Acquisition

WPP Group PLC
24 January 2001


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  24 January 2001







WPP GROUP PLC ('WPP')



Acquires Manchester-based advertising agency,

Cheetham Bell Limited





WPP's wholly owned operating company, J Walter Thompson Company, has acquired
75% of Cheetham Bell Limited ('Cheetham Bell'), a creative advertising agency
in Manchester, and has entered into put and call options to acquire the
remaining 25%.



Cheetham Bell, which has a reputation for its strong creative work,
specialises in servicing important local clients including, Manchester United,
Manchester Evening News, Pontin's and Vimto.  The company, which employs 32
people had revenues of £1.5m for the year to 30 June 2000 and net assets of £
261,000 as at 30 June 2000.



Cheetham Bell will be merged with JWT's Manchester agency and trade as
CheethamBell JWT with immediate effect.  The merged company will be managed by
Dr David Bell CEO, Andy Cheetham, Creative Director and Paul Watson, Managing
Director.



This acquisition continues WPP's strategy of strengthening its existing
networks in important markets.



For further information please contact:




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