Regulatory Approval

20 March 2014

ABERDEEN RECEIVES REGULATORY APPROVAL FOR ACQUISITION OF SCOTTISH WIDOWS INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP

Further to the announcement by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC ("Aberdeen" or "Company") on 18 November 2013 relating to the acquisition of Scottish Widows Investment Partnership Group Limited ("SWIP"), Aberdeen is pleased to announce that the Financial Conduct Authority has today confirmed its consent to the proposed change of control. As a result, the acquisition is expected to complete following close of business on 31 March 2014. The Company expects to issue a statement on 1 April 2014 to confirm that completion has taken place and to issue a trading update on the same day.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, comments:

"I am delighted that we have obtained regulatory approval for the acquisition of SWIP. We will continue to work closely with SWIP and Lloyds Banking Group to ensure a smooth completion process. The way we have already worked together to develop a structured integration plan is very encouraging and means that the migration process will begin very shortly after completion. This co-operation confirms my belief that the combination of the two businesses and our strategic relationship with Lloyds will be of great long-term benefit to our shareholders and clients, whom I would like to thank for their continued support throughout this process. Everyone at Aberdeen is looking forward to working with our new colleagues from SWIP.

"The deal combines and broadens the investment capabilities of both businesses. The combined business will have a far stronger and more diverse range of investment management skills as well as significant scale across asset classes and geographies, which will enable us to deliver an even better service for our enlarged client base. This includes investors who will benefit from yesterday's Budget announcement giving them more freedom to invest their pension pots when they retire."

For further information, please contact:

Contacts:

Aberdeen Asset Management PLC + 44 (0) 20 7463 6000

Martin Gilbert

Bill Rattray

Maitland + 44 (0) 20 7379 5151

Neil Bennett