Standard Life adds alternative investment funds to bonds and pensions range

Standard Life announced today that it has added eight new external funds to its life and pensions range.

The new funds will complement the existing fund range and meet demand from key customers and are provided by: Macquarie, Investec, JP Morgan, Schroder, UBS.

Graham Dow, Head of Investment Development at Standard Life Assurance said, "These latest additions to our fund range mean that we can offer our advisers and their clients even more diversity in our investment options".

"Of particular interest this time are the funds from Macquarie Bank Group and the Schroder UK Smaller Companies Fund".

"As part of a strategic alliance with Macquarie, until early 2008, Standard Life will be the only life office provider to offer the Macquarie funds on an insured basis." The Macquarie Bank Group (Macquarie) provides specialist investment banking and financial services around the world.

They have a reputation for delivering innovative products and services in specialised areas including funds management, where they have more than 25 years of experience managing a range of specialist funds for individual and institutional investors.

Macquarie's Global Infrastructure Securities Fund invests in companies involved in the ownership and management of essential community assets such as airports, toll roads and utilities.

Such businesses generally have sustainable and predictable demand irrespective of economic conditions, resulting in predictable cash flows.

There are currently no other infrastructure OEICs marketed in the UK.

The Macquarie Global Private Equity Securities Fund invests in listed private equity companies around the world which focus on using their capital and expertise to drive growth from their underlying assets.

Macquarie has a leading, specialist funds management team dedicated to private equity research and investment.

Macquarie has also launched a Global Property Securities Fund dedicated to investing in REITs and property trusts around the world.

Commercial property is already acknowledged as a good source of diversification.

Commenting on the relationship with Macquarie Bank, Trevor Matthews, Chief Executive of Standard Life Assurance said, "I have a long personal history with Macquarie which goes back to our common Aussie origins".

"They are a high performing organisation which has continued to provide innovative investment solutions".

"I am full of admiration for Macquarie and delighted that Standard Life and Macquarie are working together in this country." Graham Dow continued, "Effective diversification of an investment portfolio is a big challenge facing investors today".

"Until now, accessing alternative asset classes has been difficult for all but the largest institutional investors due to the high minimum investment requirements and low liquidity".

"I am therefore delighted that we can now offer advisers and their clients the opportunity to gain exposure to infrastructure projects and private equity through the specialist Macquarie Global Infrastructure Securities Fund and the Macquarie Private Equity Securities Fund".

"I believe our investors will benefit from Macquarie's strong client focus, disciplined investment process and dedication to innovation." Commenting for Macquarie, Neil Jones, Division Director, Macquarie Bank said, "Our approach in international markets is to enter business areas where we believe there is a real opportunity to create value for our clients.Our entry into the UK funds management industry reflects this philosophy.The three new actively managed funds are designed to offer investors opportunities to diversify their investment portfolios." Neil continued, "Recently, the strategic importance of infrastructure has become more fully appreciated and there are an increasing number of investment opportunities to consider".

"Infrastructure's unique investment characteristics create a good match for long-term investors, and may be suitable for those seeking to produce long-term income combined with growth potential, and for investors who wish to further diversify an existing portfolio comprised of equity and bond assets".

"In addition, our private equity fund offers further diversification through exposure to investment at all stages of the business cycle." The Schroders UK Smaller Companies Fund is another welcome addition to the Standard Life range, complementing the Standard Life Investments Smaller Companies Fund while providing an alternative choice for customers.The Schroders fund is AAA rated by Forsyth-OBSR and A rated by Standard and Poors.

Graham Dow concluded, "I am delighted to be able to enhance our existing fund range with the funds from these excellent companies".

"The new additions represent a compelling set of funds, several of which will offer something new to the UK investor." List of funds: Macquarie Global Infrastructure Securities Macquarie Global Private Equity Securities Macquarie Global Property Securities Investec Global Free Enterprise JP Morgan Life Growth** Schroder UK Smaller Companies Standard Life Property Investment Life* UBS Targeted Return ** * Available on bonds only **Available on pensions only.

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