The purchase consideration will be satisfied by the issue to Credit Suisse of a maximum of 240 million new ordinary shares in Aberdeen, equivalent to 24.97% of the enlarged Group's issued ordinary share capital, valued at £250 million based on the Aberdeen closing share price of 104.25 pence on 30 December 2008. The actual number of new ordinary shares to be issued to Credit Suisse will depend on the level of run-rate revenues delivered at the closing of the Acquisition, which is anticipated will take place on, or around, 30 June 2009 (‘the Closing').

The assets under management (‘AuM') the subject of the Acquisition were CHF75 billion (£40 billion) as at 30 November 2008, with associated run-rate revenues of approximately CHF220 million (£118 million) per annum and were this level of runrate revenues to be delivered at Closing, the maximum purchase consideration of 240 million new ordinary shares would be payable.

The Acquired Business is a long-only traditional asset manager with a leading presence in Europe, Asia and Australasia. It offers a broad product range, diversified predominantly across fixed income, money market and equities, with a variety of investment styles that will be integrated into Aberdeen's investment processes. Its products are sold primarily to third party clients, with a significant minority of assets sourced through Credit Suisse's Private Banking division, one of the world's largest wealth managers.

Aberdeen has agreed an extension of the existing distribution agreement with Credit Suisse, to be signed on Closing. This will give Aberdeen greater access to the banking network of Credit Suisse.

The key benefits of the Acquisition for Aberdeen are:

• the opportunity to achieve greater scale in certain markets where the Group already has a presence, such as the UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland and Japan. The Acquisition will also strengthen Aberdeen's offering in certain product areas
  
• greater access to the distribution network of both Credit Suisse and Credit Suisse's Private Banking division;
  
• the introduction of another significant, long-term, quality shareholder, whose aims are aligned with Aberdeen's;
  
• the strengthening of Aberdeen's balance sheet by the issue of new shares and a reduction in relative gearing as the Acquired Business is debt free;
  
• substantial cost efficiencies and enhanced financial performance through the application of Aberdeen's efficient operating model to the Acquired Business; and
  
• significant earnings enhancement (before any amortisation of intangible assets) from Closing.

Commenting on the Acquisition, Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen, said: "The acquisition confirms Aberdeen's position as a leading global asset manager and provides us with greater access to the distribution network of Credit Suisse and its Private Banking division, one of the world's largest wealth managers.

"This transaction fits perfectly within our strategy, a key part of which has been to make earnings enhancing acquisitions which give the business critical mass in our core competencies, complementing our organic growth.

"Given our proven track record of integrating businesses, we are well placed to ensure a smooth transition of the Credit Suisse assets to Aberdeen. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and clients, and also to welcoming Credit Suisse as a significant shareholder in Aberdeen. We believe that this transaction will be for the long-term benefit of all our shareholders.".

Rob Shafir, CEO of Credit Suisse's Asset Management Division, said: "We believe this transaction offers our clients a compelling opportunity, providing them with access to an enhanced suite of investment products provided by a premier manager that historically has had strong performance across many asset classes. It also enables us to maximize the value of our Global Investors business, as we announced we would do earlier this year, and benefit from our new partner's advantages of scale in a consolidating marketplace. ".

Martin Hughes, Chief Executive of Toscafund, Aberdeen's largest shareholder said: "Toscafund has already confirmed its support for this transformational acquisition, which has been made possible by the excellent operating platform offered by Aberdeen. Toscafund believes that the transaction is of clear benefit to the clients and shareholders of Aberdeen Asset Management and Credit Suisse.".