Response to Press Speculation

Aviva PLC
11 January 2006


11 January 2006


                          AVIVA RESPONSE TO PRESS SPECULATION


Aviva plc ('Aviva') notes press reports speculating on a takeover proposal for
US life insurer, AmerUs Group Co ('AmerUs').


Aviva confirms that it has not made such a proposal and no discussions with
AmerUs are taking place.


In line with its strategy for growth in the international long-term savings
market, Aviva continues to review value-driven inorganic growth opportunities in
the major global long term-savings markets.


                                    - ends -


Enquiries:


Media

Hayley Stimpson, director of external affairs               [phone]

Rob Bailhache, Financial Dynamics                           [phone]



Analysts

Charles Barrows, investor relations director                [phone]

Nicole Marques, investor relations manager                  [phone]


Notes to editors:


•  Aviva is the world's sixth-largest insurance group based on gross
world-wide premiums and market capitalisation (at 31 December 2004); it is one
of the leading providers of life and pensions in Europe and has substantial
businesses in other markets around the world.



•  Aviva's main activities are long-term savings, fund management and
general insurance, with world-wide total income of £40 billion and assets under
management of £280 billion at 31 December 2004.



•  The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company
and product information and a news release archive.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange