11 November 2009 Hong Kong

Group Nine Month 2009 Financial Announcement

NOBLE REPORTS RECORD PROFITABILITY FOR NINE MONTHS 2009

• REVENUE: US$21.6 BILLION
• TONNAGE VOLUME: UP 23% TO RECORD 133.4 MILLION TONS
• GROSS PROFIT: US$805 MILLION
• NET PROFIT: US$471 MILLION

Noble Group (SGX: N21), the global supply chain manager of agricultural, metals, minerals and ores, and energy products, as well as logistics services announced revenue of US$21.6 billion as well as record Group tonnage levels.

The Group handled more than 133 million metric tons, an increase of 23% over the corresponding nine month period in 2008. The tonnage level was supported by three of our four segments reporting new record levels as well as seven of our largest business divisions, including oil and gas, coal and coke, iron ore, aluminum, sugar and chartering.

Group gross profit for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 was US$805 million. Margin improvement continued with our third quarter gross profit margin of 3.76% representing the highest level over the past four quarters. Group net profit of US$471 million for the first nine months of 2009 was the highest nine month total in Group history. Excluding one off gains earlier in the year, adjusted net profit was US$317 million compared to US$372 million for the corresponding period in 2008. The Group’s net profit margin of 1.47% represents the highest nine month net profit margin since 2005.

For the third quarter, the Group reported net profit of US$132 million which was the highest quarterly profit in Group history excluding one off gains.

Chairman David Eldon noted, “Noble’s results for the third quarter and year to date have been very solid. The growth in Group tonnage was outstanding. A 23% year on year increase was well supported with so many of our business divisions reporting record volume growth.

Given the new records established during the last nine months, and for the quarter, we believe it is evident that Noble is performing well.

We’ve seen good momentum in Noble’s financial performance in 2009 and are excited to see our increased business growth being complemented by new capacity coming on-stream from our investments. These factors should allow Noble to continue to successfully expand its business.”

Mr. Eldon added, “The past several months have been particularly noteworthy as Noble has been able to conclude some important transactions. The share placement of US$646 million with the China Investment Corporation strengthened our capital base, and brought a welcome, strong and long-term investor to our ranks. Our highly successful 10 year bond issue of US$850 million was accompanied by a plan to repurchase US$485 million in existing bond debt and has the effect of creating a stronger debt profile for the Group. Most recently the record setting US$2.4 billion revolving loan facility created additional liquidity and funding to accommodate our working capital requirements to fund future growth. Finally we appreciate the acknowledgement from S&P and Moody’s who assigned an investment grade rating to Noble.

Noble is emerging from the economic recession as a more successful, more profitable and better capitalized company. This is an achievement which has been years in the making and on behalf of the Board I want to thank all our stakeholders for their ongoing support and commitment to Noble.”

About Noble

Noble Group (SGX: N21) is a market leader in managing the global supply chain of agricultural, industrial and energy products. The Group operates from over 100 offices in more than 40 countries, serving 4000+ customers. Noble manages a diversified portfolio of essential raw materials, integrating the sourcing, marketing, processing, financing and transportation. With 2008 annual revenues exceeding US$36 billion, Noble owns and manages an array of strategic assets, sourcing from low cost producers such as Brazil, Argentina, Australia and Indonesia and supplying to high growth demand markets including China, India and the Middle East. Today, Noble has interests in grain crushing facilities, coal and iron ore mines, fuel terminals and storage facilities, sugar and ethanol plants, vessels, ports and other infrastructure to ensure high quality products are delivered in the most efficient and timely manner to its customers.

In 2009, Noble ranked #218 on the Fortune Global 500 and achieved "Investment Grade" ratings (Baa3) from Moody's Investors Service and (BBB-) from Standard & Poor's, complementing its initial "Investment Grade" rating (BBB-) from Fitch the previous year. In addition, Noble appears on the Forbes Global 2000 and Forbes Fab 50 lists of leading companies. Noble Group is among the 30 securities listed on the Straits Times Index.

For further details please contact:
Mr. Stephen Brown
Noble Group Limited
Tel: +852 2250 2060
Fax: +852 2861 0018
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Mr. Brad Smolar
Smolar Limited
Tel: +852 6339 3396
Fax: +852 2573 2473
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