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                                 [NEWS RELEASE]

                         [AMERICAN EXPRESS LETTERHEAD]

                                        Contact:  Emily Porter, American Express
                                                  212-640-4761

                                                  Richard Rawson, Administaff
                                                  281-348-3225

            AMERICAN EXPRESS AND ADMINISTAFF FORM MARKETING ALLIANCE

                   AMERICAN EXPRESS BUYS MINORITY INTEREST IN
                   LEADING PROFESSIONAL EXPLOYER ORGANIZATION

NEW YORK, January 28, 1998 -- American Express (NYSE: AXP) today announced a
strategic marketing alliance with Administaff (NYSE: ASF), a Houston,
Texas-based firm that provides a variety of personnel management services to
small and medium-sized businesses. The terms of the agreement include the sale
of 693,126 shares (approximately 5%) of Administaff common stock together with
warrants to purchase approximately two million additional shares (up to an
additional 14.9%) at strike prices ranging from $40 to $80 per share to American
Express for $17.7 million. The closing is subject to regulatory approval
(Hart-Scott-Rodino). Other details of the deal are confidential.

     "Administaff's expertise in personnel management is a natural strategic
fit with American Express' range of services for small businesses, such as
Corporate Card, Travel, and Tax and Business Services," said Anne Busquet,
President of American Express Relationship Services, who will serve on the
Administaff Board of Directors. "The relationship strategically positions
Administaff and American Express to provide small businesses with smart and
efficient ways to recruit, manage and retain top-notch employees, which is
particularly challenging in today's low-unemployment environment." Busquet also
noted that cross-promotional efforts will include added value for American
Express small business customers.

     "American Express is an ideal partner to support our long-term growth
strategy," said Paul J. Sarvadi, Administaff's President and CEO. "By
leveraging American Express' marketing expertise, technology and small business
consultants, we can expand our services and broaden our reach to prospective
customers."




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     According to the National Association of Professional Employer
Organizations (NAPE0), PEO industry growth has averaged 30% to 35% per annum
over the last five years. NAPEO also reports that as a percentage of potential
small business clients with fewer then 50 employees, industry penetration
totaled only about one percent in 1996.

     "Our industry is a gateway to the small business community," said Jerald L.
Broussard, Administaff's Senior Vice President of Business Development. "Having
American Express as a partner will allow us to greatly enhance the services we
provide to our customers."

     Founded in 1986, Administaff offers a comprehensive Personnel Management
System that encompasses a broad range of services, including benefits and
payroll administration, medical and workers' compensation programs, personnel
records management, liability management, recruiting and selection, performance
management, and training and development services. Administaff serves more than
1,900 small and medium-sized business clients with approximately 30,000 worksite
employees.

     American Express Relationship Services (AERS) was formed in 1995 to deliver
value-added products and services to consumers and businesses by leveraging
corporate assets in non-traditional areas, such as insurance, telecommunications
and educational funding, and the Internet. AERS is a division of American
Express Travel Related Services Company Inc.

     American Express Travel Related Services Company Inc., is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the American Express Company -- a diversified worldwide travel and
financial services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit
cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products,
insurance and international banking.


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