisitions (96.8 ) (72.9 ) (161.3 ) Proceeds on disposal of investments and subsidiaries 228.4 136.7 2,468.5 Cash and c (24.5 ) (3.0 ) (327.5 ) Disposals of investments and subsidiaries 203.9 133.7 2,141.0 Cash consideration for non-controlling (37.8 ) (9.1 ) (62.7 ) Net acquisition payments and disposal proceeds 69.3 51.7 1,917.0 Share repurchases and buybacks: Six months Six months Year ended £m £m £m Purchase of own shares by ESOP Trusts (0.4 ) — — Shares purchased into treasury (285.1 ) — (43.8 ) (285.5 ) — (43.8 ) Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings: Six months Six months Year ended £m £m £m Net increase/(decrease) in drawings on bank loans 7.4 376.5 (70.6 ) Repayment of €250 million bonds (223.1 ) — — Repayment of £200 million bonds — (199.5 ) (199.5 ) Partial repayment of $450 million bonds — (176.2 ) (176.2 ) Partial repayment of $272 million bonds — (135.4 ) (135.4 ) R — — (512.7 ) Repayment of $812 million bonds — — (618.8 ) Proceeds from issue of €750 million bonds 665.5 — — Proceeds from issue of £250 million bonds 250.0 — — 699.8 (134.6 ) (1,713.2 ) Cash and cash equivalents: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Cash at bank and in hand 1,646.9 1,814.7 2,105.4 Short-term bank deposits 1,115.7 358.5 863.6 Overdrafts 1 (226.5 ) (335.9 ) (235.7 ) 2,536.1 1,837.3 2,733.3 Note 1 Bank overdrafts are included in cash and cash equivalents because they form an integral part of the Group’s cash management.

Debt financing

Debt financing	6 Months Ended
Debt financing	Jun. 30, 2020
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Debt financing	12. Debt financing The Group estimates that the fair value of corporate bonds is £5,348.5 million at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019: £5,783.4 million; 31 December 2019: £4,439.8 million). The carrying value of corporate bonds is £5,136.4 million at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019: £5,535.2 million; 31 December 2019: £4,162.9 million). The Group considers that the carrying amount of bank loans at 30 June 2020 of £125.8 million (30 June 2019: £580.1 million; 31 December 2019: £110.4 million) approximates their fair value. The following table is an analysis of future anticipated cash flows in relation to the Group’s debt, on an undiscounted basis which, therefore, differs from the carrying value: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Within one year (249.8 ) (936.6 ) (324.8 ) Between one and two years (366.9 ) (327.7 ) (204.0 ) Between two and three years (532.0 ) (990.0 ) (692.1 ) Between three and four years (793.7 ) (496.1 ) (726.3 ) Between four and five years (1,145.4 ) (1,114.7 ) (634.2 ) Over five years (3,461.7 ) (3,500.3 ) (2,761.9 ) Debt financing (including interest) under the Revolving Credit Facility and in relation to unsecured loan notes (6,549.5 ) (7,365.4 ) (5,343.3 ) Short-term overdrafts – within one year (226.5 ) (335.9 ) (235.7 ) Future anticipated cash flows (6,776.0 ) (7,701.3 ) (5,579.0 ) Effect of discounting/financing rates 1,287.9 1,257.1 1,070.4 Debt financing (5,488.1 ) (6,444.2 ) (4,508.6 )

Assets held for sale and discon

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations	6 Months Ended
Assets held for sale and discontinued operations	Jun. 30, 2020
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Assets held for sale and discontinued operations	13. Assets held for sale and discontinued operations On 12 July 2019, the Group announced the proposed sale of its Kantar business to Bain Capital. The sale involved the Group disposing of the Kantar business and holding a 40% equity stake post-transaction which is treated as an associate. On 5 December 2019 the first stage of the transaction completed with consideration of £2,140.2 million after tax and disposal costs. This generated a pre-tax pre-tax stages are Under IFRS 5: Non-current The Kantar group is classified as a discontinued operation in 2019 and 2020 under IFRS 5, as it forms a separate major line of business and there was a single co-ordinated As at 30 June 2020 the Kantar group is therefore presented as a discontinued operation with the remaining portion of the company not yet sold by 30 June 2020 disclosed as held for sale. Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Results of the discontinued operations, which have been included in profit for the year, were as follows: Six months ended Six months ended Year ended £m £m £m Revenue 101.9 1,247.8 2,387.5 Cost s (87.4 ) (1,061.4 ) (1,951.5 ) Gross profit 14.5 186.4 436.0 General and administrative costs (4.0 ) (109.7 ) (151.7 ) Operating profit 10.5 76.7 284.3 Share of results of associates — 6.5 6.5 Profit before interest and taxation 10.5 83.2 290.8 Finance income 0.2 1.8 3.6 Finance costs (0.3 ) (9.1 ) (17.3 ) Revaluation of financial instruments — (6.7 ) (9.4 ) Profit before taxation 10.4 69.2 267.7 Attributable tax expense (2.1 ) (19.5 ) (78.8 ) Profit after taxation 8.3 49.7 188.9 Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale 1 — — (94.5 ) (Loss)/gain on sale of discontinued operations (3.3 ) — 73.8 Attributable tax expense on sale of discontinued operations (1.9 ) — (157.4 ) Net gain attributable to discontinued operations 3.1 49.7 10.8 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent (6.8 ) 43.2 (3.8 ) Non-controlling 2 9.9 6.5 14.6 3.1 49.7 10.8 Note 1 Goodwill impairment of £94.5 million arose from the assessment of fair value less costs to sell under IFRS 5 in the year ended 31 December 2019. 2 In 2020, non-controlling For the period ended 30 June 2020, the Kantar group contributed £26.8 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £135.2 million, year ended 31 December 2019: £322.9 million) to the Group’s net operating cash flows, paid £1.1 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £26.5 million, year ended 31 December 2019: £53.2 million) in respect of investing activities and paid £0.9 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £18.8 million, year ended 31 December 2019: £27.2 million) in respect of financing activities. The gain on sale of discontinued operations is calculated as follows: 30 June 31 December £m £m Intangible assets (including goodwill) 150.9 2,410.0 Property, plant and equipment 13.7 115.7 Right-of-use 24.2 103.5 Interests in associates and joint ventures 2.0 92.3 Other investments — 11.5 Deferred tax assets 5.5 44.1 Corporate income tax recoverable 15.0 49.8 Trade and other receivables 157.6 748.8 Cash and cash equivalents 19.8 324.9 Trade and other payables (129.0 ) (839.8 ) Corporate income tax payable (4.0 ) (48.2 ) Lease liabilities (20.5 ) (106.3 ) Deferred tax liabilities (1.3 ) (98.6 ) Provisions for post-employment benefits (6.7 ) (26.7 ) Provisions for liabilities and charges (0.6 ) (22.4 ) Net assets 226.6 2,758.6 Non-controlling (5.9 ) (19.1 ) Net assets excluding non-controlling 220.7 2,739.5 Consideration received in cash and cash equivalents 191.3 2,352.1 Re-investment 1 — 231.7 Transaction costs (3.8 ) (56.1 ) Deferred consideration 2 14.5 1.6 Total consideration received 202.0 2,529.3 Loss on sale before exchange adjustments (18.7 ) (210.2 ) Exchange adjustments recycled to the income statement 15.4 284.0 (Loss)/gain on sale of discontinued operations (3.3 ) 73.8 Notes 1 Re-investment 2 Deferred consideration in the year ended 31 December 2019 is made up of £79.6 million expected to be received in future periods on the satisfaction of certain conditions and the deferral of £78.0 million consideration against services the Group will supply to Kantar on favourable terms in the future.

Goodwill and acquisitions

Goodwill and acquisitions	6 Months Ended
Goodwill and acquisitions	Jun. 30, 2020
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Goodwill and acquisitions	14. Goodwill and acquisitions Cash-generating units ( CGUs Goodwill Brands with an indefinite 30 June 2020 31 December 2019 30 June 2020 31 December 2019 CGU £m £m £m £m GroupM 3,072.2 2,936.0 — — Wunderman Thompson 1,167.2 2,138.9 433.3 409.7 VMLY&R 460.6 901.0 203.6 199.1 Ogilvy 828.1 762.9 218.5 211.1 Burson Cohn & Wolfe 651.3 741.4 138.0 130.2 Other 1,940.8 2,690.5 136.4 128.1 8,120.2 10,170.7 1,129.8 1,078.2 Other goodwill represents goodwill on a large number of CGUs Goodwill in relation to subsidiary undertakings decreased by £2,050.5 million (30 June 2019: increased by £49.3 million) in the period. This movement primarily relates to impairment charges of £2,520.8 million, partially offset by the effect of currency translation of £473.3 million, as well as both goodwill arising on acquisitions completed in the year and adjustments to goodwill relating to acquisitions completed in prior years. In accordance with the Group’s accounting policy, the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Given the C OVID revenue less pass-through costs forecasts, and downturns in the global economy and the advertising industry were identified in the first half of 2020. As such, the Group performed an impairment test over goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives as at 30 June 2020. Under IFRS, an impairment charge is required for both goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets when the carrying amount exceeds the “recoverable amount”, defined as the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The review assessed whether the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives was supported by the value in use determined as the net present value of future cash flows. Due to a significant number of CGUs, the impairment test was performed in two steps. In the first step, the recoverable amount was calculated for each CGU using the latest available forecasts for 2020, nil growth rate thereafter (2019: 3.0%) and subject to higher risk , The recoverable amount was then compared to the carrying amount. CGUs where the recoverable amount exceeded the carrying amount were not considered to be impaired. Those CGUs where the recoverable amount did not exceed the carrying amount were then further reviewed in the second step. In the second step, the CGUs were retested for impairment using more refined assumptions. This included using a CGU specific pre-tax discount rate and management forecasts for a projection period of up to five-years, followed by an assumed long-term growth rate of 2.0% (2019: 3.0%). If the recoverable amount using the more specific assumptions did not exceed the carrying value of a CGU, an impairment charge was recorded. In developing the cash flows, we considered the impact of the C OVID projected revenue less pass-through costs and operating margins in 2020 accordingly. For the remaining years in the projection period, we assessed when the cash flows would recover to 2019 levels as representative of pre-C OVID revenue less pass-through costs and operating margins. For many of our CGUs, recovery to 2019 levels by 2023 was estimated with some CGUs using alternative recovery profiles as considered appropriate. The long-term growth rate is derived from management’s best estimate of the likely long-term trading performance with reference to external industry reports and other relevant market trends . As at 30 June 2020, we have assessed long-term industry recent historical data including the long - OVID judgement that the long-term growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for the industry. The discount rate uses the capital asset pricing model “CAPM” to derive the cost of equity along with an estimated cost of debt that is weighted by an appropriate capital structure to derive an indication of a weighted average cost of capital . The cost of equity is calculated based on long-term government bond yield, an estimate of the required premium for investment in equity relative to government securities and further considers the volatility associated with peer public companies relative to the market. The cost of debt reflects an estimated market yield for long-term debt financing after taking into account the credit profile of public peer companies in the industry. The capital structure used to weight the cost of equity and cost of debt has been derived from the observed capital structure of public peer companies. Given current market factors, there has been an increase in the estimated cost of equity . T reflects an increase in the size premium applicable to the Group, and a company specific risk premium to reflect implied market discount rates . This increase in the cost of equity , combined with an increase in the cost of debt as a result of increased corporate bond yields , resulted in the discount rates applied to our CGUs increasing relative to the prior year. The pre-tax discount rate applied to the cash flow projections for the CGUs that operate globally was 12.5% (2019: 6.3% to 7.4%). We developed a global discount rate that takes into account the diverse nature of the operations as these CGUs operate with a diverse range of clients in a range of industries throughout the world, hence are subject to similar levels of market risks. The pre-tax discount rates applied to the CGUs that have more regional specific operations ranged from 10.8% to 19.3% (2019: 4.1% to 13.6%). Our approach in determining the recoverable amount utilises a discounted cash flow methodology, which necessarily involves making numerous estimates and assumptions regarding revenue less pass-through costs growth, operating margins, appropriate discount rates and working capital requirements. The key assumptions used for estimating cash flow projections in the Group’s impairment testing are those relating to revenue less pass-through costs growth and operating margins. The key assumptions take account of the CGU These estimates will likely differ from future actual results of operations and cash flows, and it is possible that these differences could be material. In addition, judgements are applied in determining the level of CGU identified for impairment testing and the criteria used to determine which assets should be aggregated. A difference in testing levels could affect whether an impairment is recorded and the extent of impairment loss. As part of the overall effort to simplify operations and become more client-centric, certain operations have been realigned between the various networks. These realignments have been reflected in the CGUs being tested. The most significant of these include the treatment of Landor and F ITCH ; s The goodwill impairment charge of £2,520.8 million largely reflects the adverse impacts of C OVID e By operating sector , u The CGUs with significant impairments of goodwill as at 30 June 2020 are set out in the below table. Operating Sector Recoverable Goodwill CGU £m £m Wunderman Thompson Global Integrated Agencies 1,932.2 1,071.4 VMLY&R Global Integrated Agencies 918.3 472.0 Burson Cohn & Wolfe Public Relations 859.8 129.1 Geometry Global Specialist Agencies 205.9 232.9 Landor & FITCH Specialist Agencies 197.5 158.3 Other Other 1,349.3 457.1 Sensitivity of CGUs with an impairment charge The impairment review is sensitive to changes in the assumptions used, most notably to changes in the revenue less pass-through costs growth and operating margins used to derive cash flows during the 5-year projection period, the terminal cash flow growth rate, and discount rate. The revenue less pass-through costs growth rates used in the 5-year projection period for impaired CGUs that operate globally resulted in compound annual growth rates of 2.5% to 5.0%. The operating margins used in the 5-year projection period for impaired CGUs that operate globally resulted in average operating margins of 6.6% to 19.0%. Long-term cash flow growth rates and discount rates used in the test are discussed above. A summary of the movements in the impairment charge from a reasonably possible change in these assumptions is as follows: Impact of changes to Impact of change Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate CGU Revenue less costs growth rate +/- 0.5% Operating m Long-term cash flow +/- 0.5% +1.5% -1.5% £m £m £m £m £m Wunderman Thompson 19.2 70.8 54.6 (210.2 ) 279.4 VMLY&R 8.3 37.7 22.9 (100.1 ) 132.0 Burson Cohn & Wolfe 9.6 21.8 26.9 (98.7 ) 129.1 Geometry Global 1.2 13.5 3.6 (22.3 ) 29.7 Landor & FITCH 2.1 6.5 6.0 (23.5 ) 31.3 Other 11.9 47.8 33.9 (136.4 ) 164.2 52.3 198.1 147.9 (591.2 ) 765.7 Sensitivity of CGUs not impaired For the CGUs not impaired in the period, a reasonably possible change in assumptions would not lead to a significant impairment. Acquisitions The contribution to revenue and operating profit of acquisitions completed in the period was not material. There were no material acquisitions completed during the period or between 30 June 2020 and the date the interim financial statements were approved.

Other intangible assets

Other intangible assets	6 Months Ended
Other intangible assets	Jun. 30, 2020
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Other intangible assets	1 5 Other intangible assets The following are included in other intangibles: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Brands with an indefinite useful life 1,129.8 1,141.2 1,078.2 Acquired intangibles 284.4 530.4 323.6 Other (including capitalised computer software) 74.7 114.6 67.0 1,488.9 1,786.2 1,468.8

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables	6 Months Ended
Trade and other receivables	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Trade and other receivables	1 6 Trade and other receivables Amounts falling due within one year: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Trade receivables 5,175.7 7,713.8 7,007.6 Work in progress 312.4 419.5 349.5 VAT and sales taxes recoverable 272.5 270.6 212.7 Prepayments 311.6 391.0 287.1 Accrued income 2,703.2 3,731.1 3,292.7 Fair value of derivatives 0.6 10.0 1.4 Other debtors 627.3 634.2 671.3 9,403.3 13,170.2 11,822.3 Amounts falling due after more than one year: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Prepayments 1.7 2.8 2.2 Accrued income — 22.8 — Fair value of derivatives — 6.3 — Other debtors 142.3 150.8 135.4 144.0 182.7 137.6 The Group has applied the practical expedient permitted by IFRS 15 to not disclose the transaction price allocated to performance obligations unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period as contracts typically have an original expected duration of a year or less. The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value. Expected credit losses The Group has applied the simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, as permitted by IFRS 9: Financial Instruments. Therefore the Group does not track changes in credit risk over the life of a financial asset, but recognises a loss allowance based on the financial asset’s lifetime expected credit loss. Under IFRS 9, the expected credit losses are measured as the difference between the asset’s gross carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. Given the short-term nature of the Group’s trade receivables, work in progress and accrued income, which are mainly due from large national or multinational companies, the Group assessment of expected credit losses includes provisions for specific clients and receivables where the contractual cash flow is deemed at risk. Additional provisions are made based on the assessment of recoverability of aged receivables, where the following criteria are met: –– 100% of the asset aged over one year; –– 50% of the asset aged between 180 days and one year; and –– sufficient evidence of recoverability is not evident. These criteria fo r OVID This resulted in a bad debt expense of £29.2 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £12.3 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £25.8 million) on the Group’s trade receivables in the period. The allowance for bad and doubtful debts is equivalent to 2.5% (30 June 2019: 1.6%; 31 December 2019: 1.6%) of gross trade receivables.

Trade and other payables_ amoun

Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Within one year [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year	1 7 Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Trade payables 7,279.2 9,945.7 10,112.1 Deferred income 968.7 1,377.3 1,024.6 Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) 65.4 167.6 142.4 Liabilities in respect of put option agreements with vendors 47.0 41.4 75.4 Fair value of derivatives 2.7 4.0 1.5 Share repurchases 1 — — 252.3 Other creditors and accruals 2,409.3 2,829.7 2,578.5 10,772.3 14,365.7 14,186.8 Note 1 During 2019, the Company entered into an arrangement with a third party to conduct share buybacks on its behalf in the close period commencing on 2 January 2020 and ending on 27 February 2020, in accordance with UK listing rules. The commitment resulting from this agreement constitutes a liability at 31 December 2019, which is included in Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year and has been recognised as a movement in equity . The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value.

Trade and other payables_ amo_2

Trade and other payables: amounts falling due after more than one year	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
More than one year
Statement [LineItems]
Trade and other payables: amounts falling due after more than one year	1 8 Trade and other payables: amounts falling due after more than one year 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) 101.2 203.9 111.4 Liabilities in respect of put option agreements with vendors 120.5 223.0 151.4 Fair value of derivatives 0.6 — 21.2 Other creditors and accruals 164.0 140.8 199.3 386.3 567.7 483.3 The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value. The following table sets out payments due to vendors, comprising contingent consideration and the Directors’ best estimates of future earnout-related obligations: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Within one year 65.4 167.6 142.4 Between 1 and 2 years 26.1 90.0 36.9 Between 2 and 3 years 15.5 44.1 37.5 Between 3 and 4 years 28.1 36.9 14.8 Between 4 and 5 years 27.8 22.4 9.7 Over 5 years 3.7 10.5 12.5 166.6 371.5 253.8 The Group’s approach to payments due to vendors is outlined in note 2 2 The following table sets out the movements of deferred and earnout related obligations during the period: Six months ended 30 June 2020 Six months ended 30 June 2019 Year ended 31 December 2019 £m £m £m At the beginning of the period 253.8 414.7 414.7 Earnouts paid (88.5 ) (57.9 ) (130.0 ) New acquisitions 2.9 3.9 9.6 Revision of estimates taken to goodwill (3.0 ) 1.1 (14.3 ) Revaluation of payments due to vendors (note 6) (4.3 ) 8.4 1.1 Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale — — (11.5 ) Exchange adjustments 5.7 1.3 (15.8 ) At the end of the period 166.6 371.5 253.8 The Group does not consider there to be any material contingent liabilities at 30 June 20 20

Issued share capital

Issued share capital	6 Months Ended
Issued share capital	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Issued share capital	19 Issued share capital Six months ended 30 June 2020 Six months ended 30 June 2019 Year ended 31 December 2019 Number of equity ordinary shares m m m At the beginning of the period 1,328.2 1,332.7 1,332.7 Share cancellations (32.1 ) — (4.5 ) At the end of the period 1,296.1 1,332.7 1,328.2

Related party transactions

Related party transactions	6 Months Ended
Related party transactions	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Related party transactions	2 0 Related party transactions The Group enters into transactions with its associate undertakings. The Group has continuing transactions with Kantar, including sales, purchases, the provision of IT services, subleases and property related items. None of these were material in the period after 5 December 2019 when Kantar became an associate , 30 In the period ended 30 June 2020, revenue of £49.7 million was reported in relation to Compas, an associate in the USA. All other transactions in the periods presented were immaterial. The following amounts were outstanding at 30 June 2020: 30 June 2020 30 June 2019 31 December 2019 £m £m £m Amounts owed by related parties Kantar 79.2 — 87.5 Other 27.8 82.7 87.5 107.0 82.7 175.0 Amounts owed to related parties Kantar (14.6 ) — (36.5 ) Other (61.9 ) (56.0 ) (49.6 ) (76.5 ) (56.0 ) (86.1 )

Going concern and risk manageme

Going concern and risk management policies	6 Months Ended
Going concern and risk management policies	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Going concern and risk management policies	2 1 Going concern and risk management policies In considering going concern and liquidity risk, the Directors have reviewed the Group’s future cash requirements and earnings projections. The Directors believe these forecasts have been prepared on a prudent basis and have also considered the impact of a range of potential changes to trading performance. The Company’s forecasts and projections, taking account of (i) reasonably possible declines in revenue less pass-through costs; (ii) remote declines in revenue less pass-through costs for stress-testing purposes as a consequence of the COVID-19 are At 30 June 2020, the Group has access to £7.4 billion of committed 1 Maturity by year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025+ £m £m £m £m £m £m £ bonds £400m (2.875% ’46) 400.0 400.0 US bond $220m (5.625% ’43) 177.6 177.6 US bond $93m (5.125% ’42) 75.0 75.0 £ bonds £250m (3.75% ’32) 250.0 250.0 Eurobonds €600m (1.625% ’30) 545.0 545.0 Eurobonds €750m (2.375% ’27) 681.2 681.2 Eurobonds €750m (2.25% ’26) 681.2 681.2 Eurobonds €500m (1.375% ’25) 454.1 454.1 US bond $750m (3.75% ’24) 605.9 605.9 Bank revolver ($2,500m ‘24) 2,019.5 2,019.5 Eurobonds €750m (3.0% ’23) 681.2 681.2 US bond $500m (3.625% ’22) 403.9 403.9 Eurobonds €250m (3m EURIBOR + 0.45% ’22) 227.1 227.1 Bank revolver (A$420m ‘21) 233.8 233.8 Total committed facilities available 7,435.5 233.8 631.0 681.2 2,625.4 3,264.1 Drawn down facilities at 30 June 2020 5,291.9 109.7 631.0 681.2 605.9 3,264.1 Undrawn committed credit facilities 2,143.6 Given its debt maturity profile and available facilities, the Directors believe the Group has sufficient liquidity to match its requirements for the foreseeable future. Treasury management The Group’s treasury activities are principally concerned with monitoring of working capital, managing external and internal funding requirements and monitoring and managing financial market risks, in particular risks from movements in interest and foreign exchange rates. The Group’s risk management policies relating to foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, capital risk and credit risk are presented in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F

Financial instruments

Financial instruments	6 Months Ended
Financial instruments	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Financial instruments	2 2 Financial instruments The fair values of financial assets and liabilities are based on quoted market prices where available. Where the market value is not available, the Group has estimated relevant fair values on the basis of publicly available information from outside sources or on the basis of discounted cash flow models where appropriate. The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable, or based on observable inputs: Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 £m £m £m 30 June 2020 Derivatives in designated hedge relationships Derivative assets — — — Derivative liabilities — (0.6 ) — Held at fair value through profit or loss Other investments — — 258.7 Derivative assets — 0.6 — Derivative liabilities — (2.7 ) — Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) (note 1 8 — — (166.6 ) Liabilities in respect of put options — — (167.5 ) Held at fair value through other comprehensive income Other investments 28.4 — 110.9 Reconciliation of level 3 fair value measurements: Liabilities Other £m £m 1 January 2020 (226.8 ) 456.1 Gains recognised in the income statement 26.0 1.7 Losses recognised in other comprehensive income — (88.7 ) Exchange adjustments (1.3 ) — Additions (1.5 ) 3.0 Disposals — (2.5 ) Cancellations 28. 9 — Settlements 7.2 — 30 June 2020 (167.5 ) 369.6 Payments due to vendors and liabilities in respect of put options Future anticipated payments due to vendors in respect of contingent consideration (earnout agreements) are recorded at fair value, which is the present value of the expected cash outflows of the obligations. Liabilities in respect of put option agreements are initially recorded at the present value of the redemption amount in accordance with IAS 32 and subsequently measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 9. Both types of obligations are dependent on the future financial performance of the entity and it is assumed that future profits are in line with Directors’ estimates. The Directors derive their estimates from internal business plans together with financial due diligence performed in connection with the acquisition. At 30 June 2020, the weighted average growth rate in estimating future financial performance was 16.6%, which reflects the prevalence of recent acquisitions in the faster growing markets and new media sectors. The risk adjusted discount rate applied to these obligations at 30 June 2020 was 1.3%. A one percentage point increase or decrease in the growth rate in estimated future financial performance would increase or decrease the combined liabilities due to earnout agreements and put options by approximately £3.8 million and £3.7 million, respectively. A 0.5 percentage point increase or decrease in the risk adjusted discount rate would decrease or increase the combined liabilities by approximately £4.7 million and £4.8 million, respectively. An increase in the liability would result in a loss in the revaluation of financial instruments (note 6 Other investments The fair value of other investments included in level 1 are based on quoted market prices. Other investments included in level 3 are unlisted securities, where market value is not readily available. The Group has estimated relevant fair values on the basis of publicly available information from outside sources. Certain investments are valued using revenue multiples. An increase or decrease in this multiple of 0.5

Reconciliation of operating pro

Reconciliation of operating profit to headline operating profit	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Reconciliation of operating profit to headline operating profit	2 3 Reconciliation of operating ( loss Continuing operations Six months ended 30 June 2020 Six months ended 30 June 2019 1 Year ended 31 December 2019 £m £m £m Operating (loss)/profit (2,453.4 ) 596.3 1,295.9 Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 53.1 52.8 121.5 Goodwill impairment 2,520.8 — 47.7 Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries (16.0 ) (40.6 ) (40.4 ) Gains on remeasurement of equity interests arising from a change in scope of ownership — (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Investment and other write-downs 220.6 — 7.5 Litigation settlement — (16.8 ) (16.8 ) Gain on sale of freehold property in New York — (7.9 ) (7.9 ) Restructuring and transformation costs 17.9 33.9 153.5 Restructuring costs in relation to C OVID 39.3 — — Headline operating profit 382.3 617.3 1,560.6 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 13 Headline operating profit is one of the metrics that management uses to assess the performance of the business .

Accounting policies (Policies)

Accounting policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Accounting policies (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2020
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Impact of Interest Rate Benchmark Reform	Impact of Interest Rate Benchmark Reform The amendments issued by the IASB, Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7), are mandatory and are effective from 1 January 2020. They provide relief on specific aspects of pre-replacement
Impact of COVID-19	Impact of COVID-19 on critical judgements and estimation uncertainty The critical judgements and estimation uncertainty in applying accounting policies set out on page F-15 of the 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F remain applicable. However, the level of judgement and estimation uncertainty has increased since 31 December 2019 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has had the most significant impact on the following areas of estimation uncertainty: Impairment of goodwill: Given the COVID-19 COVID-19 e Expected credit losses: Under IFRS 9, the expected credit losses are measured as the difference between the asset’s gross carrying amount and the present value of discounted estimated future COVID-19 Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) and liabilities in respect of put options: When measuring the liabilities for earnouts and put options, estimates are required regarding discount rates and growth rates in determining future financial performance, which involves judgement on the duration and shape of the recovery from COVID-19 Government Support In reaction to the COVID-19 The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorized for issue on 3

Costs of services and general_2

Costs of services and general and administrative costs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Costs of Services and General Administrative Costs	Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Costs of services 4,804.7 5,328.8 10,825.1 General and administrative costs 3,231.4 443.1 1,113.1 8,036.1 5,771.9 11,938.2 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current Costs of services and general and administrative costs include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Staff costs 3,330.0 3,501.7 7,090.6 Establishment costs 314.4 331.7 672.9 Media pass-through costs 613.7 818.8 1,656.2 Other costs of services and general and administrative costs 2 3,778.0 1,119.7 2,518.5 8,036.1 5,771.9 11,938.2 Note s 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 13 2 Other costs of services and general and administrative costs include £301.3 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £350.0 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £731.4 million) of other pass through costs. Staff costs include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Wages and salaries 2,417.5 2,442.5 4,946.2 Cash-based incentive plans 17.2 64.8 227.6 Share-based incentive plans 30.6 30.0 66.0 Social security costs 304.6 304.9 591.7 Pension costs 86.4 83.5 169.7 Severance 18.8 16.1 42.6 Other staff costs 454.9 559.9 1,046.8 3,330.0 3,501.7 7,090.6 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current Other costs of services and general and administrative costs include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 53.1 52.8 121.5 Goodwill impairment 2,520.8 — 47.7 Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries (16.0 ) (40.6 ) (40.4 ) Gains on remeasurement of equity interests arising from a change in scope of ownership — (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Investment and oth er 220.6 — 7.5 Restructuring and transformation costs 17.9 33.9 153.5 Restructuring costs in relation to COVID-19 39.3 — — Litigation settlement — (16.8 ) (16.8 ) Gain on sale of freehold property in New York — (7.9 ) (7.9 ) Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 88.2 88.5 185.5 Amortisation of other intangible assets 9.6 9.9 21.2 Depreciation of right-of-use 155.4 152.1 301.6 Short-term lease expense 19.7 49.9 83.8 Low-value 1.1 1.2 2.9 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 13

Share of results of associates

Share of results of associates (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Share of results of associates (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Summary of Share of Results of Associates	Share of results of associates include: Continuing operations Six months ended Six months ended 1 Year ended £m £m £m Share of profit before interest and taxation 46.2 26.2 99.2 Share of exceptional losses (51.4 ) (13.6 ) (47.8 ) Share of interest and non-controlling (40.4 ) (8.0 ) (19.4 ) Share of taxation (6.3 ) (3.1 ) (17.3 ) (51.9 ) 1.5 14.7 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.

Finance and investment income_2

Finance and investment income, finance costs and revaluation of financial instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Summary of Finance and Investment Income, Finance Costs and Revaluation of Financial Instruments	Finance and investment income includes: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Income from equity investments 6.8 9.3 18.3 Interest income 44.4 32.5 80.7 51.2 41.8 99.0 Finance costs include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Net interest expense on pension plans 1.4 1.8 3.5 Interest on other long-term employee benefits 1.4 1.8 3.9 Interest payable and similar charges 104.3 127.8 252.0 Interest expense related to lease liabilities 50.2 48.7 99.7 157.3 180.1 359.1 Revaluation of financial instruments include: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Movements in fair value of treasury instruments (2.0 ) 7.3 0.4 Premium on the early repayment of bonds — (32.2 ) (63.4 ) Revaluation of investments held at fair value through profit or loss 1.7 1.6 9.1 Revaluation of put options over non-controlling 26.0 (19.5 ) (13.5 ) Revaluation of payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) 4.3 (7.7 ) (1.0 ) 30.0 (50.5 ) (68.4 ) Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 1 3

Segmental analysis (Tables)

Segmental analysis (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Segmental analysis (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Contributions by Reportable Segments	Reported contributions by reportable segments were as follows: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Revenue Global Integrated Agencies 4,249.2 4,873.6 10,205.2 Public Relations 446.8 471.5 956.5 Specialist Agencies 886.7 1,023.1 2,072.4 5,582.7 6,368.2 13,234.1 Revenue less pass-through costs 2 Global Integrated Agencies 3,461.5 3,858.1 8,108.1 Public Relations 426.3 442.2 898.0 Specialist Agencies 779.9 899.1 1,840.4 Headline operating profit 3 Global Integrated Agencies 256.0 463.5 1,219.5 Public Relations 71.9 67.9 140.6 Specialist Agencies 54.4 85.9 200.5 382.3 617.3 1,560.6 Notes 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 2 Revenue less pass-through costs is revenue less media, and other pass-through costs. Pass-through costs comprise fees paid to external suppliers where they are engaged to perform part or all of a specific project and are charged directly to clients, predominantly media costs. See note 4 for more details of the pass-through costs. 3 A reconciliation from operating (loss)/profit to headline operating profit is provided in note 23.
Contributions by Geographical Area	Reported contributions by geographical area were as follows: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended £m £m £m Revenue North America 2 2,177.1 2,334.3 4,854.7 United Kingdom 757.6 907.7 1,797.1 Western Continental Europe 1,092.9 1,263.6 2,628.8 Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe 1,555.1 1,862.6 3,953.5 5,582.7 6,368.2 13,234.1 Revenue less pass-through costs 3 North America 2 1,856.1 1,951.3 4,034.3 United Kingdom 585.6 692.6 1,390.1 Western Continental Europe 919.5 1,041.7 2,176.4 Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe 1,306.5 1,513.8 3,245.7 Headline operating profit 4 North America 2 215.4 278.3 662.0 United Kingdom 35.4 86.7 188.5 Western Continental Europe 43.8 96.5 261.5 Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe 87.7 155.8 448.6 382.3 617.3 1,560.6 Notes 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13 2 North America includes the US with revenue of £2,065.2 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £2,203.8 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £4,576.5 million), revenue less pass-through costs of £1,757.5 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £1,843.0 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £3,806.3 million) and headline operating profit of £207.1 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £262.8 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £620.6 million). 3 Revenue less pass-through costs is revenue less media and other pass-through costs. Pass-through costs comprise fees paid to external suppliers where they are engaged to perform part or all of a specific project and are charged directly to clients, predominantly media costs. See note 4 for more details of the pass-through costs. 4 A reconciliation from operating (loss)/ profit to headline operating profit is provided in note 2 3

Taxation (Tables)

Taxation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Taxation (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Tax Charge	The tax charge comprises: Continuing operations Six months Six months 1 Year ended 2019 £m £m £m Corporation tax Current year 35.7 187.4 423.0 Prior years (1.7 ) (19.7 ) (63.4 ) 34.0 167.7 359.6 Deferred tax Current year (6.7 ) (46.7 ) (78.3 ) Prior years (3.3 ) (11.7 ) (6.3 ) (10.0 ) (58.4 ) (84.6 ) Tax charge 24.0 109.3 275.0 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 figures have been re-presented Non-current

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Earnings per share (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted EPS	The calculation of basic EPS is as follows: Continuing operations Six months Six months Year ended Earnings 1 (2,626.5 ) 269.2 627.9 Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation (million) 1,224.7 1,249.1 1,250.0 EPS (214.5p ) 2 1.5 50.2p Discontinued o Six months Six months Year ended Earnings 1 (6.8 ) 43.2 (3.8 ) Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation (million) 1,224.7 1,249.1 1,250.0 EPS ( ) 3.5 (0.3p ) Continued and discontinued o Six months Six months Year ended Earnings 1 (2,633.3 ) 312.4 624.1 Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation (million) 1,224.7 1,249.1 1,250.0 EPS (215.0p ) 25.0p 49.9p Note 1 Earnings is equivalent to (loss)/ Diluted EPS The calculation of diluted EPS is as follows: Continuing o Six months Six months Year ended Diluted earnings (£ million) (2,626.5 ) 269.2 627.9 Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation 1 1,224.7 1,257.3 1,260.6 Diluted EPS (214.5p ) 21.4 49.8p Discontinued o Six months 20 Six months Year ended Diluted earnings (£ million) (6.8 ) 43.2 (3.8 ) Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation 1 1,224.7 1,257.3 1,260.6 Diluted EPS (0.5 ) 3.4 (0.3p ) Continuing and discontinued operations Six months 20 Six months Year ended Diluted earnings (£ million) (2,633.3 ) 312.4 624.1 Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation 1 1,224.7 1,257.3 1,260.6 Diluted EPS (215.0p ) 24.8p 49.5p Note 1 The weighted average shares used in the basic EPS calculation has also been used for diluted EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect of the weighted average shares calculated for the diluted EPS calculation.
Reconciliation Between Shares Used in Calculating Basic and Diluted EPS	A reconciliation between the shares used in calculating basic and diluted EPS is as follows: Six months Six months Year ended m m m Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation 1,224.7 1,249.1 1,250.0 Dilutive share options outstanding — 0.1 0.3 Other potentially issuable shares 12.3 8.1 10.3 Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation 1,237.0 1,257.3 1,260.6

Analysis of cash flows (Tables)

Analysis of cash flows (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Analysis of cash flows (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Summary of Analysis of Cash Flows	The following tables analyse the items included within the main cash flow headings on page 3: Net cash flow from operating activities: Six months Six months Year ended £m £m £m (Loss) / (2,602.3 ) 349.4 717.9 Taxation 26.1 128.8 353.8 Revaluation of financial instruments (30.0 ) 57.2 77.8 Finance costs 157.6 189.2 376.4 Finance and investment income (51.4 ) (43.6 ) (102.6 ) Share of results of associates 51.9 (8.0 ) (21.2 ) Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale — — 94.5 Loss/(gain) on sale of discontinued operations 3.3 — (73.8 ) Attributable tax expense on sale of 1.9 — 157.4 Non-cash 30.6 32.5 71.4 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 88.2 106.2 203.2 Depreciation of right-of-use 155.4 168.4 317.9 Goodwill impairment 2,520.8 — 47.7 Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 53.1 66.9 135.6 Amortisation of other intangible assets 9.6 18.3 29.6 Investment and other write-downs 220.6 — 7.5 Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries (16.0 ) (40.6 ) (45.1 ) Gains on remeasurement of equity interests arising from a change in scope of ownership — (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Gain on sale of freehold property in New York — (7.9 ) (7.9 ) (Gains)/losses on sale of property, plant and equipment (0.1 ) (0.6 ) 3.2 Movements in trade working capital 1, 2 (456.0 ) (296.7 ) 563.4 Movements in other receivables, payables and provisions 1 (294.7 ) (482.5 ) (213.1 ) Corporation and overseas tax paid (201.2 ) (261.0 ) (536.0 ) Payment on early settlement of bonds — — (63.4 ) Interest and similar charges paid (77.4 ) (110.8 ) (270.6 ) Interest paid on lease liabilities (48.6 ) (51.7 ) (105.1 ) Interest received 45.2 35.8 80.8 Investment income 6.8 9.3 18.3 Dividends received from associates 4.7 15.4 33.3 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities (401.9 ) (126.4 ) 1,850.5 Notes 1 The Group typically experiences an outflow of working capital in the first half of the financial year and an inflow in the second half. This is primarily due to the seasonal nature of working capital flows associated with its media buying activities on behalf of clients. 2 Trade working capital represents trade receivables, work in progress, accrued income, trade payables, and deferred income. Acquisitions and disposals: Six months Six months Year ended £m £m £m Initial cash consideration (5.9 ) (6.4 ) (3.9 ) Earnout payments (88.5 ) (57.9 ) (130.2 ) Purchase of other investments (including associates) (2.4 ) (8.6 ) (27.2 ) Acquisitions (96.8 ) (72.9 ) (161.3 ) Proceeds on disposal of investments and subsidiaries 228.4 136.7 2,468.5 Cash and c (24.5 ) (3.0 ) (327.5 ) Disposals of investments and subsidiaries 203.9 133.7 2,141.0 Cash consideration for non-controlling (37.8 ) (9.1 ) (62.7 ) Net acquisition payments and disposal proceeds 69.3 51.7 1,917.0 Share repurchases and buybacks: Six months Six months Year ended £m £m £m Purchase of own shares by ESOP Trusts (0.4 ) — — Shares purchased into treasury (285.1 ) — (43.8 ) (285.5 ) — (43.8 ) Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings: Six months Six months Year ended £m £m £m Net increase/(decrease) in drawings on bank loans 7.4 376.5 (70.6 ) Repayment of €250 million bonds (223.1 ) — — Repayment of £200 million bonds — (199.5 ) (199.5 ) Partial repayment of $450 million bonds — (176.2 ) (176.2 ) Partial repayment of $272 million bonds — (135.4 ) (135.4 ) R — — (512.7 ) Repayment of $812 million bonds — — (618.8 ) Proceeds from issue of €750 million bonds 665.5 — — Proceeds from issue of £250 million bonds 250.0 — — 699.8 (134.6 ) (1,713.2 ) Cash and cash equivalents: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Cash at bank and in hand 1,646.9 1,814.7 2,105.4 Short-term bank deposits 1,115.7 358.5 863.6 Overdrafts 1 (226.5 ) (335.9 ) (235.7 ) 2,536.1 1,837.3 2,733.3 Note 1 Bank overdrafts are included in cash and cash equivalents because they form an integral part of the Group’s cash management.

Debt financing (Tables)

Debt financing (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Debt financing (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Analysis of Future Anticipated Cash Flows in Relation to Group's Financial Derivatives and Debt	The following table is an analysis of future anticipated cash flows in relation to the Group’s debt, on an undiscounted basis which, therefore, differs from the carrying value: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Within one year (249.8 ) (936.6 ) (324.8 ) Between one and two years (366.9 ) (327.7 ) (204.0 ) Between two and three years (532.0 ) (990.0 ) (692.1 ) Between three and four years (793.7 ) (496.1 ) (726.3 ) Between four and five years (1,145.4 ) (1,114.7 ) (634.2 ) Over five years (3,461.7 ) (3,500.3 ) (2,761.9 ) Debt financing (including interest) under the Revolving Credit Facility and in relation to unsecured loan notes (6,549.5 ) (7,365.4 ) (5,343.3 ) Short-term overdrafts – within one year (226.5 ) (335.9 ) (235.7 ) Future anticipated cash flows (6,776.0 ) (7,701.3 ) (5,579.0 ) Effect of discounting/financing rates 1,287.9 1,257.1 1,070.4 Debt financing (5,488.1 ) (6,444.2 ) (4,508.6 )

Assets held for sale and disc_2

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Assets held for sale and discontinued operations (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about amounts of discontinued operations included in profit explanatory	Results of the discontinued operations, which have been included in profit for the year, were as follows: Six months ended Six months ended Year ended £m £m £m Revenue 101.9 1,247.8 2,387.5 Cost s (87.4 ) (1,061.4 ) (1,951.5 ) Gross profit 14.5 186.4 436.0 General and administrative costs (4.0 ) (109.7 ) (151.7 ) Operating profit 10.5 76.7 284.3 Share of results of associates — 6.5 6.5 Profit before interest and taxation 10.5 83.2 290.8 Finance income 0.2 1.8 3.6 Finance costs (0.3 ) (9.1 ) (17.3 ) Revaluation of financial instruments — (6.7 ) (9.4 ) Profit before taxation 10.4 69.2 267.7 Attributable tax expense (2.1 ) (19.5 ) (78.8 ) Profit after taxation 8.3 49.7 188.9 Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale 1 — — (94.5 ) (Loss)/gain on sale of discontinued operations (3.3 ) — 73.8 Attributable tax expense on sale of discontinued operations (1.9 ) — (157.4 ) Net gain attributable to discontinued operations 3.1 49.7 10.8 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent (6.8 ) 43.2 (3.8 ) Non-controlling 2 9.9 6.5 14.6 3.1 49.7 10.8 Note 1 Goodwill impairment of £94.5 million arose from the assessment of fair value less costs to sell under IFRS 5 in the year ended 31 December 2019. 2 In 2020, non-controlling
Disclosure of detailed information about gain on sale of discontinued operations explanatory	The gain on sale of discontinued operations is calculated as follows: 30 June 31 December £m £m Intangible assets (including goodwill) 150.9 2,410.0 Property, plant and equipment 13.7 115.7 Right-of-use 24.2 103.5 Interests in associates and joint ventures 2.0 92.3 Other investments — 11.5 Deferred tax assets 5.5 44.1 Corporate income tax recoverable 15.0 49.8 Trade and other receivables 157.6 748.8 Cash and cash equivalents 19.8 324.9 Trade and other payables (129.0 ) (839.8 ) Corporate income tax payable (4.0 ) (48.2 ) Lease liabilities (20.5 ) (106.3 ) Deferred tax liabilities (1.3 ) (98.6 ) Provisions for post-employment benefits (6.7 ) (26.7 ) Provisions for liabilities and charges (0.6 ) (22.4 ) Net assets 226.6 2,758.6 Non-controlling (5.9 ) (19.1 ) Net assets excluding non-controlling 220.7 2,739.5 Consideration received in cash and cash equivalents 191.3 2,352.1 Re-investment 1 — 231.7 Transaction costs (3.8 ) (56.1 ) Deferred consideration 2 14.5 1.6 Total consideration received 202.0 2,529.3 Loss on sale before exchange adjustments (18.7 ) (210.2 ) Exchange adjustments recycled to the income statement 15.4 284.0 (Loss)/gain on sale of discontinued operations (3.3 ) 73.8 Notes 1 Re-investment 2 Deferred consideration in the year ended 31 December 2019 is made up of £79.6 million expected to be received in future periods on the satisfaction of certain conditions and the deferral of £78.0 million consideration against services the Group will supply to Kantar on favourable terms in the future.

Goodwill and acquisitions (Tabl

Goodwill and acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Goodwill and acquisitions (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Cash-generating Units (CGUs) with Significant Goodwill	Cash-generating units ( CGUs Goodwill Brands with an indefinite 30 June 2020 31 December 2019 30 June 2020 31 December 2019 CGU £m £m £m £m GroupM 3,072.2 2,936.0 — — Wunderman Thompson 1,167.2 2,138.9 433.3 409.7 VMLY&R 460.6 901.0 203.6 199.1 Ogilvy 828.1 762.9 218.5 211.1 Burson Cohn & Wolfe 651.3 741.4 138.0 130.2 Other 1,940.8 2,690.5 136.4 128.1 8,120.2 10,170.7 1,129.8 1,078.2
Disclosure of Cash Generating Units With Significant Impairments of Goodwill	The CGUs with significant impairments of goodwill as at 30 June 2020 are set out in the below table. Operating Sector Recoverable Goodwill CGU £m £m Wunderman Thompson Global Integrated Agencies 1,932.2 1,071.4 VMLY&R Global Integrated Agencies 918.3 472.0 Burson Cohn & Wolfe Public Relations 859.8 129.1 Geometry Global Specialist Agencies 205.9 232.9 Landor & FITCH Specialist Agencies 197.5 158.3 Other Other 1,349.3 457.1
Sensitivity of CGUs with an impairment charge	A summary of the movements in the impairment charge from a reasonably possible change in these assumptions is as follows: Impact of changes to Impact of change Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate CGU Revenue less costs growth rate +/- 0.5% Operating m Long-term cash flow +/- 0.5% +1.5% -1.5% £m £m £m £m £m Wunderman Thompson 19.2 70.8 54.6 (210.2 ) 279.4 VMLY&R 8.3 37.7 22.9 (100.1 ) 132.0 Burson Cohn & Wolfe 9.6 21.8 26.9 (98.7 ) 129.1 Geometry Global 1.2 13.5 3.6 (22.3 ) 29.7 Landor & FITCH 2.1 6.5 6.0 (23.5 ) 31.3 Other 11.9 47.8 33.9 (136.4 ) 164.2 52.3 198.1 147.9 (591.2 ) 765.7

Other intangible assets (Tables

Other intangible assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Other intangible assets (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Disclosure Of Detailed Information About Other Intangible Assets Explanatory	The following are included in other intangibles: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Brands with an indefinite useful life 1,129.8 1,141.2 1,078.2 Acquired intangibles 284.4 530.4 323.6 Other (including capitalised computer software) 74.7 114.6 67.0 1,488.9 1,786.2 1,468.8

Trade and other receivables (Ta

Trade and other receivables (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Trade and other receivables (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Within one year [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Trade and Other Receivables	Amounts falling due within one year: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Trade receivables 5,175.7 7,713.8 7,007.6 Work in progress 312.4 419.5 349.5 VAT and sales taxes recoverable 272.5 270.6 212.7 Prepayments 311.6 391.0 287.1 Accrued income 2,703.2 3,731.1 3,292.7 Fair value of derivatives 0.6 10.0 1.4 Other debtors 627.3 634.2 671.3 9,403.3 13,170.2 11,822.3
Over 1 year [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Trade and Other Receivables	Amounts falling due after more than one year: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Prepayments 1.7 2.8 2.2 Accrued income — 22.8 — Fair value of derivatives — 6.3 — Other debtors 142.3 150.8 135.4 144.0 182.7 137.6

Trade and other payables_ amo_3

Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Within one year [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Trade and Other Payables	30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Trade payables 7,279.2 9,945.7 10,112.1 Deferred income 968.7 1,377.3 1,024.6 Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) 65.4 167.6 142.4 Liabilities in respect of put option agreements with vendors 47.0 41.4 75.4 Fair value of derivatives 2.7 4.0 1.5 Share repurchases 1 — — 252.3 Other creditors and accruals 2,409.3 2,829.7 2,578.5 10,772.3 14,365.7 14,186.8 Note 1 During 2019, the Company entered into an arrangement with a third party to conduct share buybacks on its behalf in the close period commencing on 2 January 2020 and ending on 27 February 2020, in accordance with UK listing rules. The commitment resulting from this agreement constitutes a liability at 31 December 2019, which is included in Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year and has been recognised as a movement in equity .

Trade and other payables_ amo_4

Trade and other payables: amounts falling due after more than one year (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Deferred and Earnout Related Obligations	The following table sets out the movements of deferred and earnout related obligations during the period: Six months ended 30 June 2020 Six months ended 30 June 2019 Year ended 31 December 2019 £m £m £m At the beginning of the period 253.8 414.7 414.7 Earnouts paid (88.5 ) (57.9 ) (130.0 ) New acquisitions 2.9 3.9 9.6 Revision of estimates taken to goodwill (3.0 ) 1.1 (14.3 ) Revaluation of payments due to vendors (note 6) (4.3 ) 8.4 1.1 Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale — — (11.5 ) Exchange adjustments 5.7 1.3 (15.8 ) At the end of the period 166.6 371.5 253.8
Over 1 year [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Trade and Other Payables	30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) 101.2 203.9 111.4 Liabilities in respect of put option agreements with vendors 120.5 223.0 151.4 Fair value of derivatives 0.6 — 21.2 Other creditors and accruals 164.0 140.8 199.3 386.3 567.7 483.3
Trade and Other Payable [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Maturity Analysis for Non-derivative Financial Liabilities	The following table sets out payments due to vendors, comprising contingent consideration and the Directors’ best estimates of future earnout-related obligations: 30 June 30 June 31 December £m £m £m Within one year 65.4 167.6 142.4 Between 1 and 2 years 26.1 90.0 36.9 Between 2 and 3 years 15.5 44.1 37.5 Between 3 and 4 years 28.1 36.9 14.8 Between 4 and 5 years 27.8 22.4 9.7 Over 5 years 3.7 10.5 12.5 166.6 371.5 253.8

Issued share capital (Tables)

Issued share capital (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Issued share capital (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Disclosure Of Detailed Information About Issued Share Capital Explanatory	Six months ended 30 June 2020 Six months ended 30 June 2019 Year ended 31 December 2019 Number of equity ordinary shares m m m At the beginning of the period 1,328.2 1,332.7 1,332.7 Share cancellations (32.1 ) — (4.5 ) At the end of the period 1,296.1 1,332.7 1,328.2

Related party transactions (Tab

Related party transactions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Related party transactions (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]
Summary of related party transactions outstanding	The following amounts were outstanding at 30 June 2020: 30 June 2020 30 June 2019 31 December 2019 £m £m £m Amounts owed by related parties Kantar 79.2 — 87.5 Other 27.8 82.7 87.5 107.0 82.7 175.0 Amounts owed to related parties Kantar (14.6 ) — (36.5 ) Other (61.9 ) (56.0 ) (49.6 ) (76.5 ) (56.0 ) (86.1 )

Going concern and risk manage_2

Going concern and risk management policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Going concern and risk management policies (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Committed Facilities	At 30 June 2020, the Group has access to £7.4 billion of committed 1 Maturity by year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025+ £m £m £m £m £m £m £ bonds £400m (2.875% ’46) 400.0 400.0 US bond $220m (5.625% ’43) 177.6 177.6 US bond $93m (5.125% ’42) 75.0 75.0 £ bonds £250m (3.75% ’32) 250.0 250.0 Eurobonds €600m (1.625% ’30) 545.0 545.0 Eurobonds €750m (2.375% ’27) 681.2 681.2 Eurobonds €750m (2.25% ’26) 681.2 681.2 Eurobonds €500m (1.375% ’25) 454.1 454.1 US bond $750m (3.75% ’24) 605.9 605.9 Bank revolver ($2,500m ‘24) 2,019.5 2,019.5 Eurobonds €750m (3.0% ’23) 681.2 681.2 US bond $500m (3.625% ’22) 403.9 403.9 Eurobonds €250m (3m EURIBOR + 0.45% ’22) 227.1 227.1 Bank revolver (A$420m ‘21) 233.8 233.8 Total committed facilities available 7,435.5 233.8 631.0 681.2 2,625.4 3,264.1 Drawn down facilities at 30 June 2020 5,291.9 109.7 631.0 681.2 605.9 3,264.1 Undrawn committed credit facilities 2,143.6

Financial instruments (Tables)

Financial instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Financial instruments (Tables)	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Analysis of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable, or based on observable inputs: Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 £m £m £m 30 June 2020 Derivatives in designated hedge relationships Derivative assets — — — Derivative liabilities — (0.6 ) — Held at fair value through profit or loss Other investments — — 258.7 Derivative assets — 0.6 — Derivative liabilities — (2.7 ) — Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) (note 1 8 — — (166.6 ) Liabilities in respect of put options — — (167.5 ) Held at fair value through other comprehensive income Other investments 28.4 — 110.9 Reconciliation of level 3 fair value measurements: Liabilities Other £m £m 1 January 2020 (226.8 ) 456.1 Gains recognised in the income statement 26.0 1.7 Losses recognised in other comprehensive income — (88.7 ) Exchange adjustments (1.3 ) — Additions (1.5 ) 3.0 Disposals — (2.5 ) Cancellations 28. 9 — Settlements 7.2 — 30 June 2020 (167.5 ) 369.6

Reconciliation of operating p_2

Reconciliation of operating profit to headline operating profit (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Text block [abstract]
Reconciliation of Operating (loss)/profit to Headline Operating Profit	Continuing operations Six months ended 30 June 2020 Six months ended 30 June 2019 1 Year ended 31 December 2019 £m £m £m Operating (loss)/profit (2,453.4 ) 596.3 1,295.9 Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 53.1 52.8 121.5 Goodwill impairment 2,520.8 — 47.7 Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries (16.0 ) (40.6 ) (40.4 ) Gains on remeasurement of equity interests arising from a change in scope of ownership — (0.4 ) (0.4 ) Investment and other write-downs 220.6 — 7.5 Litigation settlement — (16.8 ) (16.8 ) Gain on sale of freehold property in New York — (7.9 ) (7.9 ) Restructuring and transformation costs 17.9 33.9 153.5 Restructuring costs in relation to C OVID 39.3 — — Headline operating profit 382.3 617.3 1,560.6 Note 1 Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented Non-current 13

Currency conversion - Additiona

Currency conversion - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Currency conversion - Additional Information (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
US dollar to Pound sterling [member]
Disclosure Of Foreign Currency Translation [line items]
Average exchange rate	1.2604	1.2938	1.2765
Closing exchange rate	1.2379	1.2695	1.3263
Euro to Pound sterling [member]
Disclosure Of Foreign Currency Translation [line items]
Average exchange rate	1.1439	1.1453	1.1403
Closing exchange rate	1.1010	1.1175	1.1813

Costs of services and general_3

Costs of services and general and administrative costs - Summary of Operating Costs (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2019	[1]	Dec. 31, 2019
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Costs of services	£ 4,804.7		£ 5,328.8		£ 10,825.1
General and administrative costs	3,231.4		443.1		1,113.1
Costs of services and general and administrative costs	8,036.1		5,771.9		11,938.2
Costs of services and general and administrative costs include:
Staff costs	3,330		3,501.7		7,090.6
Establishment costs	314.4		331.7		672.9
Media pass-through costs	613.7		818.8		1,656.2
Other costs of services and general and administrative costs	3,778	[2]	1,119.7		2,518.5	[2]
Wages and salaries	2,417.5		2,442.5		4,946.2
Cash-based incentive plans	17.2		64.8		227.6
Share-based incentive plans	30.6		30		66
Social security costs	304.6		304.9		591.7
Pension costs	86.4		83.5		169.7
Severance	18.8		16.1		42.6
Other staff costs	454.9		559.9		1,046.8
Staff costs	3,330		3,501.7		7,090.6
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets	53.1		52.8		121.5
Goodwill impairment	2,520.8				47.7
Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries	(16)		(40.6)		(40.4)
Gains on remeasurement of equity interests arising from a change in scope of ownership			(0.4)		(0.4)
Investment and other write-downs	220.6				7.5
Restructuring and transformation costs	17.9		33.9		153.5
Restructuring costs in relation to COVID-19	39.3
Litigation settlement			(16.8)		(16.8)
Gain on sale of freehold property in New York			(7.9)		(7.9)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	88.2		88.5		185.5
Amortisation of other intangible assets	9.6		9.9		21.2
Depreciation of right-of-use assets	155.4		152.1		301.6
Short-term lease expense	19.7		49.9		83.8
Low-value lease expense	£ 1.1		£ 1.2		£ 2.9

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.
[2]	Other costs of services and general and administrative costs include £301.3 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £350.0 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £731.4 million) of other pass through costs.

Costs of services and general_4

Costs of services and general and administrative costs - Summary of Operating Costs (Parenthetical) (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Other pass-through costs	£ 301.3	£ 350	£ 731.4

Costs of services and general_5

Costs of services and general and administrative costs - Additional Information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Information About Operating Cost [line items]
Goodwill impairment	£ 2,520.8			£ 47.7
Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries	16	£ 40.6	[1]	40.4
Litigation settlement		16.8	[1]	£ 16.8
Lease Term				15 years
Gain on sale of freehold property in New York		7.9	[1]	£ 7.9
Proceeds from sale of freehold property				159
Impairment charge on intangible assets	17.1	4.7		26.5
Investment write-downs	220.6			7.5
Restructuring costs due to pandemic	39.3
Covid-19 pandemic [member]
Disclosure Of Information About Operating Cost [line items]
Proceeds from government grants	28.6
Imagina [member]
Disclosure Of Information About Operating Cost [line items]
Investment write-downs	209.8
Investor day in december two thousand and eighteen restructuring and transformation plan [member]
Disclosure Of Information About Operating Cost [line items]
Restructuring and transformation costs in relation to the continuing restructuring plan	17.9	23.6		121.1
Transformation costs		£ 10.3		32.4
Comscore Inc. [member]
Disclosure Of Information About Operating Cost [line items]
Litigation settlement				16.8
Two Circles [member]
Disclosure Of Information About Operating Cost [line items]
Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries	£ 14.7
Chime [Member]
Disclosure Of Information About Operating Cost [line items]
Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries				28.6
Other business [member]
Disclosure Of Information About Operating Cost [line items]
Goodwill impairment				£ 47.7

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.

Share of results of associate_2

Share of results of associates - Summary of Share of Results of Associates (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	[1]	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Share of profit loss of associates accounted for using equity method	£ (51.9)	£ 1.5		£ 14.7
Continuing Operation one [Member]
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Share of profit before interest and taxation	46.2	26.2		99.2
Share of exceptional losses	(51.4)	(13.6)		(47.8)
Share of interest and non-controlling interests	(40.4)	(8)		(19.4)
Share of taxation	(6.3)	(3.1)		(17.3)
Share of profit loss of associates accounted for using equity method	£ (51.9)	£ 1.5		£ 14.7

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.

Share of results of associate_3

Share of results of associates - Additional information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Restructuring and one off transaction costs	£ 17.9	£ 33.9		£ 153.5
Continuing Operation [member]
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Share of exceptional losses and gains	(51.4)	£ (13.6)	[1]	(47.8)
Kantar [member]
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets other than goodwill	27.3			5.3
Restructuring and one off transaction costs	£ 23.1			£ 20.3

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.

Finance and investment income,

Finance and investment income, finance costs and revaluation of financial instruments - Summary of Finance Income, Finance Costs and Revaluation of Financial Instruments (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [LineItems]
Income from equity investments	£ 6.8	£ 9.3		£ 18.3
Interest expense related to lease liabilities	48.6	51.7		105.1
Continuing Operation [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Income from equity investments	6.8	9.3	[1]	18.3
Interest income	44.4	32.5	[1]	80.7
Finance income	51.2	41.8	[1]	99
Net interest expense on pension plans	1.4	1.8	[1]	3.5
Interest on other long-term employee benefits	1.4	1.8	[1]	3.9
Interest payable and similar charges	104.3	127.8	[1]	252
Interest expense related to lease liabilities	50.2	48.7	[1]	99.7
Finance costs	157.3	180.1	[1]	359.1
Movements in fair value of treasury instruments	(2)	7.3	[1]	0.4
Premium on the early repayment of bonds		(32.2)	[1]	(63.4)
Revaluation of investments held at fair value through profit or loss	1.7	1.6	[1]	9.1
Revaluation of put options over non-controlling interests	26	(19.5)	[1]	(13.5)
Revaluation of payments due to vendors (earnout agreements)	4.3	(7.7)	[1]	(1)
Revaluation of financial instruments	£ 30	£ (50.5)	[1]	£ (68.4)

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.

Segmental analysis - Contributi

Segmental analysis - Contributions by Reportable Segments (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions		6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	[1]	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Revenue		£ 5,582.7	£ 6,368.2		£ 13,234.1
Headline operating profit	[2]	382.3	617.3		1,560.6
Global integrated agencies [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Revenue		4,249.2	4,873.6		10,205.2
Revenue less pass-through costs	[3]	3,461.5	3,858.1		8,108.1
Headline operating profit	[2]	256	463.5		1,219.5
Public relations [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Revenue		446.8	471.5		956.5
Revenue less pass-through costs	[3]	426.3	442.2		898
Headline operating profit	[2]	71.9	67.9		140.6
Specialist agencies [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Revenue		886.7	1,023.1		2,072.4
Revenue less pass-through costs	[3]	779.9	899.1		1,840.4
Headline operating profit	[2]	£ 54.4	£ 85.9		£ 200.5

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.
[2]	A reconciliation from operating (loss)/profit to headline operating profit is provided in note 23.
[3]	Revenue less pass-through costs is revenue less media and other pass-through costs. Pass-through costs comprise fees paid to external suppliers where they are engaged to perform part or all of a specific project and are charged directly to clients, predominantly media costs. See note 4 for more details of the pass-through costs.

Segmental analysis - Contribu_2

Segmental analysis - Contributions by Geographical Area (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions		6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	[1]	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue		£ 5,582.7	£ 6,368.2		£ 13,234.1
Headline operating profit	[2]	382.3	617.3		1,560.6
North America [member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue	[3]	2,177.1	2,334.3		4,854.7
Revenue less pass-through costs	[3],[4]	1,856.1	1,951.3		4,034.3
Headline operating profit	[3]	215.4	278.3		662
United Kingdom [member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue		757.6	907.7		1,797.1
Revenue less pass-through costs	[4]	585.6	692.6		1,390.1
Headline operating profit		35.4	86.7		188.5
Western Continental Europe [member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue		1,092.9	1,263.6		2,628.8
Revenue less pass-through costs	[4]	919.5	1,041.7		2,176.4
Headline operating profit		43.8	96.5		261.5
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe [member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue		1,555.1	1,862.6		3,953.5
Revenue less pass-through costs	[4]	1,306.5	1,513.8		3,245.7
Headline operating profit		£ 87.7	£ 155.8		£ 448.6

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.
[2]	A reconciliation from operating (loss)/profit to headline operating profit is provided in note 23.
[3]	North America includes the US with revenue of £2,065.2 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £2,203.8 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £4,576.5 million), revenue less pass-through costs of £1,757.5 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £1,843.0 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £3,806.3 million) and headline operating profit of £207.1 million (period ended 30 June 2019: £262.8 million; year ended 31 December 2019: £620.6 million).
[4]	Revenue less pass-through costs is revenue less media and other pass-through costs. Pass-through costs comprise fees paid to external suppliers where they are engaged to perform part or all of a specific project and are charged directly to clients, predominantly media costs. See note 4 for more details of the pass-through costs.

Segmental analysis - Contribu_3

Segmental analysis - Contributions by Geographical Area (Parenthetical) (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions		6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue		£ 5,582.7	£ 6,368.2	[1]	£ 13,234.1
Headline operating profit	[2]	382.3	617.3	[1]	1,560.6
United States [member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Revenue		2,065.2	2,203.8		4,576.5
Revenue less pass-through costs		1,757.5	1,843		3,806.3
Headline operating profit		£ 207.1	£ 262.8		£ 620.6

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.
[2]	A reconciliation from operating (loss)/profit to headline operating profit is provided in note 23.

Taxation - Additional Informati

Taxation - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Taxation - Additional Information (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Income Taxes [line items]
Effective tax rate on reported (loss)/profit before taxation	(0.90%)	26.70%	28.00%

Taxation - Tax Charge (Detail)

Taxation - Tax Charge (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Taxation - Tax Charge (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Corporation tax
Current year	£ 35.7	£ 187.4	£ 423
Prior years	(1.7)	(19.7)	(63.4)
Corporation tax	34	167.7	359.6
Deferred tax
Current year	(6.7)	(46.7)	(78.3)
Prior years	(3.3)	(11.7)	(6.3)
Deferred tax	(10)	(58.4)	(84.6)
Tax charge	£ 24	£ 109.3	£ 275

Ordinary dividends - Additional

Ordinary dividends - Additional Information (Detail) - £ / shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Interim period amount [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [line items]
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders, per share	£ 10	£ 22.7
Dividend payable date	Nov. 6, 2020
Previous period final amount [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [line items]
Proposed final dividend, per share	£ 37.3

Earnings per share - Calculatio

Earnings per share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) - GBP (£) £ / shares in Units, £ in Millions, shares in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings per share [abstract]
Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation	1,224.7	1,249.1	1,250
EPS	£ (2.150)	£ 0.250	£ 0.499
Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation	1,237	1,257.3	1,260.6
Diluted EPS	£ (2.150)	£ 0.248	£ 0.495
Continuing Operation [member]
Earnings per share [abstract]
Earnings	£ (2,626.5)	£ 269.2	£ 627.9
Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation	1,224.7	1,249.1	1,250
EPS	£ (2.145)	£ 0.215	£ 0.502
Diluted earnings	£ (2,626.5)	£ 269.2	£ 627.9
Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation	1,224.7	1,257.3	1,260.6
Diluted EPS	£ (2.145)	£ 0.214	£ 0.498
Discontinued operations [member]
Earnings per share [abstract]
Earnings	£ (6.8)	£ 43.2	£ (3.8)
Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation	1,224.7	1,249.1	1,250
EPS	£ (0.005)	£ 0.035	£ (0.003)
Diluted earnings	£ (6.8)	£ 43.2	£ (3.8)
Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation	1,224.7	1,257.3	1,260.6
Diluted EPS	£ (0.005)	£ 0.034	£ (0.003)
Continued and discontinued operations [member]
Earnings per share [abstract]
Earnings	£ (2,633.3)	£ 312.4	£ 624.1
Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation	1,224.7	1,249.1	1,250
EPS	£ (2.150)	£ 0.250	£ 0.499
Diluted earnings	£ (2,633.3)	£ 312.4	£ 624.1
Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation	1,224.7	1,257.3	1,260.6
Diluted EPS	£ (2.150)	£ 0.248	£ 0.495

Earnings per share - Additional

Earnings per share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Treasury shares [member]
Earnings per share [line items]
Ordinary shares in issue	70,750,170	70,787,730	70,799,200
Ordinary shares [member]
Earnings per share [line items]
Ordinary shares in issue	1,296,079,242	1,328,167,813	1,332,703,852

Earnings per share - Reconcilia

Earnings per share - Reconciliation Between Shares Used in Calculating Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings per share [abstract]
Weighted average shares used in basic EPS calculation	1,224.7	1,249.1	1,250
Dilutive share options outstanding		0.1	0.3
Other potentially issuable shares	12.3	8.1	10.3
Weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation	1,237	1,257.3	1,260.6

Analysis of cash flows - Summar

Analysis of cash flows - Summary of Analysis of Cash Flows (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions		6 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
(Loss)/profit for the period		£ (2,602.3)	£ 368.5	£ 349.4		£ 717.9
Taxation		26.1		128.8		353.8
Revaluation of financial instruments		(30)		57.2		77.8
Finance costs		157.6		189.2		376.4
Finance and investment income		(51.4)		(43.6)		(102.6)
Share of results of associates		51.9		(8)		(21.2)
Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale						94.5
Loss/(gain) on sale of discontinued operations		3.3				(73.8)
Attributable tax expense on sale of discontinued operations		1.9				157.4
Non-cash share-based incentive plans (including share options)		30.6		32.5		71.4
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		88.2		106.2		203.2
Depreciation of right-of-use assets		155.4		168.4		317.9
Goodwill impairment		2,520.8				47.7
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets		53.1		66.9		135.6
Amortisation of other intangible assets		9.6		18.3		29.6
Investment and other write-downs		220.6				7.5
Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries		(16)		(40.6)		(45.1)
Gains on remeasurement of equity interests arising from a change in scope of ownership				(0.4)		(0.4)
Gain on sale of freehold property in New York				(7.9)	[1]	(7.9)
(Gains)/losses on sale of property, plant and equipment		(0.1)		(0.6)		3.2
Movements in trade working capital	[2],[3]	(456)		(296.7)		563.4
Movements in other receivables, payables and provisions	[2]	(294.7)		(482.5)		(213.1)
Corporation and overseas tax paid		(201.2)		(261)		(536)
Payment on early settlement of bonds						(63.4)
Interest and similar charges paid		(77.4)		(110.8)		(270.6)
Interest paid on lease liabilities		(48.6)		(51.7)		(105.1)
Interest received		45.2		35.8		80.8
Investment income		6.8		9.3		18.3
Dividends received from associates		4.7		15.4		33.3
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities		(401.9)		(126.4)		1,850.5
Acquisitions and disposals:
Initial cash consideration		(5.9)		(6.4)		(3.9)
Earnout payments		(88.5)		(57.9)		(130.2)
Purchase of other investments (including associates)		(2.4)		(8.6)		(27.2)
Acquisitions		(96.8)		(72.9)		(161.3)
Proceeds on disposal of investments and subsidiaries		228.4		136.7		2,468.5
Cash and cash equivalents disposed		(24.5)		(3)		(327.5)
Disposals of investments and subsidiaries		203.9		133.7		2,141
Cash consideration for non-controlling interests		(37.8)		(9.1)		(62.7)
Net acquisition payments and disposal proceeds		69.3		51.7		1,917
Share repurchases and buybacks:
Purchase of own shares by ESOP Trusts		(0.4)
Shares purchased into treasury		(285.1)				(43.8)
Net cash outflow		(285.5)				(43.8)
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings:
Net increase/(decrease) in drawings on bank loans		7.4		376.5		(70.6)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow		699.8		(134.6)		(1,713.2)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash at bank and in hand		1,646.9	2,105.4	1,814.7		2,105.4
Short-term bank deposits		1,115.7	863.6	358.5		863.6
Overdrafts	[4]	(226.5)	(235.7)	(335.9)		(235.7)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		2,536.1	£ 2,733.3	1,837.3		2,733.3
Repayment of EURO 250 million bonds [member]
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings:
Repayment of bonds		(223.1)
Repayment of GBP 200 million bonds [member]
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings:
Repayment of bonds				(199.5)		(199.5)
Partial repayment of USD 450 million bonds [member]
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings:
Repayment of bonds				(176.2)		(176.2)
Partial repayment of USD 272 million bonds [member]
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings:
Repayment of bonds				£ (135.4)		(135.4)
Repayment of EURO 600 million bonds [member]
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings:
Repayment of bonds						(512.7)
Repayment of USD 812 million bonds [member]
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings:
Repayment of bonds						£ (618.8)
Proceeds from issue of EURO 750 million bonds [member]
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings:
Proceeds from issues of bonds		665.5
Proceeds from issue of GBP 250 million bonds [Member]
Net increase/(decrease) in borrowings:
Proceeds from issues of bonds		£ 250

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.
[2]	The Group typically experiences an outflow of working capital in the first half of the financial year and an inflow in the second half. This is primarily due to the seasonal nature of working capital flows associated with its media buying activities on behalf of clients.
[3]	Trade working capital represents trade receivables, work in progress, accrued income, trade payables, and deferred income.
[4]	Bank overdrafts are included in cash and cash equivalents because they form an integral part of the Group’s cash management.

Analysis of cash flows - Summ_2

Analysis of cash flows - Summary of Analysis of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Jun. 30, 2020	GBP (£)	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
Bond amount \| £	£ 7,435,500,000
Repayment of EURO 250 million bonds [member]
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
Bond amount \| €			€ 250,000,000
Repayment of GBP 200 million bonds [member]
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
Bond amount \| £	200,000,000
Partial repayment of USD 450 million bonds [member]
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
Bond amount \| $		$ 450,000,000
Partial repayment of USD 272 million bonds [member]
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
Bond amount \| $		272,000,000
Repayment of EURO 600 million bonds [member]
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
Bond amount \| €			600,000,000
Repayment of USD 812 million bonds [member]
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
Bond amount \| $		$ 812,000,000
Proceeds from issue of EURO 750 million bonds [member]
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
Bond amount \| €			€ 750,000,000
Proceeds from issue of GBP 250 million bonds [Member]
Disclosure Of Cash Flow Statement [line items]
Bond amount \| £	£ 250,000,000

Debt financing - Additional Inf

Debt financing - Additional Information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Disclosure of bank overdraft bonds and bank loans [line items]
Carrying amount of corporate bonds	£ 5,136.4	£ 4,162.9	£ 5,535.2
Carrying amount of bank loans	125.8	110.4	580.1
Corporate bond [member]
Disclosure of bank overdraft bonds and bank loans [line items]
Fair value of corporate bonds	£ 5,348.5	£ 4,439.8	£ 5,783.4

Debt financing - Analysis of Fu

Debt financing - Analysis of Future Anticipated Cash Flows Related to Debt (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Future anticipated cash flows	£ (6,776)	£ (5,579)	£ (7,701.3)
Effect of discounting/financing rates	1,287.9	1,070.4	1,257.1
Debt financing	(5,488.1)	(4,508.6)	(6,444.2)
Borrowings [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Future anticipated cash flows	(6,549.5)	(5,343.3)	(7,365.4)
Borrowings [member] \| Within one year [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Corporate bonds, bank loans and overdrafts	(249.8)	(324.8)	(936.6)
Borrowings [member] \| Between one and two years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Corporate bonds, bank loans and overdrafts	(366.9)	(204)	(327.7)
Borrowings [member] \| Between two and three years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Corporate bonds, bank loans and overdrafts	(532)	(692.1)	(990)
Borrowings [member] \| Between three and four years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Corporate bonds, bank loans and overdrafts	(793.7)	(726.3)	(496.1)
Borrowings [member] \| Between four and five years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Corporate bonds, bank loans and overdrafts	(1,145.4)	(634.2)	(1,114.7)
Borrowings [member] \| Over five years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Corporate bonds, bank loans and overdrafts	(3,461.7)	(2,761.9)	(3,500.3)
Bank overdrafts [member] \| Within one year [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Future anticipated cash flows	£ (226.5)	£ (235.7)	£ (335.9)

Assets held for sale and disc_3

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations - Additional information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Dec. 05, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale				£ (94.5)
Net cash inflow from operating activities		£ (401.9)	£ (126.4)	1,850.5
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities		(30.3)	61	1,759.6
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities		175.1	(310.2)	(2,922)
Kantar [member]
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Net cash inflow from operating activities		26.8	135.2	322.9
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities		1.1	26.5	53.2
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities		0.9	£ 18.8	27.2
Kantar Business [Member]
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Percentage of interest in associates	40.00%
Disposal of discontinued operations consideration	£ 2,140.2	200.1
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations Before Tax		(3.3)		73.8
Attributable tax expense		£ 1.9		157.4
Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale				£ (94.5)
Kantar Business [Member] \| Scenario forecast one [member] \| Final stages [member]
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Disposal of discontinued operations consideration expected to be received for Final stages					£ 50

Assets held for sale and disc_4

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations - Detailed Information About Amounts Of Discontinued Operations Included In Profit (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions		6 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue		£ 5,582.7		£ 6,368.2	[1]	£ 13,234.1
Costs of services		(4,804.7)		(5,328.8)	[1]	(10,825.1)
Gross profit		778		1,039.4		2,409
General and administrative costs		(3,231.4)		(443.1)	[1]	(1,113.1)
Operating profit		(2,453.4)		596.3		1,295.9
Share of results of associates		(51.9)		1.5	[1]	14.7
Profit before interest and taxation		(2,505.3)		597.8		1,310.6
Finance income		51.2		41.8		99
Revaluation Of Financial Instruments		30		(50.5)		(68.4)
Profit before taxation		(2,581.4)		409		982.1
Attributable tax expense		(24)		(109.3)		(275)
Profit after taxation		(2,602.3)	£ 368.5	349.4		717.9
Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale						(94.5)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent		(2,633.3)		312.4		624.1
Non-controlling interests		31		37		93.8
Profit for the year from discontinued operations		3.1		49.7		10.8
Discontinued operations [member]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue		101.9		1,247.8		2,387.5
Costs of services		(87.4)		(1,061.4)		(1,951.5)
Gross profit		14.5		186.4		436
General and administrative costs		(4)		(109.7)		(151.7)
Operating profit		10.5		76.7		284.3
Share of results of associates				6.5		6.5
Profit before interest and taxation		10.5		83.2		290.8
Finance income		0.2		1.8		3.6
Finance costs		(0.3)		(9.1)		(17.3)
Revaluation Of Financial Instruments				(6.7)		(9.4)
Profit before taxation		10.4		69.2		267.7
Attributable tax expense		(2.1)		(19.5)		(78.8)
Profit after taxation		8.3		49.7		188.9
Goodwill impairment on classification as held for sale	[2]					(94.5)
(Loss)/gain on sale of discontinued operations		(3.3)				73.8
Attributable tax expense on sale of discontinued operations		(1.9)				(157.4)
Net gain attributable to discounted operations		3.1		49.7		10.8
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent		(6.8)		43.2		(3.8)
Non-controlling interests	[3]	9.9		6.5		14.6
Profit for the year from discontinued operations		£ 3.1		£ 49.7		£ 10.8

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.
[2]	Goodwill impairment of £94.5 million arose from the assessment of fair value less costs to sell under IFRS 5 in the year ended 31 December 2019.
[3]	In 2020, non-controlling interests includes £9.3 million recognised on the disposal of Kantar within WPP Scangroup, a 56.25% owned subsidiary of the Group.

Assets held for sale and disc_5

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations - Detailed Information About Amounts Of Discontinued Operations Included In Profit (Parenthetical) (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [LineItems]
Impairment on Classification As Held for Sale for Kantar Group				£ (94.5)
Gain (loss) on disposal of business		£ 31	£ 37	93.8
Discontinued operations [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Impairment on Classification As Held for Sale for Kantar Group	[1]			(94.5)
Gain (loss) on disposal of business	[2]	9.9	£ 6.5	£ 14.6
Discontinued operations [member] \| Kantar [member] \| WPP Scan Group [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Gain (loss) on disposal of business		£ 9.3
Percentage of ownership interest in subsidiaries		56.25%

[1]	Goodwill impairment of £94.5 million arose from the assessment of fair value less costs to sell under IFRS 5 in the year ended 31 December 2019.
[2]	In 2020, non-controlling interests includes £9.3 million recognised on the disposal of Kantar within WPP Scangroup, a 56.25% owned subsidiary of the Group.

Assets held for sale and disc_6

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations - Detailed Information About Gain On Sale Of Discontinued Operations (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [LineItems]
Property, plant and equipment		£ 914	£ 876	£ 876	£ 984.4
Right-of-use assets		1,773.9	1,734.5	1,734.5	1,825.2
Interests in associates and joint ventures		515.7	813	813	739.6
Other investments		398	498.3	498.3	574.7
Deferred tax assets		205.2	187.9	187.9	155.4
Corporate income tax recoverable		180.8	165.4	165.4	248.1
Cash and cash equivalents			2,799.6	2,799.6		£ 2,201.2
Corporate income tax payable		(371.3)	(499.9)	(499.9)	(493.9)
Deferred tax liabilities		(398.9)	(379.8)	(379.8)	(397.7)
Provisions for post-employment benefits		(169.5)	(159)	(159)	(184.9)
Provisions for liabilities and charges		(235.1)	(247.8)	(247.8)	(255.8)
Net assets		5,768.2	8,443.5	8,443.5	10,036.2
Non-controlling interests		(368.4)	(371.4)	(371.4)	£ (404.5)
Exchange adjustments recycled to the income statement		15.4	284	284
Discontinued operations [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Intangible assets (including goodwill)		150.9	2,410	2,410
Property, plant and equipment		13.7	115.7	115.7
Right-of-use assets		24.2	103.5	103.5
Interests in associates and joint ventures		2	92.3	92.3
Other investments			11.5	11.5
Deferred tax assets		5.5	44.1	44.1
Corporate income tax recoverable		15	49.8	49.8
Trade and other receivables		157.6	748.8	748.8
Cash and cash equivalents		19.8	324.9	324.9
Trade and other payables		(129)	(839.8)	(839.8)
Corporate income tax payable		(4)	(48.2)	(48.2)
Lease liabilities		(20.5)	(106.3)	(106.3)
Deferred tax liabilities		(1.3)	(98.6)	(98.6)
Provisions for post-employment benefits		(6.7)	(26.7)	(26.7)
Provisions for liabilities and charges		(0.6)	(22.4)	(22.4)
Net assets		226.6	2,758.6	2,758.6
Non-controlling interests		(5.9)	(19.1)	(19.1)
Net assets excluding non-controlling interests		220.7	£ 2,739.5	2,739.5
Consideration received in cash and cash equivalents		191.3		2,352.1
Re-investment in equity stake	[1]			231.7
Transaction costs		(3.8)		(56.1)
Deferred consideration	[2]	14.5		1.6
Total consideration received		202		2,529.3
Loss on sale before exchange adjustments		(18.7)		(210.2)
Exchange adjustments recycled to the income statement		15.4		284
(Loss)/gain on sale of discontinued operations		£ (3.3)		£ 73.8

[1]	Re-investment in equity stake represents the value of the Group’s 40% stake in the new Kantar group as part of the disposal.
[2]	Deferred consideration in the year ended 31 December 2019 is made up of £79.6 million expected to be received in future periods on the satisfaction of certain conditions and the deferral of £78.0 million consideration against services the Group will supply to Kantar on favourable terms in the future.

Assets held for sale and disc_7

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations - Detailed Information About Gain On Sale Of Discontinued Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Discontinued operations [member] - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [LineItems]
Percentage of interest in associates	40.00%
Deferred consideration upon satisfaction of certain conditions		£ 79.6
Deferred consideration upon satisfaction of certain conditions		£ 78

Goodwill and acquisitions - Cas

Goodwill and acquisitions - Cash-generating Units (CGUs) with Significant Goodwill (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	£ 8,120.2	£ 10,170.7	£ 13,252.1
Brands with an indefinite useful life	1,129.8	1,078.2
GroupM [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	3,072.2	2,936
Wunderman Thompson [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	1,167.2	2,138.9
Brands with an indefinite useful life	433.3	409.7
VMLY&R [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	460.6	901
Brands with an indefinite useful life	203.6	199.1
Ogilvy [Member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	828.1	762.9
Brands with an indefinite useful life	218.5	211.1
Burson Cohn Wolfe [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	651.3	741.4
Brands with an indefinite useful life	138	130.2
Other [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	1,940.8	2,690.5
Brands with an indefinite useful life	£ 136.4	£ 128.1

Goodwill and acquisitions - Dis

Goodwill and acquisitions - Disclosure of Cash Generating Units with significant impairments of goodwill (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Cash generating units with significant impairments of goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	£ 2,520.8	£ 47.7
Wunderman Thompson [member]
Disclosure of Cash generating units with significant impairments of goodwill [Line Items]
Recoverable amount	1,932.2
Goodwill impairment	1,071.4
VMLY&R [Member]
Disclosure of Cash generating units with significant impairments of goodwill [Line Items]
Recoverable amount	918.3
Goodwill impairment	472
Burson Cohn & Wolfe [member]
Disclosure of Cash generating units with significant impairments of goodwill [Line Items]
Recoverable amount	859.8
Goodwill impairment	129.1
Geometry Global [member]
Disclosure of Cash generating units with significant impairments of goodwill [Line Items]
Recoverable amount	205.9
Goodwill impairment	232.9
Landor And Fitch [member]
Disclosure of Cash generating units with significant impairments of goodwill [Line Items]
Recoverable amount	197.5
Goodwill impairment	158.3
Other [member]
Disclosure of Cash generating units with significant impairments of goodwill [Line Items]
Recoverable amount	1,349.3
Goodwill impairment	£ 457.1

Goodwill and acquisitions - Sum

Goodwill and acquisitions - Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from a Reasonably Possible Change in Assumptions (Detail) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020GBP (£)
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change in revenue less pass-through costs growth rate on impairment charges	£ 52.3
Impact of change in operating margin percentage on impairment charges	198.1
Impact of change in long-term cash flow growth rate on impairment charges	147.9
Increase [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	(591.2)
Decrease [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	765.7
Wunderman Thompson [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change in revenue less pass-through costs growth rate on impairment charges	19.2
Impact of change in operating margin percentage on impairment charges	70.8
Impact of change in long-term cash flow growth rate on impairment charges	54.6
Wunderman Thompson [member] \| Increase [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	(210.2)
Wunderman Thompson [member] \| Decrease [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	279.4
VMLY&R [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change in revenue less pass-through costs growth rate on impairment charges	8.3
Impact of change in operating margin percentage on impairment charges	37.7
Impact of change in long-term cash flow growth rate on impairment charges	22.9
VMLY&R [member] \| Increase [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	(100.1)
VMLY&R [member] \| Decrease [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	132
Burson Cohn & Wolfe [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change in revenue less pass-through costs growth rate on impairment charges	9.6
Impact of change in operating margin percentage on impairment charges	21.8
Impact of change in long-term cash flow growth rate on impairment charges	26.9
Burson Cohn & Wolfe [member] \| Increase [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	(98.7)
Burson Cohn & Wolfe [member] \| Decrease [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	129.1
Geometry Global [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change in revenue less pass-through costs growth rate on impairment charges	1.2
Impact of change in operating margin percentage on impairment charges	13.5
Impact of change in long-term cash flow growth rate on impairment charges	3.6
Geometry Global [member] \| Increase [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	(22.3)
Geometry Global [member] \| Decrease [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	29.7
Landor And Fitch [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change in revenue less pass-through costs growth rate on impairment charges	2.1
Impact of change in operating margin percentage on impairment charges	6.5
Impact of change in long-term cash flow growth rate on impairment charges	6
Landor And Fitch [member] \| Increase [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	(23.5)
Landor And Fitch [member] \| Decrease [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	31.3
Other [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change in revenue less pass-through costs growth rate on impairment charges	11.9
Impact of change in operating margin percentage on impairment charges	47.8
Impact of change in long-term cash flow growth rate on impairment charges	33.9
Other [member] \| Increase [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	(136.4)
Other [member] \| Decrease [member]
Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from A Reasonably Possible Change In These Assumptions [Line Items]
Impact of change to pre-tax discount rate on impairment charges	£ 164.2

Goodwill and acquisitions - S_2

Goodwill and acquisitions - Summary of Movements in the Impairment Charge from a Reasonably Possible Change in Assumptions (Parenthetical) (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020
Disclosure Of Reasonably Possible Change in Assumptions Used in the Impairment Review [Abstract]
Reasonably possible increase in projected growth rate of revenue less pass-through costs	0.50%
Reasonably possible decrease in projected growth rate of revenue less pass-through costs	0.50%
Reasonably possible percentage increase in projected operating margin	0.50%
Reasonably possible percentage decrease in projected operating margin	0.50%
Reasonably possible percentage increase in projected long term cash flow growth rate	0.50%
Reasonably possible percentage decrease in projected long term cash flow growth rate	0.50%
Reasonably possible percentage increase in pre-tax discount rate	1.50%
Reasonably possible percentage decrease in pre-tax discount rate	1.50%

Goodwill, acquisitions and disp

Goodwill, acquisitions and disposals - Additional Information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
(Decrease) increase in Goodwill by subsidiary undertaking	£ (2,050.5)	£ 49.3
Goodwill impairment	2,520.8		£ 47.7
Goodwill foreign currency translation difference	£ 473.3
Projection period for determining impairment of goodwill	5 years
Global Integrated Agencies Segment [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	£ 1,630.9
Public Relation Agencies Segment [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	144.8
Specialist Agencies Segment [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	£ 745.1
Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Revenue less pass through costs compound annual growth rate	2.50%
Average operating margins	6.60%
Top of range [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Revenue less pass through costs compound annual growth rate	5.00%
Average operating margins	19.00%
First Step [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Pre-tax discount rate	13.50%		8.50%
Pre-tax discount rate	For smaller CGUs that operate primarily in a particular region subject to higher risk, the higher of 13.5% or 100 basis points above the regional discount rate was used in the first step.
Assumed annual long-term growth rate	0.00%		3.00%
First Step [member] \| Global Networks [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Pre-tax discount rate	13.50%
Second Step [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Assumed annual long-term growth rate	2.00%		3.00%
Management forecasts for a projection period	five-years
Pre-tax discount rate for global CGUs [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Pre-tax discount rate	12.50%
Bottom of range of Pre-tax discount rates for Global CGUs [member].
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Pre-tax discount rate			6.30%
Top of range of Pre-tax discount rates for Global CGUs [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Pre-tax discount rate			7.40%
Range Of Pretax Discount Rates For Regional Specific Cash Generating Units [member] \| Bottom of range [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Pre-tax discount rate	10.80%		4.10%
Range Of Pretax Discount Rates For Regional Specific Cash Generating Units [member] \| Top of range [member]
Disclosure of Goodwill acquisitions and disposals [Line Items]
Pre-tax discount rate	19.30%		13.60%

Other intangible assets - Discl

Other intangible assets - Disclosure of other intangilble asset (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Other Intangible Assets	£ 1,488.9	£ 1,468.8	£ 1,786.2
Brands with an indefinite useful life [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Other Intangible Assets	1,129.8	1,078.2	1,141.2
Acquired intangibles [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Other Intangible Assets	284.4	323.6	530.4
Other [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Other Intangible Assets	£ 74.7	£ 67	£ 114.6

Trade and other receivables - S

Trade and other receivables - Summary of Trade and Other Receivables, Amounts Falling Due Within One Year (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Trade and other current receivables [abstract]
Trade receivables	£ 5,175.7	£ 7,007.6	£ 7,713.8
Work in progress	312.4	349.5	419.5
VAT and sales taxes recoverable	272.5	212.7	270.6
Prepayments	311.6	287.1	391
Accrued income	2,703.2	3,292.7	3,731.1
Fair value of derivatives	0.6	1.4	10
Other debtors	627.3	671.3	634.2
Trade and other receivables	£ 9,403.3	£ 11,822.3	£ 13,170.2

Trade and other receivables -_2

Trade and other receivables - Summary of Trade and Other Receivables, Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Trade and other non-current receivables [abstract]
Prepayments	£ 1.7	£ 2.2	£ 2.8
Accrued income			22.8
Fair value of derivatives			6.3
Other debtors	142.3	135.4	150.8
Trade and other receivables	£ 144	£ 137.6	£ 182.7

Trade and other receivables - A

Trade and other receivables - Additional Information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Allowance for bad and doubtful debts as a percentage of gross trade accounts receivables	2.50%	1.60%	1.60%
Trade receivables [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Bad debt expenses	£ 29.2	£ 12.3	£ 25.8
Overdue for more than 1 year [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Percentage of the asset aged or overdue for creating additional provison for losses	100.00%
Overdue for 6 months or more and for less than 1 year [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Percentage of the asset aged or overdue for creating additional provison for losses	50.00%

Trade and other payables - Summ

Trade and other payables - Summary of Trade and Other Payables, Amounts Falling Due within One Year (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions		Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Trade and other current payables [abstract]
Trade payables		£ 7,279.2	£ 10,112.1	£ 9,945.7
Deferred income		968.7	1,024.6	1,377.3
Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements)		65.4	142.4	167.6
Liabilities in respect of put option agreements with vendors		47	75.4	41.4
Fair value of derivatives		2.7	1.5	4
Share repurchases - close period commitments	[1]		252.3
Other creditors and accruals		2,409.3	2,578.5	2,829.7
Total		£ 10,772.3	£ 14,186.8	£ 14,365.7

[1]	During 2019, the Company entered into an arrangement with a third party to conduct share buybacks on its behalf in the close period commencing on 2 January 2020 and ending on 27 February 2020, in accordance with UK listing rules. The commitment resulting from this agreement constitutes a liability at 31 December 2019, which is included in Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year and has been recognised as a movement in equity.

Trade and other payables - Su_2

Trade and other payables - Summary of Trade and Other Payables, Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Trade and other non-current payables [abstract]
Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements)	£ 101.2	£ 111.4	£ 203.9
Liabilities in respect of put option agreements with vendors	120.5	151.4	223
Fair value of derivatives	0.6	21.2
Other creditors and accruals	164	199.3	140.8
Trade and other payables	£ 386.3	£ 483.3	£ 567.7

Trade and other payables - Paym

Trade and other payables - Payments Due to Vendors (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Payments due to vendors, Current	£ 65.4	£ 142.4	£ 167.6
Payments due to vendors, Non-current	101.2	111.4	203.9
Payments due to vendors	166.6	253.8	371.5	£ 414.7
Within one year [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Payments due to vendors, Current	65.4	142.4	167.6
Between one and two years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Payments due to vendors, Non-current	26.1	36.9	90
Between two and three years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Payments due to vendors, Non-current	15.5	37.5	44.1
Between three and four years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Payments due to vendors, Non-current	28.1	14.8	36.9
Between four and five years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Payments due to vendors, Non-current	27.8	9.7	22.4
Over five years [member]
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [Line items]
Payments due to vendors, Non-current	£ 3.7	£ 12.5	£ 10.5

Trade and Other Payables Amount

Trade and Other Payables Amounts Falling Due After More than One Year - Summary of Deferred and Earnout Related Obligations (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Fair Value Of Contingent Consideration [abstract]
At the beginning of the period	£ 253.8	£ 414.7	£ 414.7
Earnouts paid	(88.5)	(57.9)	(130)
New acquisitions	2.9	3.9	9.6
Revision of estimates taken to goodwill	(3)	1.1	(14.3)
Revaluation of payments due to vendors (note 6)	(4.3)	8.4	1.1
Transfer to disposal group classified as held for sale			(11.5)
Exchange adjustments	5.7	1.3	(15.8)
At the end of the period	£ 166.6	£ 371.5	£ 253.8

Issued share capital (Detail)

Issued share capital (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Issued share capital (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Text block [abstract]
Number of shares issued and fully paid, Beginning balance	1,328.2	1,332.7	1,332.7
Share cancellations	(32.1)	0	(4.5)
Number of shares issued and fully paid, Ending balance	1,296.1	1,332.7	1,328.2

Related party transactions - Ad

Related party transactions - Additional Information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	[1]	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Revenue	£ 5,582.7	£ 6,368.2		£ 13,234.1
Country US [Member] \| Compas [Member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Revenue	£ 49.7

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.

Related party transactions - Su

Related party transactions - Summary of related party transaction outstanding (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Amounts owed by related parties
Amounts receivable, related party transactions	£ 107	£ 175	£ 82.7
Amounts owed to related parties
Amounts payable, related party transactions	(76.5)	(86.1)	(56)
Kantar [Member]
Amounts owed by related parties
Amounts receivable, related party transactions	79.2	87.5
Amounts owed to related parties
Amounts payable, related party transactions	(14.6)	(36.5)
Other [Member]
Amounts owed by related parties
Amounts receivable, related party transactions	27.8	87.5	82.7
Amounts owed to related parties
Amounts payable, related party transactions	£ (61.9)	£ (49.6)	£ (56)

Going concern and risk manage_3

Going concern and risk management policies - Additional Information (Detail) £ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2020GBP (£)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 7,435.5

Going concern and risk manage_4

Going concern and risk management policies - Committed Facilities (Detail) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020GBP (£)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2020AUD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 7,435.5
Drawn down facilities	5,291.9
Undrawn committed credit facilities	2,143.6
Sterling bonds due September 2046 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 400
Interest rate	2.875%	2.875%	2.875%	2.875%
US$ bonds due November 2043 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 177.6	$ 220
Interest rate	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%
US$ bonds due September 2042 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 75	$ 93
Interest rate	5.125%	5.125%	5.125%	5.125%
Sterling bonds due 2032 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 250
Interest rate	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%
Euro bonds due March 2030 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 545		€ 600
Interest rate	1.625%	1.625%	1.625%	1.625%
Euro bonds due 2027 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 681.2		€ 750
Interest rate	2.375%	2.375%	2.375%	2.375%
Euro bonds due September 2026 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 681.2		€ 750
Interest rate	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%
Eurobonds Due September 2025 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 454.1		€ 500
Interest rate	1.375%	1.375%	1.375%	1.375%
US$ bonds due September 2024 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 605.9	$ 750
Interest rate	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%	3.75%
Bank revolver due 2024 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 2,019.5	$ 2,500
Euro bonds due November 2023 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 681.2		€ 750
Interest rate	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
US$ bonds due September 2022 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 403.9	$ 500
Interest rate	3.625%	3.625%	3.625%	3.625%
Eurobonds (3m EURIBOR 0.45%) due March 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available \| €			€ 250
Eurobonds (3m EURIBOR + 0.45%) due March 2022 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Adjustment to floating basis	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%	0.45%
Floating basis	3m EURIBOR
Total committed facilities available	£ 227.1
Bank revolver due 2021 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	233.8			$ 420
Within one year [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	233.8
Drawn down facilities	109.7
Within one year [member] \| Bank revolver due 2021 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	233.8
Between one and two years [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	631
Drawn down facilities	631
Between one and two years [member] \| US$ bonds due September 2022 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	403.9
Between one and two years [member] \| Eurobonds (3m EURIBOR + 0.45%) due March 2022 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	227.1
Between two and three years [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	681.2
Drawn down facilities	681.2
Between two and three years [member] \| Euro bonds due November 2023 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	681.2
Between three and four years [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	2,625.4
Drawn down facilities	605.9
Between three and four years [member] \| US$ bonds due September 2024 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	605.9
Between three and four years [member] \| Bank revolver due 2024 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	2,019.5
Later than four years [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	3,264.1
Drawn down facilities	3,264.1
Later than four years [member] \| Sterling bonds due September 2046 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	400
Later than four years [member] \| US$ bonds due November 2043 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	177.6
Later than four years [member] \| US$ bonds due September 2042 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	75
Later than four years [member] \| Sterling bonds due 2032 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	250
Later than four years [member] \| Euro bonds due March 2030 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	545
Later than four years [member] \| Euro bonds due 2027 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	681.2
Later than four years [member] \| Euro bonds due September 2026 [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	681.2
Later than four years [member] \| Eurobonds Due September 2025 [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total committed facilities available	£ 454.1

Financial instruments - Additio

Financial instruments - Additional Information (Detail) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020GBP (£)
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Weighted average growth rate	16.60%
Risk adjusted discount rate	1.30%
An increase or decrease in the multiple of zero point five times revenue [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Increase or decrease in fair value of other investments	£ 26.9
Increase or decrease on Income statement due to change in fair value of other investment	1.5
Increase or decrease on equity due to change in fair value of other investment	25.4
One percentage point increase or decrease [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Decrease in combined liabilities due to earn out and put option arrangement	3.7
Increase (Decrease) in combined liabilities due to earn out and put option arrangement	3.8
0.5 percentage point increase or decrease [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Increase in combined liabilities due to earn out and put option arrangement	4.8
Decrease in combined liabilities due to earn out and put option arrangement	£ 4.7

Financial instruments - Analysi

Financial instruments - Analysis of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Beginning balance	£ 498.3
Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) (note 18)	(166.6)	£ (253.8)	£ (371.5)	£ (414.7)
Ending balance	398
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 1 [member] \| Held at fair value through other comprehensive income [member] \| Other investments [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Ending balance	28.4
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 2 [member] \| Derivatives in designated hedge relationships [member] \| Derivatives Liabilities [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Derivative liabilities	(0.6)
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 2 [member] \| Held at fair value through profit or loss [member] \| Derivatives Liabilities [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Derivative liabilities	(2.7)
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 2 [member] \| Held at fair value through profit or loss [member] \| Derivatives Assets [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Derivative assets	0.6
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 3 [member] \| Held for trading [member] \| Liabilities in Respect of Put Options [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Beginning balance	(226.8)
Losses recognised in other comprehensive income	26
Exchange adjustments	(1.3)
Additions	(1.5)
Settlements	7.2
Ending balance	(167.5)
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 3 [member] \| Equity investments [member] \| Other investments [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Beginning balance	456.1
Gains recognised in the income statement	1.7
Losses recognised in other comprehensive income	(88.7)
Additions	3
Disposals	(2.5)
Ending balance	369.6
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 3 [member] \| Held at fair value through profit or loss [member] \| Trade And Other Payables To Trade Suppliers [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Payments due to vendors (earnout agreements) (note 18)	(166.6)
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 3 [member] \| Held at fair value through profit or loss [member] \| Liabilities in Respect of Put Options [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Liabilities in respect of put options	(167.5)
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 3 [member] \| Held at fair value through profit or loss [member] \| Other investments [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Beginning balance	258.7
At Fair Value [member] \| Level 3 [member] \| Held at fair value through other comprehensive income [member] \| Other investments [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Ending balance	£ 110.9

Reconciliation of operating (lo

Reconciliation of operating (loss)/profit to headline operating profit - Summary of Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Headline Operating Profit (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions		6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019		Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [Line Items]
Operating (loss)/profit		£ (2,453.4)	£ 596.3		£ 1,295.9
Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets		53.1	52.8		121.5
Goodwill impairment		2,520.8			47.7
Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries		(16)	(40.6)	[1]	(40.4)
Gains on remeasurement of equity interests arising from a change in scope of ownership			(0.4)	[1]	(0.4)
Investment and other write-downs		220.6			7.5
Litigation settlement			(16.8)	[1]	(16.8)
Gain on sale of freehold property in New York			(7.9)	[1]	(7.9)
Restructuring and transformation costs		17.9	33.9		153.5
Restructuring costs in relation to COVID-19		39.3
Headline operating profit	[2]	£ 382.3	£ 617.3	[1]	£ 1,560.6

[1]	Figures for the period ended 30 June 2019 have been re-presented in accordance with IFRS 5: Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, as described in note 13.
[2]	A reconciliation from operating (loss)/profit to headline operating profit is provided in note 23.