[LETTERHEAD]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5:00 a.m. Pacific Time                                 Kim Kellogg
Wed., July 9, 1997                                ----------------------------


Exhibit 99
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WELLS FARGO & CO. PROVIDES OUTLOOK FOR 
SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS


     Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced that its second quarter
1997 earnings will not meet analysts' expectations.  Wells Fargo estimates that
earnings will be approximately 30 percent below first quarter 1997 earnings, or
approximately $1 per share below the analysts' consensus of $3.53 per share, as
reported by Zacks Investment Research.

     The Company attributed the shortfall to one-time, unexpected expenses
resulting from the resolution of various operational and back-office issues
related to the First Interstate integration, including clearing accounts with
other banks.

     These statements about estimated results are preliminary and are based on
currently available information and management assumptions.  The Company will
release its second quarter earnings next Tuesday, July 15, at which time more
details about the quarter's results will be available.


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