Dear CME Globex Customers,

On Sunday, July 9, 2006 (for trade date Monday, July 10), to facilitate market transparency, CME is scheduled to launch Ex-Pit transaction functionality on the CME Globex platform.

Ex-Pit transactions are pre-arranged transactions occurring outside of the regular marketplace, including block, EFP and OTC trades. The new Ex-Pit transaction functionality will facilitate market transparency by automating booking, and eliminate risk due to untimely transaction reporting.

All customers interested in Ex-Pit transactions are required to complete a quick certification on the CME AutoCert tool. Ex-Pit transaction functionality is currently available in the CME certification environment.

More information on the Ex-Pit transactions release is available in the Ex-Pit Transaction Client Impact Assessment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your CME Globex Account Manager at 312.634.8700, or in Europe at +44.207.623.2550.

Thank you,

CME