A bulk metal oxide catalyst composition of the general formula (X)b(M)c(Z)d(O)e  (I) wherein X represents at least one non-noble Group VIII metal; M represents at least one non-noble Group VIb metal; Z represents one or more elements selected from aluminum, silicon, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, boron, and zinc; one of b and c is the integer 1; and d and e and the other of b and c each are a number greater than 0 such that the molar ratio of b:c is in the range of from 0.5:1 to 5:1, the molar ratio of d:c is in the range of from 0.2:1 to 50:1, and the molar ratio of e:c is in the range of from 3.7:1 to 108:1; is prepared by controlled (co)precipitation of component metal compounds, refractory oxide material, and alkali compound in protic liquid. Resulting compositions find use in hydrotreatment processes involving particularly hydrodesulphurization and hydrodenitrification.