Standard Chartered PLC — M&A Activity 2004

Nov 22, 2004

Standard Chartered PLC

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited takes no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, makes no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement.

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Standard Chartered PLC

(洩打集團有限公司)

(the "Company")

(Registered in England and Wales number 966425)

(Stock Code: 2888)

ANNOUNCEMENT

Standard Chartered Takes A Stake in Bohai Bank

Founding Partner in New Chinese Bank

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited announced that it has signed a framework agreement to take a 19.99% interest in the share capital of Bohai Bank.

This announcement is made pursuant to Rule 13.09(2) of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, announced on 19th November, 2004 that it has signed a framework agreement to take a 19.99% interest in the share capital of Bohai Bank, subject to the review and approval by the China Banking Regulatory Commission. The preparatory plan for the establishment of Bohai Bank is also pending the approval by the State Council and the China Banking Regulatory Commission.

By Order of the Board

David J. Brimacombe

Company Secretary

Hong Kong, 20 November, 2004

As at the date of this announcement, the Board of the Company comprises:

Executive Directors – Mr. Bryan Kaye Sanderson, CBE; Mr. Evan Mervyn Davies, CBE; Mr. Michael Bernard DeNoma; Mr. Christopher Avedis Keljik; Mr. Richard Henry Meddings; Mr. Kaikhushru Shiavax Nargolwala; Mr. Peter Alexander Sands; and

Independent Non-Executive Directors – Sir CK Chow; Mr. James Frederick Trevor Dundas, Mr. Ho KwonPing; Mr. Rudolph Harold Peter Markham; Ms. Ruth Markland; Mr. Hugh Edward Norton; Mr. Paul David Skinner; and Mr. Oliver Henry James Stocken.

Please also refer to the published version of this announcement in South China Morning Post dated 22 November 2004.

Standard Chartered PLC

22-11-2004