Investors have say on finance mega-merger

Shareholders will have their say on Standard Life’s merger with Aberdeen Asset Management today amid governance concerns over the £11 billion tie-up.

The deal requires the backing of at least 75% of Aberdeen shareholders and 50% of Standard Life investors to get the goahead, but experts believe the merger will be given the all clear despite unease over the joint chief executive structure and a bumper 16-member board.

The combined entity, to be called Standard Life Aberdeen, will be headed up by Keith Skeoch and Aberdeen boss Martin Gilbert.