WPP will vigorously defend a class action lawsuit brought by U.S. shareholders earlier this month, the company has confirmed.  

The suit, which alleges violations of U.S. securities laws, was filed in US District Court (Southern District-New York) on October 9 by lead plaintiff Jack Marty, “individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated.” 

In addition to WPP, individual defendants named in the suit include former CEO Mark Read, Chief Financial Officer Joanne Wilson, and WPP Media CEO Brian Lesser. 

The suit was filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired WPP common shares between February 27, 2025 and July 8, 2025. 

It was on July 9 that WPP issued a so-called “profit warning” when it announced that market conditions had “deteriorated” significantly and that it was downgrading its full-year organic revenue outlook to a decline of between 3% to 5% from the previous guidance of flat to down 2%. 

The following day on July 10 the company announced that Cindy Rose would succeed Read as CEO on September 1.  

The suit alleges that WPP issued misleading statements about the company’s projected performance prior to the profit warning, including expressing “confidence in the company’s continued efforts to revitalize and simplify its media division to obtain new wins and retain clientele.” 

The suit contends that the company misled or concealed “material adverse facts concerning the true state of WPP’s media arm.” 

The suit noted the 18% drop in the value of WPP common shares on the day it issued its profit warning.  

The suit does not cite a specific figure for monetary damages sustained by shareholders, but does seek unspecified damages, interest, attorneys' fees and other costs.  

WPP has not yet filed its legal response to the court complaint. However, a company spokesperson issued this statement: “WPP is aware of a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York asserting violations of US securities laws. No court has ruled that we have violated any laws, and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously.”