<p>Hydrotreating catalyst comprising silica/alumina or silica/alumina-containing carrier comprising 2 to 35 wt. % silica and Group VIII and/or Group VIB metals as hydrogenation active components is prepared by first step impregnation with at least one Group VIII metal and a second step impregnation with at least one Group VIB metal. Preferably the impregnation is via ion exchange using a complex salt, preferably an ammine or amine salt, of the metal. The carrier is characterized by a maximum of pores in 30 to 100 ANGSTROM range and a minimum of pores in 0 to 30 ANGSTROM and in 300 ANGSTROM +.</p>