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HSBC North America Selects Mettawa, Ill., As Site of New Corporate Headquarters

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill., Jan. 9, 2006 - HSBC North America Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HBC) today announced the Village of Mettawa, Ill., will be the site of the financial services firm's new corporate headquarters.

Construction of the 440,000 square-foot facility will begin in spring 2006, with occupancy beginning in the first quarter of 2008. The company anticipates that, by summer 2008, nearly 2,400 employees will work in the building, which will accommodate 3,000.

HSBC evaluated more than 50 locations in Lake County and in northern Cook County before selecting the Mettawa site.

"Our new facility will support our continued growth plans while offering the greatest convenience for the overwhelming majority of our Chicagoland employees," said Steve Gonabe, HSBC - North America's executive vice president of administration.

The facility will be constructed with features that reduce energy consumption, including abundant natural lighting and under-floor air conditioning. Employee amenities will include a full-service cafeteria, a coffee shop, a fitness center, prayer rooms and private rooms for new mothers.

HSBC will lease the facility over a 13-year term, with the option of renewing the lease for up to 30 years.

HSBC - North America comprises all of HSBC's U.S. and Canadian businesses, including the former Household International businesses. The company's businesses serve nearly 60 million customers in five key areas: personal financial services, consumer finance, commercial banking, private banking and corporate investment banking and markets. Financial products and services are offered under the HSBC, HFC and Beneficial brands. For more information, visit www.hsbcusa.com

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