Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank acquires strategic stake in Gulf Merchant Group

Notes and media contacts

About Gulf Merchant Group:
Gulf Merchant Group Limited (GMG), an investment banking and asset management firm, is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The firm offers a number of flexible and innovative products to institutional investors, corporations and high net-worth individuals through its services which include corporate finance, capital markets, fund management and private client services. GMG is a subsidiary of Gulf Merchant Group LLP, which is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the UK.

Due to the great demand for solid regional investment banking in the region, GMG serves its customers through a regional hub in Dubai. The key factors driving this demand are the deregulation of key sectors in the regional economies; the much needed broadening of private sector ownership and the in-flow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).

GMG is headed by a multi-cultural team of experts who have been handpicked and represent a wealth of know-how in the financial industry. Each and every senior executive provides GMG with individual expertise and experience, which will make GMG one of the strongest financial institutions in the region.

GMG will offer regional clients the ability to diversify and expand their investment portfolios as well as providing a gateway for Western investors to invest in the GCC according to the international rules and regulations to which they are accustomed. For more information about GMG, please visit www.gulfmerchantgroup.com.

About ADCB:
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank - ADCB is a diversified full service bank. Other than banking services that span corporate, retail and commercial banking ADCB is active in the areas of treasury derivatives, infrastructure finance, private banking and wealth management.

Since 1985, ADCB has reported successive years of record profits and consistent growth. Our approach is driven by the ability to create value for our customers by leveraging our skills and expertise. Amongst UAE banks, ADCB has the second largest deposit base with total assets as at 30/06/2007 of AED 96 billion and net profit for the first half of 2007 at AED 976 million.

ADCB's strong franchise, supported by a network of 40 branches in UAE and 2 branches in India is reflected in our recent rating of Aa3, which is the highest awarded to a bank instrument in the Middle East.

The Government of Abu Dhabi, through Abu Dhabi Investment Council, holds 65% of the capital while the rest is held by various UAE Institutions and Nationals. ADCB's market capitalization as of 31/12/2006 was AED 22.8 Billion (US$6.2 Billion).

For further information, please call:

Bell Pottinger Middle East:
Tom Mollo +9715 0550 4203
Ehab Al Mousa +9715 0363 4847 (Arabic Media)

ADCB:
Corporate Communications Dept.
Tel: 02- 696 2143
Fax: 02 677 6499