AIM Announces Survey Results and Launch of Business Development Program.

Business Editors

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 16, 2000

A I M Management Group Inc. (AIM) announced today the launch of its latest business development program for financial advisors: "AIM Wealth Management: How to Guide Your Business To Fee-Based Success." The launch coincides with the release of results of a new industry-wide survey conducted by AIM, which provided the statistical foundation for the new program. AIM is an indirect subsidiary of AMVESCAP PLC (NYSE:AVZ), one of the world's largest independent investment managers.

The recently completed survey provides a compelling argument that fee-based compensation programs will be an attractive alternative for financial advisors in the future. With over 1,000 respondents, the survey revealed that nearly half of the top advisors earned 26 to 50 percent of their income from fee-based accounts. Additionally, top advisors expect to grow their fee-based business in the future, with 79 percent predicting that over half of their business revenue will be from fees within five years. Top advisors were characterized as those earning over $300,000. The survey also identifies top advisor's best practices to promote successful relationships with their best clients.

Created in partnership with Stephen Gresham, principal of The Gresham Company LLC, "AIM Wealth Management" is based on the premise that a fee-based method of compensation is more conducive to successful client-advisor relationships. Rather than viewing their client interactions as discrete transactions measured by sales commissions, "wealth managers" strive to build relationships based on their client's goals for the assets placed in their care.

This new business development program provides financial advisors with the tools to offer a relationship-oriented model for managing their clients' total financial picture. Materials include a summary of the survey results, a 16-page advisor guide, three one-page success stories on overcoming obstacles and a video Web clip.

In addition to providing consulting services, Mr. Gresham also will be presenting the program on behalf of AIM at numerous venues across the country. The Gresham Company LLC is a financial services consulting firm specializing in understanding client preference and developing sales tactics.

AIM was founded in 1976 and ranks as the nation's eighth-largest mutual fund complex, according to independent mutual fund monitor Strategic Insight, with approximately $176 billion in assets under management and 8 million shareholders as of June 30, 2000. AMVESCAP PLC had $389 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2000.

Note to editors -- We are required to include the following information with our news release:

For more complete information about any AIM Fund, including sales charges and expenses, please obtain the appropriate prospectus(es) from your financial consultant or by calling 800/347-4246. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money. For more information about AIM, visit our Web site: http://www.aimfunds.com.

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