Zurich's Sterling links up with 11 new funds

Jim Reeve, Managing Director of Zurich IFA Group, commented: "IFAs and their clients have already recognised the value of the Sterling ISA as it registered over 100% growth* in 2001. As significant players in the marketplace, Jupiter and ABN AMRO are popular with IFA's, having consistently delivered outstanding performance. They will be welcome additions to Sterling's existing strong stable of managers. With additional funds from Fidelity, Gartmore, Henderson and our own Threadneedle Strategic Bond being added to our portfolio, IFAs can offer clients the opportunity to make additional choices in a variety of sectors."

ABN AMRO's Product Development and Communications Director, Nick Wells, commented: "Three of our award-winning key funds will be available via the Sterling ISA, offering a balanced spread of investment opportunities, primarily in the UK. We anticipate that this year will continue to be a testing year for investors and an extension of the range of funds available to clients provides access to even greater choice within the one product."

Jupiter's Steve Glynn, joint managing director, commented: "Jupiter prides itself on delivering superior returns and has gained an enviable reputation as being one of the 'best of the best.' The four funds joining the Sterling wrapper, which include our flagship fund the Jupiter Income Trust and our newly launched Jupiter Distribution Fund, will be managed by some of the industry's most able investment specialists who make up our fund management team. I am confident that these new investment links will be as invaluable to Sterling, as a top quality brand, as they will be to Jupiter."

Sterling's ISA is available for regular and single investments (£100 monthly or £2,000 minimum single). Top-up investments are subject to the normal minimum of £25 monthly or £1,000 single. Sterling is the only multi-manager ISA and PEP Transfer where there is no loss on death to the original investment (allowing for any withdrawals by the investor).

ENDS

Note to Editors
* Sterling registered 159% growth in regular premium income and 96% growth in single premium income in 2001.

Full list of new fund managers and funds attached:

Charges

Wrapper charges are 4.75% initial, with a sliding annual scale from 0.10% to 0.75% depending on the size of each client's fund. Each fund also carries its own annual charge in addition to the annual wrapper charge. Commission is paid to IFAs at 4% initial plus 0.5% pa trail. There is no Sterling charge for switching.

The Zurich Financial Services Group (www.zurich.com) is a global leader in integrated financial services, providing its customers with solutions in the areas of financial protection (non-life insurance and structured solutions) and asset gathering (life insurance and asset management). The Group focuses its activities on the key markets of North America, UK, Switzerland and Europe, as well as selected other markets where it has or can reach a competitive position. Founded in 1872, Zurich is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It has offices in more than 60 countries and employs approximately 70,000 people.

Sterling is part of Zurich Financial Services (UKISA) which is part of the Zurich Financial Services Group and comprises the Group's operations in the UK, Ireland and International Businesses.

Media Information:

Erica Harper, Zurich Financial Services Press Office 01793 503969