Assurance Partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland

CGU PLC
29 November 1999


CGU plc and The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc
agree new life assurance partnership


CGU plc('CGU') and The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc ('RBS') have agreed to
enter into a strategic partnership to provide long term life assurance,
pensions and investment products to RBS's customers.

They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out the principles
which will underpin their relationship. In particular, CGU have agreed to
acquire a 50% shareholding in RBS's life assurance subsidiary, Royal Scottish
Assurance ('RSA'), for consideration in the region of £150 million.  CGU will
replace Scottish Widows in this venture and will provide administration and
asset management services to RSA.

CGU also intends to increase its holdings in RBS shares by up to £300 million
to cement this new relationship.  The purchases will be made over the next six
months at CGU's discretion using its own valuation criteria, and they are not
governed by any timetable.

The two companies will explore opportunities to develop further ventures in
the financial services sector generally.

Commenting on the announcement, Sir George Mathewson, Group Chief Executive of
RBS, said 'We are delighted to be forging a strategic partnership with a
company of the standing and reputation of CGU.  Our customers will benefit
from the knowledge and expertise of CGU in the life and pensions market and
their proven track record of low cost administration.  This will enable us to
focus on delivering outstanding value to customers, and, in doing so, create
value for our shareholders.'

Bob Scott, Group Chief Executive of CGU added: 'We are delighted to join with
RBS in this partnership.  It gives CGU a substantial opportunity to improve
the products and services available to RBS's customers and the potential to
further reduce our unit costs for the benefit of all customers and
shareholders.'


Enquiries:

CGU
Mr Philip Twyman, Group Executive Director                     0171 662 2679

RBS
Mr Benny Higgins, Managing Director, Retail Banking              0131 523 0644