Re Directorate

Close Brothers Group PLC
21 May 2001




                           CLOSE BROTHERS GROUP plc


                    Appointment of Non-executive Director



The Board of Close Brothers Group plc announces the appointment today of
Michael McLintock as a non-executive Director.




                                   - ENDS -



Note for Editors


Michael McLintock, aged 40, is chief Executive of M&G and on the Board of
Prudential.  He joined M&G in 1992 and became Chief Executive in 1997 and
oversaw the sale of M&G to Prudential in March 1999.  Prior to joining M&G, he
worked for five years at Baring Brothers, Corporate Finance and for four years
at Morgan Grenfell & Co Ltd.