Acquisition

WPP Group PLC
29 January 2001


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           29 January 2001



WPP GROUP PLC ('WPP')



J Walter Thompson acquires UK direct marketing agency,

Black Cat



WPP's wholly owned operating company, J Walter Thompson Company ('JWT'), has
acquired the entire issued share capital of Black Cat Holdings Limited ('Black
Cat'), a UK-based direct  marketing agency, specialising in direct, loyalty,
interactive and promotional marketing.


Black Cat, which employs 96 people and is the fourth largest independent
company in its field in the UK, had revenues of £5m for the year ended 31
October 2000 and net assets of £512,000 at that date. Clients include Air
Miles, Avis, Boots Optician, Cable & Wireless, Columbia Tristar, Fidelity
Investments, Heathrow and Gatwick  Express,  Mitel, Moet & Chandon and Yahoo.



The acquisition of Black Cat strengthens JWT's capability to deliver total
communications solutions for clients and continues WPP's strategy of
strengthening existing networks in high growth functional areas.



For further information please contact:
Feona McEwan, WPP London                           44-20 7408 2204


www.wpp.com