An adage report quoted an Interpublic executive as confirming that once conflict issues and management changes have been worked out, Lowe will present its case to Interpublic's chairman and CEO John Dooner junior who will make the final decision in weeks.

The report also quoted the executive as saying that a number of issues have to be resolved including conflicting interests of existing clients.

Both the agencies have rival banking and personal care clients. Lowe represents both HSBC and Johnson & Johnson while Bozell counts Bank of America and The Andrew Jurgens Company.