Grey Global Group Announces Anticipated Effective Date of Proposed Merger With WPP

Grey Global Group Announces Anticipated Effective Date of
Proposed Merger With WPP 


NEW YORK, Feb. 17  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Grey Global Group Inc.
(NASDAQ:GREY) announced today that the anticipated effective date of the
previously announced merger with WPP Group plc (NASDAQ:WPPGY)(LSE:WPP) is March
7, 2005, subject to the requisite approval of the stockholders of Grey Global
Group and the satisfaction or waiver of other closing conditions set forth in
the merger agreement.  These announcements are being made pursuant to Section
11.01 of the Indenture, dated as of October 28, 2003, governing Grey Global
Group Inc.'s 5.0% Contingent Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2033 (the
"Debentures") and pursuant to the merger agreement between Grey Global Group
and WPP.

The proxy statement/prospectus related to the proposed merger, together with
the form of election for use in electing whether to receive cash, WPP shares or
a combination of cash and WPP shares in the proposed merger, was mailed to Grey
Global Group stockholders beginning on February 2, 2005.  Grey Global Group
stockholders may request copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the form
of election by contacting Innisfree M&A Incorporated toll free at (888)
750-5834.  The proxy statement/prospectus and the form of election are also
available free of charge at the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov/, and Grey
Global Group's website, http://www.grey.com/.  The proxy statement/prospectus
contains important information regarding the terms of the merger.  Stockholders
are encouraged to read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully.

ABOUT GREY GLOBAL GROUP:

Grey Global Group Inc. ranks among the largest global communications companies
in the world.  Grey Global Group operates branded independent business units in
many communications disciplines including general advertising, public
relations/public affairs, direct marketing, internet communications, healthcare
marketing, brand strategy and design, and on-line and off-line media services. 

DATASOURCE: Grey Global Group Inc.



CONTACT:  Jan Sneed, [phone], or Steven G. Felsher,

[phone], both of Grey Global Group Inc.



Web site:  http://www.grey.com/ 

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