While Friends Life is on track for Resolution hive off in 2014, this is by no means a certainty, Friends Life has said.
As part of its 2011 results, published today, the consolidation business Resolution firm said it was looking for exit options involving mergers and acquisitions but it was also considering a "self managed" exit option.
Quashing speculation a decision had been made, Steve Payne, managing director, UK Protection at Friends Life, said: "It was absolutely in Resolutions original plans to be involved in Friends Life for the five or six years to take them to 2014.
"The group announced last year it was beginning to explore options. This included a sale in whole or in part or a flotation.
"Today's announcement shows that steps have been made to making this a real possibility, but they are still just options.
While admitting that the company was currently favouring self-flotation, he added: "In the right economic environment these businesses could remain together.
"I don't think Resolution has made a definitive statement, I think they have stated the options outlined last year, although what we are moving towards is the self-flotation option."
