CoO-MoO3/gamma-Al2O3 and NiO-MoO3/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by the reaction of alpha-boehmite (alpha-AlOOH) with MoO3 in an aqueous paste, followed by the reaction of the MoO3/alpha-AlOOH catalyst with Co(OH)(2)center dot CoCO3 or 2NiCO(3)center dot 3Ni(OH)(2)center dot 4H(2)O in an aqueous paste, and by subsequent drying and/or calcination. The deposited MoO3 functioned as a thermal stabilizer inhibiting the sintering of the Al2O3 phase during calcination. The deposited Co and Ni were efficient activity promoters in benzothiophene hydrodesulfurization.