Standard Life sales rocket as Resolution rumours persist - papers 7 August

The bumper sales figure, against forecasts of £7.87 billion, was driven by a huge increase in UK business, in particular of self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs). David Nish, the finance director, promised a "significant increase" in profit margins in the UK over the first half, driven by the success of Sipps and booming sales volumes. A ROYAL BANK of Scotland-led consortium today moved closer to clinching a €71bn (£48bn) deal for Dutch bank, ABN Amro, after Fortis, a member of the group, won more than 90% backing from Belgian and Dutch shareholders for the bid at meetings in Brussels...