Standard Chartered PLC — M&A Activity 2005

Jul 18, 2005

Standard Chartered PLC

15 July 2005

Standard Chartered Nakornthon Bank pcl ("SCNB") has made certain disclosures to the Stock Exchange of Thailand on 15 July 2005 in relation to the proposed transfer by Standard Chartered Bank ("SCB") of SCB's Bangkok Branch to SCNB.

In accordance with the Bank of Thailand's Financial Sector Master Plan, SCB and SCNB recently announced proposals to consolidate Standard Chartered's deposit taking entities in Thailand into a single presence. The proposals were agreed by the Ministry of Finance in Thailand in April 2005. Subject to receiving associated regulatory and shareholder approvals, SCNB (which is currently 99.98% owned by SCB), intends to complete the acquisition of the business of SCB Bangkok Branch for a consideration of THB6,145,808,196 on 1 October 2005.

For further information please contact:

Romy Murray, Head of Investor Relations

+44 (0)20 7280 7245

Cindy Tang, Head of Media Relations

+44 (0)20 7280 6170

Betty Ku, Head of Corporate Affairs, Hong Kong

+852 2821 1310