The board of Close Brothers Group plc ("Close") is pleased to announce the appointment of Douglas Paterson and James Williams as independent non-executive directors of the company with effect from 29th July 2004.

Mr. Paterson was, until his recent retirement, a senior partner in the financial services practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a non-executive director of Goldman Sachs International Bank in London and vice-chairman of the British German Association.

Mr. Williams retired in 2002 after a 30 year career in investment management most of which was spent with Baring Asset Management. He is chairman of Royal London Growth and Income Trust and a non-executive director of the Pan Asian Special Opportunities Fund and the J P Morgan Fleming America Investment Trust.

Enquiries:
Close Brothers Group plc - 020 7655 3100
Robin Sellers, Company Secretary