Standard Life is in talks to buy a large office block in London that could become its new head office in the event of Scottish independence.
The financial service company is in discussions to buy 100 Cheapside, a 80,000sq ft development in the City which could sell for £110million, according to sources close to the deal.
The revelation sparked speculation that Standard Life, one of Scotland’s biggest firms, is looking to relocate if there is a Yes vote on September 18.
In February the company warned it could relocate part of its operations due to concerns over the uncertainties associated with independence.
A spokesman for the pro-union Better Together campaign, said Standard Life was not the only company looking at contingency arrangements for independence.
“If we leave the UK then it would cost jobs in Scotland,” he said.
“We know that firms like Standard Life and the Alliance Trust are already making plans to move business to England if we vote for separation. That’s a risk that we simply don’t have to take.
“As part of the UK we can have the best of both worlds. We can have a strong Scottish Parliament, with the guarantee of more powers for Scotland, backed up by the strength, security and stability of being part of the larger UK.
“We should say no thanks to putting that at risk in September.”
Tony Banks, chairman of the independence group Business for Scotland, said: “Standard Life invests in property across the UK including building a new £75million office development in St Andrews Square right in the heart of Edinburgh which has construction workers on site now.
“The company already occupies several office premises across the city.
“At Business for Scotland we’re excited about the opportunities that independence will bring for businesses of all types and we’re confident that the vibrant business environment that will be created will be attractive and welcoming.
“We’re confident that Standard Life will still have its home in Edinburgh as Scotland gets going and our business environment improves.”