Press Release

New York, April 26, 1999 (NYSE: IPG) - Philip H. Geier, Jr., Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, reported that The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. had net income for the first quarter of 1999 of $44.8 million, an increase of 18.7% over the net income for the first quarter of 1998 of $37.7 million. On a diluted basis, earnings per share was $.32 in 1999 versus $.27 in 1998, an increase of 18.5%.

Gross income for the first quarter of 1999 was $925.1 million, an increase of $93.9 million or 11.3% over 1998. Gross income from United States operations increased 11.6%. Gross income from International operations increased 10.9%. Gross income from international operations would have increased 13.1%, except for strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies.

Interpublic's agency systems gained net new business during the first three months of 1999 of approximately $600.9 million of billings compared with the first three months of 1998 of $523.3 million of billings, an increase of approximately 15%.

Continuing cost containment efforts kept costs at appropriate levels. Mr. Geier noted that the Company's financial condition continues to be excellent, with a strong balance sheet and a solid cash position. The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. is comprised of McCann-Erickson WorldGroup, Ammirati Puris Lintas, The Lowe Group, DraftWorldwide, Western Initiative Media Worldwide, International Public Relations, Octagon, Allied Communications Group, and other related companies.

The shares of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (IPG); more information about Interpublic is available on the Company's Web site at www.interpublic.com.

CONTACT:

Eugene P.Beard 212-399-8053 Thomas Volpe 212-399-8056

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Summary of Earnings First Quarter Report 1999 and 1998 (Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)
			%
	Three Months Ended March 31		Favorable
	1999	1998	(Unfavorable)
Gross Income:
United States	$ 492,825	$ 441,546	11.6
International	$ 432,255	$ 389,637	10.9
Total Gross Income	$ 925,080	$ 831,183	11.3
Costs and Expenses	$ 830,131	$ 752,956	(10.2)
Interest Expense	$ 13,945	$ 12,801	(8.9)
Income Before   Provision for   Income Taxes	$ 81,004	$ 65,426	23.8
Provision for   Income Taxes	$ 33,618	$ 25,498	(31.8)
Net Equity Interests (a)	$ (2,601)	$ (2,189)	(18.8)
Net Income	$ 44,785	$ 37,739	18.7
Per Share Data:
Basic EPS	$ .33	$ .28	17.9
Diluted EPS (b)	$ .32	$ .27	18.5
Dividend   per-share	$ .15	$ .13	15.4
Weighted Average Shares   Basic	136,266,930	135,187,048
Diluted	141,674,772	140,238,988
(a) Net equity interests is the equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates less income attributable to minority interests of consolidated subsidiaries. (b) Includes the addback of restricted stock dividends in 1999 and 1998.