Phoenix Group Holdings Regulatory News (PHNX)

For immediate release

23 March 2014

Standard Life plc notes recent press speculation and confirms that it is in exclusive and advanced discussions with Phoenix Group Holdings regarding a potential acquisition of Ignis Asset Management Limited. Discussions are on-going and there can be no certainty that any transaction will be agreed. Standard Life plc will make further announcements if and when appropriate.

Ends

Media EnquiriesBarry Cameron

Group Head of Corporate Communications

Standard Life plc

+44 (0) 7712 486463 barry_cameron@standardlife.com

Brian Simmons

Head of Media Relations

Standard Life Investments

+44 (0) 7736 592571 brian_simmons@standardlife.com

Investor Enquiries

Lorraine Rees

Investor Relations Director

Standard Life plc

+44 (0) 7738 300878 lorraine_rees@standardlife.com

Jakub Rosochowski

Investor Relations Senior Manager

Standard Life plc

+44 (0) 7515 298608 jakub_rosochowski@standardlife.com

Notes to editors

· Standard Life is a leading provider of long-term savings and investments. Established in 1825 and headquartered in Edinburgh, the company has around 8,500 employees internationally. 

· Standard Life Investments is one of Europe's leading investment houses with assets under management of £184.1bn.

· At the end of December 2013 the Group had total assets under administration of over £244 billion, directly looking after around six million customers worldwide and supporting a further 16 million customers through its Joint Ventures.

· Standard Life plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has approximately 1.3 million individual shareholders in over 50 countries around the world.