Rule 2.10 Announcement

Close Brothers Group PLC 22 January 2008 22 January 2008 Close Brothers Group plc Disclosure in accordance with Rule 2.10 of the City Code In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Code"), Close Brothers Group plc confirms that on 22 January 2008 it has 149,119,524 ordinary shares of 25 pence each in issue excluding shares held in Treasury. The ISIN reference for the ordinary shares is GB0007668071. Dealing Disclosure Requirements Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code"), if any person is, or becomes, "interested" (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of "relevant securities" of Close Brothers Group plc, all "dealings" in any "relevant securities" of that company (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such "relevant securities") must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the "offer period" otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an "interest" in "relevant securities" of Close Brothers Group plc, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3. Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all "dealings" in "relevant securities" of Close Brothers Group plc by Close Brothers Group plc, or by any of their respective "associates", must be disclosed by no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose "relevant securities" "dealings" should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. "Interests in securities" arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an "interest" by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities. Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a "dealing" under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel. Enquiries: Robin Sellers Company Secretary 020 7655 3100 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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