Response to Press Speculation

Rathbone Brothers PLC
10 January 2005


10 January 2005



                      Response to Recent Press Speculation

The Board of Rathbone Brothers Plc has noted the article in the Sunday
Telegraph. It is our policy not to comment on press speculation or market
rumours, but the Board confirms that it has indeed appointed Hawkpoint, jointly
with Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, as financial advisers; alongside the firm's
brokers, Bridgewell. Hawkpoint's brief is to advise the Board about
opportunities for acquisitions. No other strategic options are being reviewed.

                                    - ENDS -

For further information, please contact:
Mark Powell, Chairman Rathbone Brothers Plc Tel: [phone]
Andy Pomfret, Chief Executive Rathbone Brothers Plc Tel: [phone]

Notes to editors:
Rathbones is a listed investment management company and a leading provider of
discretionary fund management and wealth management services for private clients
and trustees. It manages over £7 billion (1) of discretionary funds for
individuals, their trusts, charities and pension funds, and for the professional
advisers of these clients. The company provides tax, trust, financial planning
and family office services through its trust division (2).



  (1) Unaudited, as at 31 Dec 2004
  (2) Rathbone Trust Company Limited and the services it provides are not
      authorised or regulated by the Financial Services Authority




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