Standard Life linked to resolution move

Standard Life emerged today as a possible gatecrasher to the merger of insurers Friends Provident and Resolution, after reports suggested the Edinburgh-based firm could be mulling a move on one of the parties.

The recently demutualised life and pensions giant is believed to have mandated long-term adviser Merrill Lynch for advice on a possible approach to Resolution, the closed life fund involved in a £8.3bn (€12.1bn) merger with Friends Provident.