Acquisition

WPP Group PLC
9 May 2001


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                9 May 2001



                            WPP GROUP PLC ('WPP')


              Acquires US pharmaceutical research group, Ziment


WPP announces that its wholly-owned information and consultancy division,
Kantar, has acquired 100% of  Ziment Associates Inc. and affiliated companies
('Ziment'), a leading US-based pharmaceutical research group.

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in New York, Ziment employs 135 people  in
its five operating units across 11 offices in the US.  Ziment's clients
include some of the world's largest pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies.

Ziment will form the core of a new global healthcare practice to improve
further the service Kantar offers its pharmaceutical, biotechnology and
medical device clients.   Other WPP companies in the healthcare communications
sector include CommonHealth and Sudler & Hennessey, two of the world's largest
pharmaceutical marketing and communications businesses.

Ziment had revenues of $18.8 million for the year 2000 and net assets of $4.2
million as at 31 December 2000.

The acquisition of Ziment continues WPP's strategy of establishing a
leadership position in fast-growing sectors and important markets.



Further information:

Feona McEwan, WPP

Tel [phone]

www.wpp.com