Group Chairman’s message

“Barclays performed well during 2007, despite the difficult market conditions. Although profit before tax fell1%, profit before business disposals rose 3%. The Investment Banking and Investment Management businesses (Barclays Capital, Barclays Global Investors and Barclays Wealth) all achieved profits ahead of 2006. In Global Retail and Commercial Banking, there were good performances from the UK businesses and continued investment in and development of the international business, where income rose sharply. The Group’s diversified portfolio of businesses is serving us well. We declared a final dividend for the year of 22.5p per share, making a total payment for the year of 34p, an increase of 10%.”

Marcus Agius

Chairman