Announcement re: Merger Discussions

OCTOPUS AIM VCT PLC

13 January 2010

JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT - MERGER DISCUSSIONS

The Boards of Octopus AIM VCT plc ("AIM") and Octopus Phoenix VCT plc
("Phoenix") are pleased to announce that they are in preliminary discussions on
terms for the merger of AIM and Phoenix (the "Companies"). Each of the Companies
is currently managed by Octopus Investments Limited.

If the merger proceeds it is likely to be by way of a "scheme of reconstruction"
pursuant to s.110 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (the "Scheme").  Under the
proposed Scheme, the assets and liabilities of Phoenix would be transferred to
AIM on a relative net asset value basis to create one larger VCT.  This should
produce a significant reduction in running costs as well as other benefits.  A
merger on this basis would be outside the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

The proposed transaction which, if implemented, is expected to be completed
before 30 June 2010, would require the approval of shareholders of each of the
Companies.

A further announcement will be made in due course.

For further information please contact:

Chris Hulatt
Director, Octopus Investments Limited
020 7710 2804


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