A MAJOR deal has been struck by East Lancashire's building society.

The Nelson-based Marsden has secured an agreement with life and pensions company CGU LIfe.

Under the arrangement the Marsden will not offer investment advice to customers but will introduce members to CGU's financial planning service.

"The society is ambitious and in looking to become a truly regional player it is important that we are able to deliver a service and distribute our products within a wider setting,:" said Martin Mulligan, operations director at the society.

CGU Life is the country's sixth largest life and pension company with more than £30 billion under management.

It was formed last year by the merger of Commercial Union and General Accident.

The Marsden has 15 branches throughout the North West and total assets of £275 million.

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