Gatehouse Bank plc, together with SAM, is offering the first ever Shariah-compliant water-focused investment strategy. Gatehouse Bank has been working with SAM (Sustainable Asset Management), one of the leading asset managers in the field of sustainability investments, to achieve this global strategy. In conjunction with SAM, Gatehouse Bank has broadened even further its range of international investment strategies. Gatehouse Bank is specialized in Islamic finance and banking and in 2008 was named the Best New Islamic Bank by Islamic Finance News. This new collaborative 'Islamic finance water strategy' affords investors with a long-term time horizon the opportunity to gain a financial interest in sustainability-oriented companies that offer technologies, products and services throughout the entire value chain of the water industry, while adhering at all times to Shariah guidelines. Within the framework of this collaborative effort, Gatehouse Bank will bring its know-how and expertise to bear in the Shariah screening of the companies by its Shariah Supervisory Board, while SAM will attend to the asset management aspects of the strategy. Gatehouse Bank's extensive know-how in terms of Shariah screening and world-wide network of Shariah-compliant investors forms the basis for a successful joint venture. SAM has more than 14 years of experience in the management of sustainability investments and also, since 2001, specific expertise and experience in the water-focused area. The worldwide market for water is characterized by its above-average growth potential. Global developments such as population growth, investments in the renewal of water-resource infrastructure, the strategic need for potable water, as well as efficient water management will represent significant growth drivers in the years ahead. David Testa, CEO of Gatehouse Bank ed, "We are pleased to have found an innovative partner, SAM, who offers incomparable specialized know-how and experience in the area of sustainability investments. Thanks to our own expertise in Islamic finance, together we can offer investors a tailor-made Shariah-compliant strategy for investment in the sustainable water sector."

Internationally, SAM is ideally positioned to participate in this up-and-coming field and thereby further expand its overall market share."

-Ends- Background - Gatehouse Bank plc: Gatehouse Bank plc ("Gatehouse") was incorporated as a wholly-owned public limited company in the UK by The Securities House of Kuwait in 2007. Gatehouse received approval from the Financial Services Authority on 21st April 2008 for a license to act as a deposit taking banking entity operating within the UK regulatory environment.

The bank is a leading institution in the Islamic finance sector, both in selected markets globally and specifically in the City of London as one of the major global financial centres of Islamic finance expertise. Gatehouse Bank focuses on Islamic Capital Markets, Syndicated Financings, Institutional Wealth Management, Real Estate, Treasury Products and Shariah Advisory Services. Its core markets include the UK and Europe, the US and the GCC, enabling Gatehouse to operate as a natural bridge between the Middle East and the world's largest financial markets. Demand for Islamic financial services is growing rapidly in these target markets. Gatehouse Bank is strongly positioned to benefit from the increase in demand for such services and play a major role in shaping their future development.

Background - SAM (Sustainable Asset Management): SAM was founded in 1995 as one of the world's first asset management companies for sustainability

investments. Today, the company ranks among the globally leading managers of sustainable investments and theme-based funds in the areas of water, climate and clean energy. Its worldwide clientele comprises banks, insurance companies, pension funds, family offices and private investors.

SAM has a comprehensive portfolio of theme-based products in the areas of new energy sources, water, new materials, healthy living and climate. In addition, it offers institutional investors a broad range of various investment solutions. SAM affords investors a great sense of responsibility and transparency in terms of their investments.

SAM evaluates and analyzes leading companies on the basis of industry-specific sustainability criteria

considering economic, environmental and social dimensions. Integrating those future-oriented investment criteria into the company valuation and investment process represents the foundation of its investment philosophy. SAM's know-how is based on its proprietary, independent research approach and an active, international sustainability network.

SAM and Robeco, a member of the Dutch Rabobank Group (S&P AAA), have entered into a strategic alliance in order to establish for product development, innovation and distribution purpos omar 1.1:zy