Syzygy merges with NetForce, strengthens European eBusiness offer.

M2 PRESSWIRE-11 April 2000-Syzygy: Syzygy merges with NetForce, strengthens European eBusiness offer (C)1994-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:11042000

Syzygy (www.syzygy.net) today announced that it is to merge with NetForce (ww.netforce.fr), the top 5* rated French digital media agency, placing Syzygy squarely in the increasingly dynamic French market for Internet services.

NetForce, a subsidiary of HighCo, the French marketing services group listed on the Nouveau Marche in Paris, had 1999 revenues of 3.2m (GBP2m / FF 21m). Investors in Syzygy include WPP Group plc (LSE: WPP / NSDQ: WPPGY) and US-based venture capital firm esnet.

The move extends Syzygy's reach across Europe, complementing its strong presence in the UK and Germany. Syzygy already works with some of Europe's largest organisations to conceive and implement digital solutions that enable profitable eBusiness.

According to Syzygy CEO Chris Robson, who will be CEO of the combined entity, 'NetForce is a clear strategic fit. It already works with major businesses, such as AXA, BNP, Elf Atochem and Alcatel, and has done superb eCommerce work for Rue de Commerce, La Redoute, Une Journee en France and others.'

Syzygy's expertise in eCommerce integration, Content Management and Personalisation will be further reinforced by NetForce's people, partnerships and technical capabilities.

'We intend to build on NetForce's position as a leading French agency, while integrating it with Syzygy's European eBusiness service offer, aimed at the increasing numbers of companies looking to sell and communicate online on a pan-European basis,' Robson added.

'Furthermore, given its history of innovative digital services and fast growing Internet use amongst its population, France has a crucial role to play in the research and development of digital services, both domestic and European. We look forward to learning from the French experience, and vice-versa' he said.

Founded in 1996 and based in Paris, NetForce employs 40 people in five specialist business units: Internet, Intranet, eCommerce, eMarketing and Channels. Its clients include AXA, Alcatel, Biotherm, BNP, Elf Atochem, Groupe Minamour, L'Equipe, Rue de Commerce and La Redoute.

Herve Faucon, NetForce's Managing Director, becomes Managing Director of Syzygy France, and Frederic Chevalier, HighCo CEO, will join the Board of Syzygy.

(*) CB News, April 1999

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Syzygy (http://www.syzygy.net) is a leading eBusiness Solutions firm that conceives and implements digital solutions for Europe's largest organisations to help them manage and service customer and supplier relationships through digital channels, including the Internet, interactive TV and mobile devices.

2. Syzygy comprises two 'best of breed' digital media agencies, the UK-based Syzygy and Germany's United Media, both leading firms in their respective countries.

Syzygy was named 1998 BT/Yell Web Agency of the Year and a European top 6 Internet 'Brand Czar' by Forrester Research; United Media was singled out as one of Germany's top 30 information and communication groups by the German Association of Industry. The combined group employs 120 people in Frankfurt, London and Munich.

3. Syzygy clients are Fortune 500 firms, multinationals and non-profits, including: Barclays Bank, BP Amoco, The Boots Group, Disney, Fleurop, Lancia, London Business School, Lloyds TSB, Mannesmann VDO, QXL.com, Schoolsnet.com, Siemens, Telewest, UUNet, VIAG Interkom, Wilkinson Sword and London's South Bank Centre.

4. NetForce (http://www.netforce.fr) is one of France's leading digital media agencies, employing 40 people in five specialist business units: Internet, Intranet, eCommerce, eMarketing and Channels. Clients include: AXA, BNP, Ruse de Commerce, L'Oreal-Kerastase, Elf-Atochem, Groupe Minamour.

5. HighCo (http://www.highco.fr) is one of France's leading marketing services companies, ranking in the top three in direct marketing. HighCo subsidiaries include High Co Conseil in business-to- business consulting; Kenya, a direct marketing agency; Pole Production, a print-buying company; Editum, a consumer magazine producer; Welcome Real Time and Scan Coupon specialise in smart card and promotional coupon management. The Group employs around 300 people in Paris and Aix-en-Provence.

6. WPP Group plc (http://www.wpp.com) is one of the world's leading communications services groups, providing national, multi-national and global clients with advertising; media investment management; information & consultancy; public relations & public affairs, branding & identity, healthcare and specialist communications. WPP employs 39,000 people in 950 offices in 92 countries. Group companies include J. Walter Thompson Company, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, Conquest, Hill and Knowlton, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Research International, Millward Brown, CommonHealth, Enterprise IG and MindShare.

Clients include more than 300 of the Fortune Global 500 and more than one third of NASDAQ 100.

In 1999 the Group had annual turnover (billings) of $15bn (GBP9.3bn) and revenues of $3.5bn (GBP2.2bn). WPP is a member of BusinessWeek's Global 1000, the Forbes International 800, the MSCI, the FTSE Eurotop 300 and Britain's FTSE 100 companies.

CONTACT: Charlie Pownall, Communications Manager, Syzygy Tel: +44 (0)171 460 3059 e-mail: c.pownall@syzygy.net Sue Rizzello, Edelman PR (UK) Tel: +44 (0)171 344 1290 e-mail: srizzello@edeluk.com Alfred Jansen, Edelman PR (Germany) Tel: +46 69 75 61 99 70 e-mail: ajansen@edelman.de Herve Faucon, Managing Director, NetForce Tel: +33 1 41 11 67 08 e-mail: hfaucon@netforce.fr

((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data prepared by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).