Reg Approval - H'hold Acqn

HSBC Holdings PLC
28 March 2003


          HSBC RECEIVES REGULATORY APPROVALS FOR HOUSEHOLD ACQUISITION

HSBC Holdings plc ("HSBC") has obtained all regulatory consents and approvals
required in connection with its proposed acquisition by way of merger of
Household International, Inc.

The acquisition remains subject, among other matters, to approvals by the
shareholders of both companies at shareholder meetings scheduled to take place
later today.

Investors and Household security holders are advised to read the proxy statement
/prospectus dated 26 February 2003 regarding the proposed merger and the
supplement dated 19 March 2003 because they contain important information. The
proxy statement/prospectus and supplement have been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission by both companies. Household shareholders may obtain a
free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus and supplement and other related
documents filed by either company at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange