18 December 2006

Close Brothers has raised a total of £445 million in two transactions for Close Brothers Group (“CBG”) and Close Brothers Limited (“CBL”), its banking subsidiary.  Each loan was launched at £150 million and was oversubscribed after strong support from relationship banks and the market.  The total of £445 million raised between these two facilities is a record from the debt markets for Close.  The final facility amount taken by CBG was £195 million for five years.  CBL took £250 million for four years.  The loans are for refinancing and general corporate purposes.

Bayern LB, Danske Bank (Agent) and Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking acted as Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners in both transactions.  In total, 19 international banks participated in the facilities.

For further information please contact the following:

Stephen Hodges
Close Brothers               
+44 20 7655 3378