Abstract: Catalyst comprising from 0.1 to 15% by weight of a noble metal selected from one or more of platinum, palladium, and iridium, from 2 to 40% by weight of manganese and/or rhenium supported on an acidic carrier, these weight percentages indicating the amount of metal based on the total weight of carrier. Use of this catalyst in a process wherein a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising aromatic compounds is contacted with the catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of hydrogen. Process for the preparation of this catalyst, which process comprises incorporating the catalytically active metals into the carrier followed by drying and calcining.