(January 8 – 12:00 ET) – Standard Life Portfolio Management Ltd. has changed its name to Standard Life Investments Inc.

The new name, effective January 1, 2001, reflects its global affiliation with its U.K, parent company, Standard Life Investments Ltd., one of the world’s major asset management companies with over $180 billion under management.

According to the company, the name change will not result in changes to the company’s management nor its successful investment strategy. It will continue to manage more than $18 billion in pension and retail assets of many Canadians as well as assets for the Standard Life Group.

“Many Canadian fund managers are seeking alliances with large international investment houses,” explains Peter Hill, Standard Life Investments Inc.’s president. “But we have been ahead of the competition because we have worked closely with our parent, Standard Life Investments Ltd., for many years. Globalization is, if anything, strengthening. Thus, our name change is timely and it highlights our commitment to be at the leading edge of change and to enable our clients to profit from our global connection.”

The company says its connection with Standard Life Investments Ltd. in Scotland gives it an edge. Standard Life Investments Inc. is one of a select few Canadian fund managers to offer both global and domestic expertise.

“We are able to provide greater depth in global research and investment expertise,” says Hill. “This is of particular relevance to Canadian investors who can now maintain a higher level of foreign content in their investment portfolios.”

The company. has a new logo and its marketing material includes design elements that reinforce the group’s global identity. The redesigned Web site, launched earlier this month, has a new address — www.sli.ca — as well as links to the U.K.
-IE Staff