/ 9 February 1999

STANDARD BUYS LIBLIFE

STANDARD Bank Investment Corporation announced on Tuesday afternoon that it has acquired a further 50% shareholding in Liberty Life Controlling Corporation (LCC) for R5,595-billion. The announcement comes after both parties issued cautionaries and amid widespread speculation that the deal was on the cards. LCC which owns 54,8% of Liberty Holdings is the ultimate holding company of the Liberty Life Group, whose chairman Donald Gordon announced his intention to retire on Friday. Subsequent to the acquisition, LCC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Stanbic.