Standard Chartered PLC - M&A Activity 2006

STANDARD CHARTERED and PT ASTRA INTERNATIONAL Tbk ACQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL 25.90% OF PT BANK PERMATA Tbk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Standard Chartered PLC announces that the consortium of Standard Chartered Bank (“Standard Chartered”) and PT Astra International Tbk (“Astra”) (the “Consortium”) has agreed to acquire from the Indonesian Government’s state-owned asset management company, PT Perusahaan Pengelola Aset, a further interest of 25.90 per cent in PT Bank Permata Tbk (“Bank Permata”).

The Consortium will pay a cash consideration of Indonesian Rupiah 1.75 trillion (approximately US$193 million at the current exchange rate). Standard Chartered will pay a cash consideration of Indonesian Rupiah 877 billion (approximately US$96 million at the current exchange rate) for its 50 per cent share of the additional 25.90 per cent of Bank Permata being purchased.

The acquisition will increase the interest of the Consortium in Bank Permata from 63.11 per cent to 89.01 per cent with each of Standard Chartered and Astra holding 44.50 per cent of Bank Permata.

Bank Permata is one of the largest banks in Indonesia by branches and assets. It has 310 branches, 1 million customers and assets of US$3.9 billion. Standard Chartered remains committed to developing and growing its business in this highly attractive market.

For further information, contact:

Stephen Atkinson, Head of Investor Relations

Tel: +44 20 7280 7245

[email protected]

Ruth Naderer, Head of Investor Relations, Asia Pacific

Tel : +852 2820 3075

[email protected]

Matthew Chan, Manager, Media Relations

Tel: +44 20 7280 7707

[email protected]