LONDON - 12 March, 2015

Gatehouse Bank plc ("Gatehouse"), the London-based investment bank specialising in Shariah-compliant products and services, is pleased to announce the addition of Threadneedle Investments as a shareholder in Gatehouse.  Threadneedle, a leading international asset manager based in London with assets under management of $148.2 billion, has acquired a shareholding of approximately two per cent in Gatehouse.

This is a significant transaction because a leading global asset manager has made a direct equity investment into a Shariah-compliant investment bank, recognising the growth potential for Gatehouse and the markets it serves.  Gatehouse originates Shariah-compliant investment opportunities for sophisticated clients seeking diversification and attractive returns for their portfolios.  The bank has a long history of bridging capital from the GCC region and Southeast Asia with investment in Western markets. The addition of Threadneedle to its shareholder base enhances Gatehouse's ability to continue to deliver value-added opportunities for its clients.

Henry Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Gatehouse stated "We see an increasingly attractive market in which to grow the range and volume of high-quality Islamically structured investment products. With the expertise that we have developed, we believe there is a considerable opportunity to develop this business for Gatehouse and its clients."

Ted Truscott, Chairman of Threadneedle said "Gatehouse's combination of Shariah-compliant investment expertise, its track record and the breadth of its relationships across the GCC region and Southeast Asia are unrivalled. We are excited to make this investment into Gatehouse and look forward to exploring areas of mutual interest."

Fahed Boodai, Chairman of Gatehouse added "With its core businesses of investment and financing, Gatehouse has a well-developed and growing expertise in investments for clients and partners in the GCC region, Southeast Asia and Europe. We are pleased to have as a shareholder a major international asset manager.  As we look for partners with whom we can grow our business, we hope that we will continue to attract interest and support of world-class institutions and investors such as Threadneedle."

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About Gatehouse Bank plc
Gatehouse Bank plc (the "Bank") is an investment bank based in the City of London, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the PRA and the Financial Conduct Authority. Founded in 2008, the Bank invests in accordance with Shariah principles and has divisions in Real Estate Investment, Real Estate Finance, Treasury, Wealth Management, and Shariah Advisory.  Seeking to preserve and grow wealth for its clients, the Bank combines international financial market expertise with excellence in Shariah principles. The Bank advises funds with approximately $1.5 billion of assets in the United States and United Kingdom. For more information please visit www.gatehousebank.com

About Threadneedle Investments
Threadneedle is a leading international investment manager with a strong track record of outperformance across asset classes. We actively manage $148.2 billion (as at 31 Dec 2014) of assets, investing on behalf of individuals, pension funds, insurers and corporations. We are the 5th largest UK retail fund manager1 and the 10th largest UK fund manager by AUM. In Europe we rank in the top 40. Established in 1994 in London, Threadneedle has a presence in 17 countries. Threadneedle is a part of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a leading global asset management group.

1 UK IA rankings, Dec 2014, see www.investmentfunds.org.uk

2 Europe ranking, Morningstar Rankings ex MM, ex FoF and ex Master/Feeder, Nov 2014

Media enquiries:
FTI Consulting
Kit Dunford, Senior Consultant
T: 020 3727 1143
E: gatehouse@fticonsulting.com

Press Release 2015