The invention relates to a bulk catalyst having improved activity in hydrodesulphurization, in particular in relatively low Group VIII over Group VIB metal molar ratios. The bulk catalyst comprises metal oxidic particles comprising one or more Group VIB metals and one or more-Group VIII metals which metal oxidic particles are obtainable by a process comprising the steps of reacting the compounds comprising one or more Group VIB metals and compounds comprising one or more Group VIII metals in hydrothermal conditions at a reaction temperature above the boiling temperature of the protic liquid, preferably in an autoclave at a reaction pressure above atmospheric pressure and. The invention also relates to the corresponding sulphided catalyst, to a process for the manufacture of said bulk catalyst and to the use of said catalyst for the hydrotreatment, in particular the hydrodesulphurization and hydrodenitrogenation of hydrocarbon feedstock.
