Standard Bank Group Limited - Private Placement Of Preference Shares

Standard Bank Group Limited - Private Placement Of Preference Shares            
Standard Bank Group Limited                                                     
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa                                    
Registration number: 1969/017128/06                                             
JSE Share code: SBK                                                             
Namibian Share code: SNB                                                        
ISIN: ZAE000057378                                                              
JSE Share code: SBPP                                                            
ISIN: ZAE000056339                                                              
PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF PREFERENCE SHARES                                          
Standard Bank Group proposes to privately place non-redeemable, non-cumulative  
preference shares during May 2006 and has commenced a process to assess market  
demand in this regard.  The company aims to raise between R1 billion and R2     
billion of preference share capital at an effective cost of 63% of prime.       
The preference share capital which qualifies as tier I capital is being raised  
to maintain a cost effective, prudent capital base for the group.  This will    
accommodate current strong balance sheet growth, potential acquisitions and a   
continuation of the limited share buy-back programme established in 2005.       
For further information, please contact:                                        
Norbert Hoffmann (Director: Group Capital Management)                           
Tel 011 636 3712; e-mail: norbert.noffmann@standardbank.co.za                   
Simon Ridley (Chief Financial Officer)                                          
Tel 011 636 3756; e-mail: simon.ridley@standardbank.co.za                       
Sponsor                                                                         
Standard Bank                                                                   
5 May 2006                                                                      
Date: 05/05/2006 11:12:18 AM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za                     
Produced by the JSE SENS Department