NEW YORK, November 19, 2009 — BNY Mellon, the global leader in asset management and securities servicing, has been appointed by Esprit Holdings Limited (Esprit) as depositary for its sponsored American depositary receipt (ADR) program. Esprit's ADR program had previously been unsponsored and was serviced by multiple depositaries. Each Esprit ADR represents two ordinary shares and trades on the over-the-counter (OTC) market in the U.S. under the symbol "ESPGY." Esprit's common shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the code "00330."

Esprit, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the retail and wholesale distribution of quality lifestyle products designed under its globally recognized Esprit and edc brands. The company operates more than 800 directly managed retail stores worldwide and distributes through more than 14,000 wholesale point-of-sales in over 40 countries. Esprit is a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Index, MSCI Hong Kong Index, FTSE All-World Index for Hong Kong, S&P/HKEx LargeCap Index, and S&P Asia 50 Index.

"The aim of the ADR program is to facilitate U.S. investment in Esprit, allowing us to tap into certain untapped potential investors and further expand our international shareholder base," said Chew Fook Aun, Esprit's executive director and Group CFO. "We are delighted to be working with BNY Mellon as our sole depositary bank. Their knowledge and expertise will ensure the growing number of U.S. shareholders are serviced with the highest standards and that we are positioned for maximum exposure through our ADR program."

"Esprit joins a growing number of companies moving from an unsponsored to sponsored ADR program for the benefits it brings in terms of exposure and service," said Michael Cole-Fontayn, chief executive officer of BNY Mellon's Depositary Receipts business. "Hong Kong is a focal market for us and Esprit is an iconic global lifestyle brand. We plan to leverage that brand recognition with strategic IR initiatives to support Esprit's growth in the U.S. capital market."

BNY Mellon acts as depositary for more than 2,100 American and global depositary receipt programs, acting in partnership with leading companies from 67 countries. With an unrivaled commitment to helping securities issuers succeed in the world's rapidly evolving financial markets, the company delivers the industry's most comprehensive suite of integrated depositary receipt, corporate trust and stock transfer services. Learn more at www.bnymellon.com/dr.

BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). BNY Mellon 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 $22.1 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $966 billion in assets under management, services $11.9 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.6 trillion per day. Additional information is available at bnymellon.com.

This release is for informational purposes only. BNY 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.