-The Mellon Group's overall performance has climbed for seven consecutive years- BOSTON, March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mellon Financial Corporation (NYSE:MEL), for the third consecutive year, is the number one provider of global custody services in North America in the annual R&M Survey. The Mellon Group worldwide custody providers - Mellon Global Securities Services, ABN AMRO Mellon, and CIBC Mellon - ranked second overall in the survey, which is based on feedback from clients and asset managers. Highlights of the Mellon Group's performance include: - Number one ranking overall in North America - Number one ranking overall as rated by USA respondents - Number one ranking overall as rated by clients with assets of more than $10 billion - Number one ranking overall as rated by third party administrators/outsourcing "To be recognized by one's clients as the top provider of global custody services in North America is an honor of which we're extremely proud," said Jim Palermo, Mellon vice chairman and head of Asset Servicing. "Our commitment to leading technology solutions, valued products and superior client service all starts with our skilled and dedicated employees and partners around the globe." Workbench, the group's real time browser-based information delivery product, was singled out by one respondent who said, "Mellon's online access and information is the most user-friendly of the ones that I have used." Others complimented the strength of the group's client service model, noting "Our contacts at Mellon go above and beyond to accommodate our needs so our mutual clients see a seamless operation. Mellon is a solid custodian who listens and acts accordingly - supported by investment manager forums and review meetings." The R&M Survey is based on feedback from investment managers, pension funds and other institutional global custody clients. The 2007 survey collected more than 1,000 responses worldwide and asked participants to rate providers across several service categories. Scores in each of the service categories were combined to produce an overall ranking. This year, 31% of the respondents were from North America. Delivering innovative asset servicing solutions worldwide, Mellon develops solution-oriented tools to support the entire investment process. The Mellon Asset Servicing Group comprises Mellon Global Securities Services, ABN AMRO Mellon, CIBC Mellon, Mellon Analytical Solutions, DPM Mellon, and Eagle Investment Systems. Mellon Financial Corporation is a global financial services company. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Mellon is one of the world's leading providers of financial services for institutions, corporations and high net worth individuals, providing asset management, private wealth management, asset servicing and payment solutions and investor services. Mellon has approximately $5.5 trillion in assets under management, administration or custody, including $995 billion under management. News and other information about Mellon is available at http://www.mellon.com/. DATASOURCE: Mellon Financial Corporation CONTACT: Joseph F. Ailinger Jr. of Mellon Financial Corporation, +1-617-722-7571, or Web site: http://www.mellon.com/

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