LV= Continues Expansion of Pensions Fund Platform with Investec Link

DORSET, ENGLAND, November 11, 2010 (Press-News.org) LV=, life and pensions specialist, has announced that it has added four new funds from Investec Asset Management to its insured pension fund platform. The four new fund links join LV='s existing insured offering of 119 funds.

LV='s Flexible Transitions Account is able to operate as an insured pension plan and as a SIPP, and this extension follows the recent competitive re-pricing of the existing fund range.

The new funds are:
- Investec Emerging Markets Debt Fund*
- Investec Monthly High Income Fund
- Investec UK Smaller Companies Fund*
- Investec Asia excluding Japan*

Ray Chinn, LV= head of pensions, said: "We continually review our fund platform and options to ensure investors have access to a diversified and growing investment range. Linking with a strong brand like Investec Asset Management demonstrates that we are able to offer advisers highly competitive investment opportunities for their clients.

"We are especially pleased to be able to offer an emerging market debt fund, as local debt markets currently compare favourably with other asset classes and are a significant and growing part of the global economy. We believe they have an important role to play as part of a diversified portfolio.

"The fact that three of the four funds make our PensionQ 'guided architecture' list provides further confidence for IFAs and demonstrates the strength of this new partnership with Investec.

"The funds add to a competitive range of investment opportunities for advisers, including insured pension funds, access to discretionary fund management and other more esoteric investments, all available in one transparent and flexible pension wrapper via the LV= Flexible Transitions Account."

Darren Pilbream, head of strategic alliances at Investec Asset Management, commented: "The funds LV= has selected to sit on its pension platform will add value to LV='s investment offering in a number of sectors. We look forward to building on this partnership with LV= in the future. Investec is a distinctive specialist financial group with nineteen years experience. Our aim to exceed our clients' investment and service expectations, and to manage their money to the highest possible standard."

Notes to editors
* fund will qualify for LV='s PensionQ tool, that helps advisers with fund selection by measuring funds against their peers.

About LV=
LV= is a registered trademark of Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society Limited (LVFS) and a trading style of the Liverpool Victoria group of companies.

LV= offer a range of insurance products including home insurance, car insurance, life insurance, pet insurance and over 50 life insurance.

LV= employs around 4,000 people, serves over 3.8m customers and members, and manages around GBP9.5bn on their behalf. We are also the UK's largest friendly society and a leading mutual financial services provider.

LVFS is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, register number 110035. LVFS is a member of the ABI, the AFM and ILAG. Registered address: County Gates, Bournemouth BH1 2NF.

Website: http://www.lv.com/