Gilbert: Aberdeen would not exit independent Scotland

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Aberdeen Asset Management plans to keep its headquarters in Scotland regardless of the outcome of this year's independence vote, its chief executive has announced.

Despite public opposition to independence from business leaders, Martin Gilbert told the BBC the firm will remain neutral during the debate.

"We have decided as a company that we will remain neutral on the subject, because it is a decision for the Scottish people and, to a certain extent, there's quite a lot of resentment if a business leader or a company does come out and give an opinion. [We will] let the people decide in September and, once we know that, we will see what is needed.

"But, at the moment, we have no plans to move our headquarters out of Aberdeen - we already operate in 30 countries round the world, so one more is not going to make any difference."

Other Scottish-based asset managers have been drawing up contingency plans in the event of Scottish independence, with Standard Life announcing it may move its operations in the event of a yes vote.

Aberdeen has offices in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

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