Noble Group Offers Expert Hedge Fund Consulting Through Noble Investments S.A. HONG KONG, May 14 /PRNewswire Asia-AsiaNet/ -- Singapore main board listed global supplier of raw materials and transport resources, Noble Group Limited (NOBL), today announced the formation of Noble Investments S.A. headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. "The new operating entity will specialize in offering tailored financial investment products to Noble's global network of customers. Our intention is for the group to place a special emphasis on providing a small stable of world-class hedge fund products with a particular focus on limiting risks for our investors. We have found that a number of our clients active in world commodity markets are also interested in managing their excess cash resources via well-structured vehicles that invest in hedge funds. In analyzing the market, we felt a real demand existed among the Noble universe of customers," said Richard S Elman, Chairman of Noble Group. Backed by the group's financial strength, Noble Investments' experienced team will be headed by Patrick J Aregger, Managing Director and Mauro Gerli, Director. Mr. Aregger was a key executive in the London based Man Group and has extensive experience in creating and marketing a variety of innovative hedge fund products. Mr. Gerli also was a key executive in the Man Group and began his career with Swiss Re New Markets. "Our prime objective is to provide innovative, top quality solutions and services in the field of alternative investments that deliver superior ab solute investment performance, as they are independent of the direction of traditional asset classes, such as stocks and bonds," said Patrick Aregger, Managing Director of Noble Investments. Noble Group Limited is a Hong Kong-based worldwide supplier of industrial raw materials and transport resources. The group links producers and consumers, uniquely integrating sourcing, marketing, processing, transportation and e-commerce through http://www.rawmart.com(R). Noble operates a global network of offices. They are located in Beijing, Bombay, Cochin (India), Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Karachi, London, Manila, Moscow, Newcastle (Australia), New Delhi, Shanghai, Singapore, Stamford (USA), Taipei and Tokyo. Noble reported a record net profit of US$21.1 million for the year ended 2000, a 234% increase over F1999. Turnover rose 51% to US$1.2 billion for FY2000. Noble is listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, (NOBL). For more information, please visit: http://www.thisisnoble.com. SOURCE Noble Group Limited CONTACT: Patrick J Aregger of Noble Investments SA, +41-1-218-5051, or fax, +41-1-218-5059, or [email protected]/ Web Site: http://www.thisisnoble.com http://www.rawmart.com/