Acquisition

WPP Group PLC
17 January 2001


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           17 January 2001


                            WPP GROUP PLC  ('WPP')


                Enterprise IG acquires VBAT in The Netherlands


WPP's wholly-owned global brand and identity consultancy, Enterprise IG, has
acquired 55% of the shares of Visser, Bay, Anders, Toscani B.V. ('VBAT') a
leading identity and interactive agency in the Netherlands, and entered into
put and call options in respect of the remaining 45%.

Amsterdam-based VBAT, which employs 90 people, offers clients consumer and
corporate branding development alongside a full range of digital media skills.
Clients include Etos, Essent, Libertel, Smiths Food Group and ING.

The agency had revenues of NLG10.85 million in 1999 and net assets of NLG
3.265 million as at 31 December 1999. The company will change its name to VBAT
Enterprise IG with immediate effect.

The acquisition of VBAT further strengthens Enterprise IG's capabilities in
continental Europe and the important Dutch market and continues WPP's strategy
of establishing a leadership position in the fast-growing sectors of
communications services.


Contact:             Feona McEwan, WPP London
                     Tel [phone]
                     www.wpp.com
                     www.enterpriseig.com