MBO or sale call could prove make or break for F&C

Of all the investment groups in the market, F&C has certainly seen its share of upheaval in the past...

Of all the investment groups in the market, F&C has certainly seen its share of upheaval in the past few years. And with the news that majority shareholder Friends Provident is selling its stake to focus on life and pensions, the group could be facing further uncertainty. Chief executive Alain Grisay said F&C has excellent prospects as a stand-alone company, and has set out a management buyout or sale as the main options. But after two major branding changes in the past six years, another takeover by a similar retail operator is surely the last thing the group or its investors want. ...