Celebrates 10 Years as a U.S.-listed ADR with The Bank of New York Mellon

NEW YORK, March 24, 2008 — The Bank of New York Mellon, a global leader in asset management and securities servicing, has been reappointed by Diageo plc as the depositary bank for its American depositary receipt (ADR) program. The Bank of New York Mellon has served as depositary bank for Diageo since the company was formed in 1997. Each Diageo ADR represents four ordinary shares. The ADRs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DEO."

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with The Bank of New York Mellon. We believe our ADR listing helps us expand our investor base and increase our market profile in the important U.S. capital markets," said Nick Rose, chief financial officer of Diageo. "The bank has provided us with an exceptional level of service and its customized, strategic initiatives on our behalf have helped us strengthen our profile in the U.S. market. Together, we have taken our program to its current level with approximately 20% of our shares held in ADR form. We continue to believe that The Bank of New York Mellon is best positioned as depositary to help us achieve our goals."

"It is quite rewarding to be reappointed as depositary by Diageo after so many years of working together, as it illustrates the company's confidence in our expertise and quality of service," said Christopher Sturdy, executive vice president and head of The Bank of New York Mellon's Depositary Receipt Division. "We will continue to work with Diageo on programs designed to heighten its visibility in the U.S. investment community."

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business. Diageo brings consumers a wide collection of beverage alcohol brands across the spirits, wine and beer categories, including Smirnoff, Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, J&B, Jose Cuervo, Captain Morgan and Tanqueray, as well as Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo trades in over 180 countries and is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, visit http://www.diageo.com/.

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation is a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 34 countries and serving more than 100 markets. The company is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high net-worth individuals, providing superior asset management and wealth management, asset servicing, issuer services, clearing services and treasury services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has more than $23 trillion in assets under custody and administration, more than $1.1 trillion in assets under management and services $11 trillion in outstanding debt. Additional information is available at bnymellon.com.

This release is for informational purposes only. The Bank of New York Mellon provides no advice nor recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company or securities. Nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Depositary Receipts: Not FDIC, State or Federal Agency Insured; May Lose Value; No Bank, State or Federal Agency Guarantee.