STANDARD LIFE'S plans to demutualise and float on the stock market have been cast into doubt as it is reported by the Scotsman a majority of the insurer's own policyholders oppose the move.
Research by the Edinburgh-based insurer suggests only one-third of its 2.6m with-profit policy holders - eligible to vote in Spring 2006 - actively support the board’s plan to demutualise, compared to around half who were against. Ronnie Sloan, former principal of actuarial consultants Punter Southall & Co, told the Scotsman Standard Life would have difficulty persuading policy holders to vote in favour of demutualisation. "I can’t see how they’re going to persuade 75% [the required majority] to vote in favour by 2006. I think they’ll fail,” Sloan is quoted as saying. MANY HOMEOW...
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