The Global Financial Services Group plc announced that Aberdeen Asset Management plc have increased their shareholding in the company through the acquisition of 3.63 per cent of shares in The Global Group.

This acquisition increases the holding of Aberdeen Asset Management plc in The Global Group from 5.3 per cent to 8.93 per cent.

Aberdeen Asset Management plc, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, is an international investment management group which manages assets for both institutional and retail clients from a number of offices around the world.

The company holds a total of £26.63 billion (e39.43 billion) funds under management and advice.

The Global Group provides back-office administration services to Aberdeen and the exclusive representative of Aberdeen funds in Malta.

In addition, Gary R. Marshall, a member of Aberdeen’s executive committee who heads up Aberdeen’s Sales and Marketing operations, is an non-executive director on The Global Group board of directors.

In a recent announcement, The Global Group published some very positive interim results, having registered a 69 per cent increase, from Lm397,998 to Lm674,588 profit before tax for the six months ended 30 June 2005.

Global Group chief executive officer Nicholas Portelli said: “We believe that this is a significant show of confidence in The Global Group by a top fund-management company.

“Aberdeen have stated that they are encouraged by developments in Malta and the positive results achieved by The Global Group.”

The Global Group has diversified revenue streams through its various subsidiaries, being involved in the provision of investment services, fund

advisory services, life and health insurance, insurance broking and property management and advisory services.