Crédit Agricole S.A. (“Crédit Agricole” or the “Group”) notes recent speculation regarding its possible interest in Alliance and Leicester plc (“Alliance and Leicester”).

The Group remains focused on its strong organic growth prospects and incremental acquisitions in Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. At any one time the Group may also review selected larger opportunities and in so doing will maintain its strictly disciplined evaluation approach. In this context, Crédit Agricole is assessing Alliance and Leicester, amongst others, but would note that its evaluation is at a preliminary stage. Crédit Agricole has not made any proposal to Alliance and Leicester and there can be no certainty that any proposal or offer will be made...