THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.''s primary business is the advertising agency business. This business is conducted throughout the world through three advertising agency systems, McCann-EricksonWorldwide, Ammirati Puris Lintas and The Lowe Group. In addition, during 1996, the Company added a fourth agency system through its acquisition of DraftDirect Worldwide, Inc., a company which specializes in direct marketing. The Company also offers advertising agency services through association arrangements with local agencies in various parts of the world.