Press Release

NEW YORK, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Interpublic Group reiterated its comfort with EPS estimates in a range of $1.49 - 1.51 for the year 2000. In 1999, the company earned $1.24 per share, as restated in the company's recent 8-K filing.

For the first nine months of the year, earnings per share were $1.05, including the results of recent acquisitions. Because the transactions were accounted for as poolings-of-interests, year-to-date earnings were restated from the previous $1.01. All EPS amounts exclude restructuring charges.

The company expects to report earnings per share of $.44 - .46 in the fourth quarter of 2000, which will compare favorably to $.35 earned in 1999's fourth quarter. Sean F. Orr, chief financial officer, commented: "As planned, Interpublic will produce strong growth in operating income, tempered by lower non-operating income and higher shares outstanding. In sum, we expect to report sharply higher EPS in the year's final quarter."

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., is one of the largest organizations of advertising agencies and marketing service companies. Its major worldwide company branches include McCann-Erickson WorldGroup, The Lowe Group, Deutsch, Draft Worldwide, Initiative Media Worldwide, Octagon, NFO Worldwide and the Allied Communications Group. The shares of Interpublic are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: IPG).

Safe Harbor Statement

This release may discuss future performance. Comments made about expectations, plans and prospects constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements, and the company undertakes no obligation to update any such statements. Risk factors are identified in the company's 1999 Form 10-K and more recent 10-Qs on files at the Securities and Exchange Commission. SOURCE The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

CONTACT: Susan V. Watson, 212-399-8208, or Sean F. Orr, 212-399-8208, both for The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc./