Mumbai, October 9, 2007: DSP Merrill Lynch announced today that Jayanti Bajpai has been named Head of Origination for India.

Jayanti brings a wealth of investment banking experience to the role having been with the firm for 20 years. He joined Merrill Lynch in 1987 and has worked in New York, Singapore, Hong Kong and London in a number of senior positions. He was a key member of our industry-leading Indian Investment Banking team in the 1990s and was instrumental in several landmark transactions in both the public and private sectors.

Patti McLaughlin, who has been leading the investment banking effort over the past year, will continue to serve as vice chairman of India Origination, supporting the firm's origination activities in India with a focus on key senior client relationships.

“This year we have significantly expanded the quality and breadth of our Origination footprint and have demonstrated significant momentum in our business,” said Mr. Hemendra Kothari, Chairman, DSP Merrill Lynch said: “Going forward, we hope to capitalize on the potential of our industry-leading platform and global capabilities for our business.”

“India is a strategic growth area for Merrill Lynch,” said Damian Chunilal, head of Pacific Rim Origination, Merrill Lynch Pacific Rim. “ To help us achieve this growth potential and establish greater global connectivity for our clients, we are pleased to announce Jayanti’s appointment as head of Origination for India.”

About DSP Merrill Lynch

DSP Merrill Lynch Limited (DSPML) is one of India’s leading, capital markets and advisory companies. Merrill Lynch holds close to a 90% stake in DSP Merrill Lynch. DSP Merrill Lynch has been ranked highly by several respected international publications including Asiamoney, Institutional Investor & Finance Asia magazine.