Press Release

NEW YORK, NY (March 17, 2003) -- The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE: IPG) announced today that, following the completion of its private placement offering of 4.5% convertible senior notes due 2023, it has satisfied or waived all conditions to its offer to purchase its zero-coupon convertible senior notes due 2021 except for those relating to legality of the offer, as described in its Schedule TO filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2003.

Interpublic completed the private placement offering and issued $800 million aggregate principal amount of notes, including $100 million resulting from the initial purchaser's exercise in full of their over-allotment option, on March 13, 2003. In connection with the private placement, Interpublic entered into a Registration Rights Agreement and a Supplemental Indenture with respect to the 4.5% convertible senior notes and intends to amend its Schedule TO to include these agreements as exhibits.

In addition, the commitment from UBS AG to provide Interpublic with an interim credit facility terminated upon the completion of the private placement in accordance with its terms.

The notes issued in the private placement and the underlying common shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under, or an applicable exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities laws.

About Interpublic

The Interpublic Group of Companies is among the world's largest advertising and marketing organizations. Its global operating groups are McCann-Erickson WorldGroup, The Partnership, FCB Group and Interpublic Sports and Entertainment Group. Major global brands include Draft Worldwide, Foote, Cone & Belding Worldwide, Golin/Harris, NFO WorldGroup, Initiative Media, Lowe Worldwide, McCann-Erickson, Octagon, Universal McCann and Weber Shandwick.

Contact Information
Press:
Philippe Krakowsky
(212) 399-8088

Investors:
Susan Watson
(212) 399-8208

Cautionary Statement

This document contains forward-looking statements. Interpublic's representatives may also make forward-looking statements orally from time to time. Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including statements about Interpublic's beliefs and expectations, particularly regarding recent business and economic trends, the impact of litigation, dispositions, impairment charges, the integration of acquisitions and restructuring costs, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore undue reliance should not be placed on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Interpublic undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those associated with the effects of global, national and regional economic and political conditions, Interpublic's ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients, the financial success of Interpublic's clients, developments from changes in the regulatory and legal environment for advertising and marketing and communications services companies around the world and the successful completion and integration of acquisitions which complement and expand Interpublic's business capabilities.

Interpublic's liquidity could be adversely affected if Interpublic is unable to access capital or to raise proceeds from asset sales. In addition, Interpublic could be adversely affected by developments in connection with the purported class actions and derivative suits that it is defending or the SEC investigation relating to the restatement of its financial statements. Its financial condition and future results of operations could also be adversely affected if Interpublic recognizes additional impairment charges due to future events or in the event of other adverse accounting-related developments. At any given time Interpublic may be engaged in a number of preliminary discussions that may result in one or more acquisitions or dispositions. These opportunities require confidentiality and from time to time give rise to bidding scenarios that require quick responses by Interpublic. Although there is uncertainty that any of these discussions will result in definitive agreements or the completion of any transactions, the announcement of any such transaction may lead to increased volatility in the trading price of Interpublic's securities. The success of recent or contemplated future acquisitions will depend on the effective integration of newly-acquired businesses into Interpublic's current operations. Important factors for integration include realization of anticipated synergies and cost savings and the ability to retain and attract new personnel and clients. In addition, Interpublic's representatives may from time to time refer to “pro forma” financial information, including information before taking into account specified items. Because “pro forma” financial information by its very nature departs from traditional accounting conventions, this information should not be viewed as a substitute for the information prepared by Interpublic in accordance with GAAP, including the balance sheets and statements of income and cash flow contained in Interpublic's quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K.

Investors should evaluate any statements made by Interpublic in light of these important factors.

Stabilization/FSA