Statement re Non Mainstream Pooled Product Rules

Aberforth Smaller Companies Trust plc

Non-Mainstream Pooled Product Rules

The Board notes the proposed changes to the FCA rules relating to the
restrictions on the retail distribution of unregulated collective investment
schemes and close substitutes which will come into effect on 1 January 2014.
The Board confirms that it conducts its affairs, and intends to continue to
conduct its affairs, so that the Company's shares will be excluded securities
under these new rules and will therefore be excluded from the FCA's
restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products. The Company's
shares are excluded securities because the Company is an investment trust.

For further information contact:

David Holland, Aberforth Partners LLP, telephone: [phone].
Aberforth Partners LLP, Secretaries 
17 December 2013