Bond Issue

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH OFFERS OR SALES WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW

Close Brothers Group plc

Bond issue

Close Brothers Group plc ("the group") announces that it has launched and priced an issue of £200 million 6.50% bonds due 2017. The bond issue is expected to close on 10 February 2010.

The proceeds of the bond issue will increase the flexibility of the group's funding structure.

Enquiries:

Sophie Gillingham Investor Relations 020 7655 3844

Close Brothers Group plc

Jon Nash Group Financial Controller 020 7655 3491

Close Brothers Group plc

Anthony Silverman Maitland 020 7379 5151

Any investment decision made in connection with the bond issue MUST be based solely on the information contained in the final Prospectus. The final Prospectus for the bonds is expected to be approved by the UK Listing Authority on or about 8 February 2010 and will be available to view via the London Stock Exchange's Regulatory News Service.

Stabilisation in respect of the Bonds may be conducted in accordance with FSA and ICMA Rules all as more fully described in the final Prospectus.

Disclaimer

The bonds referred to in this document have not been, and will not be, registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold in the United States other than pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The group does not intend to make a public offer of the bonds in the United States or to register any securities under the Securities Act.