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RNS Number : 0001O

Royal London

27 May 2020

27 May 2020

ROYAL LONDON ANNOUNCES SALE OF ASCENTRIC

Royal London today announces the sale of its platform business, Ascentric, to M&G plc (M&G). The sale follows the completion of Ascentric's re-platforming in 2019 and the conclusion of a comprehensive strategic review led by Royal London Chief Executive, Barry O'Dwyer.

Ascentric is a leading digital wrap and wealth management platform for advisers with assets under administration of GBP14bn, around 1,500 adviser relationships and over 90,000 underlying customers and has been part of Royal London since 2007.

Commenting on the sale, Barry O'Dwyer, said:

"As part of our strategic review of the business, we explored a number of options for Ascentric. The business has been performing well following its re-platforming and we sought an outcome that would take it to its next phase of growth. We believe that a sale to M&G delivers this for Ascentric and I am pleased to have found a buyer who has a strong commitment to Ascentric's client and customer base and who is looking to further grow the business. I would like to thank the Ascentric team for their contribution to building a valuable business over the past years.

"At Royal London we still remain firmly committed to the adviser market as we drive through a major digital transformation programme and develop new capabilities to help advisers better meet the needs of their customers."

Rob Regan, Chief Executive of Ascentric, said:

"This is a compelling transaction for Ascentric. It is very clear that M&G is aligned with our values and ethos and represents a good home for our advisers, strategic partners and staff. M&G is well-placed to take us on the next stage of our journey leveraging its scale to grow the business. We look forward to working with M&G to support our clients and customers going forward as well as through the transition from Royal London's ownership."

The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

1) Ascentric is the trading name for the group of businesses sold, which includes Wrap IFA Services Limited and its subsidiaries.

2) Royal London acquired a majority holding of Ascentric in 2007 and it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal London in 2014.

   3)   Ascentric had GBP14bn AUA (unaudited) as at 31 March 2020.

4) Pinsent Masons LLP served as Royal London's legal counsel and Fenchurch Advisory Partners LLP served as Royal London's financial advisors.

For further information please contact:

   Mona Patel, Group Head of External Communications                07919 171964

About Royal London

Royal London is the largest mutual life insurance, pensions and investment company in the UK, with assets under management of GBP138.9 billion, 8.6 million policies in force and 4,126 employees. Figures quoted are as at 31 December 2019.

About Ascentric

Ascentric is a digital wrap and wealth management platform, available exclusively to financial advisers and offers a fully integrated online investment management and dealing platform. It also enables advisers to transfer their clients' assets onto a single platform to provide them with the ability to manage their clients' financial needs in just one place.

About M&G

M&G plc is an international savings and investment business which was formed in 2017 through the merger of Prudential plc's UK and Europe savings and insurance operation and M&G Investments, the international asset manager. Following the completion of its demerger from Prudential plc, M&G plc's shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange on 21 October 2019. As an independent company, M&G plc has a single corporate identity and continues with two customer-facing brands; Prudential for savings and insurance customers in the UK and Europe and for asset management in South Africa and M&G Investments for asset management clients globally.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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