Standard Life builds CA$1 bn portfolio in Canada

Standard Life Investments has announced that the Standard Life Real Estate Fund now has over CD$1 bn (EUR 811 mln) in assets under management in Canada.

The Canadian portfolio comprises 101 properties, and backed by 'significant' capital commitments, Standard Life Investments anticipates continuing investment in major Canadian real estate markets over the balance of 2012.

Commenting on the achievement, Mike Hannigan, head of international real estate, Standard Life Investments, said: 'The Canadian fund's milestone is representative of the growing importance of real estate as a source of income and as a hedge against inflation for Canadian pension fund investors.

'Canada is increasingly perceived as a safe haven for international real estate investors. Growing beyond the CD $1 bn mark enables Standard Life Investments to seek out a greater spectrum of investment opportunities for both domestic and international clients looking for exposure to this dynamic and competitive market.'

Since inception, the Fund has earned an annualised return of 9.4%, and has only ever had one negative annual return in its 29-year history. Due to its limited use of debt and the fact that it seeks investment returns primarily through income, the Fund has experienced very low volatility of returns for its pension fund clients.

Standard Life Investments has issued a White Paper 'The World Needs Canada - Why Canadian Real Estate is a Compelling Investment Opportunity'.

To access the White Paper click on the link below or go to

http://pdf.standardlifeinvestments.com/exported/pdf/email_links/WP_Global_Real_Estate_Canada_12.pdf