Statement re Possible Offer

Close Brothers Group PLC
08 November 2007


8 November 2007

Close Brothers Group plc ("Close Brothers")

Statement regarding possible offer

The Board of Close Brothers notes this morning's announcement by Cenkos
Securities plc regarding a takeover approach to the Company.  The Board confirms
that an approach was received on 7 November 2007 from a consortium of Cenkos
Securities and Landsbanki at a level of 950 pence per share in cash.  The
indicative offer was highly conditional, and no discussions have been held with
the consortium.

The Directors consider that this offer is wholly inadequate and accordingly have
rejected the approach. The Board does not propose to pursue discussions with the
consortium.

Enquiries

David Waller, The Maitland Consultancy          [phone]

Justin Clark, Close Brothers Group plc          [phone]

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, 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 3:30pm (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unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which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, 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 by Close Brothers, or by any of their respective
"associates", must be disclosed 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 inverted commas 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.




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