FRESHFIELDS BRUCKHAUS DERINGER PRESS RELEASE

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is delighted to announce that Perry Noble has been appointed Managing Partner Asia. Perry will be replacing Ruth Markland and will be based in Hong Kong from September 2003.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me,” said Mr Noble. “During Ruth’s time as managing partner the firm has developed an excellent reputation in Asia. I am looking forward to building on our strengths.”

Perry Noble joined Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in 1992 and became a partner in 1996. He worked in Hong Kong before he joined the firm and has spent considerable time in the region since then. His practice is predominantly project financing and banking, concentrating on the telecoms and infrastructure sectors.

“I am delighted that Perry has agreed to take on the role,” said Ms Markland. “He is extremely well thought of both as a practitioner and for the excellent relationships he maintains with people at all levels. Under his leadership I am confident the firm will maintain its pre-eminence in Asia”.