Investors Group adding new global equity mandate
Expansion of global reach and long-term capital protection are key objectives
Winnipeg, MB – April 24, 2007: Investors Group is adding two funds with a focus on global reach and long-term capital growth. IG Mackenzie Cundill Global Value Fund and IG Mackenzie Cundill Global Value Class* will be based on the proven track record of the portfolio management team at Mackenzie Cundill Investment Management Ltd.
“Exposure to foreign equities enhances the diversification opportunities available to Canadian investors, said John Wiltshire, Senior Vice-President of Product and Financial Planning for Investors Group. “With the addition of the Global Value Fund, Investors Group clients will gain access to a well regarded, world class portfolio management team at Cundill.”
The new funds head a list of several enhancements being announced today.
Fund Mergers
Six funds will be merged with funds that have similar or identical investment objectives and strategies. This is expected to facilitate more efficient management of the funds, provide better investment diversification opportunities and, in some instances, result in lower fees.
| Merging Fund | Continuing Fund | |
|---|---|---|
| IG AGF Asian Growth Fund | To merge into | Investors Pacific International Fund |
| IG AGF Asian Growth Class* | To merge into | Investors Pacific International Class* |
| IG Mackenzie Select Managers Canada Fund | To merge into | IG Mackenzie Maxxum Canadian Equity Growth Fund |
| IG Mackenzie Select Managers Canada Class* | To merge into | IG Mackenzie Maxxum Canadian Equity Growth Class* |
| Mackenzie Universal U.S. Growth Leaders Fund (IG Series Units Only) | To merge into | IG Mackenzie Universal U.S. Growth Leaders Class* |
| Mackenzie Universal Global Future Fund (IG Series Units Only) | To merge into | IG Mackenzie Universal Global Future Class* |
Unitholders of record (as of April 27, 2007) holding units of the funds being merged will receive a Notice of Meeting, Proxy and Management Information Circular dealing with the changes. Unitholder meetings are scheduled for June 15, 2007.
Portfolio Allocation Enhancements
In addition, a number of allocation enhancements are being made to some of the Investors Group AltoTM and AllegroTM Portfolios to increase global diversification opportunities and enhance their risk-return characteristics.
Unitholders of record (as of April 27, 2007) will receive a Notice of Meeting, Proxy and Management Information Circular to approve the proposed changes and revisions to the fee structure of the Alto Conservative Portfolio, Alto Monthly Income Portfolio and Allegro Conservative Portfolio. Unitholder meetings are scheduled for June 15, 2007. Other Investors Group portfolio enhancements include:
- The addition of Investors Pacific International Fund to the asset mix of both the Alto and Allegro Moderate Aggressive Portfolios;
- IG Mackenzie Universal U.S. Growth Leaders Class replacing Mackenzie Universal U.S. Growth Leaders Fund in the Alto Moderate, Alto Moderate Aggressive Canada Focus and Alto Aggressive portfolios and,
- IG Mackenzie Universal Emerging Markets Class replacing IG AGF Asian Growth Fund in the Allegro Aggressive Portfolio.
“As the result of our ongoing monitoring of our portfolio products, we are moderately increasing global equity exposure, with the ultimate goal of helping preserve the purchasing power of our clients” Wiltshire said.
Notices will be sent shortly to unitholders of the affected portfolios. All enhancements are expected to be effective by mid-summer, subject to regulatory and securityholder approvals where necessary.
*These mutual funds are separate classes of shares issued by Investors Group Corporate Class Inc.
Investors Group, founded in 1926, is a national leader in delivering personalized financial solutions to Canadians through a network of approximately 4,000 Consultants located throughout Canada. In addition to an exclusive family of mutual funds and other investment vehicles, Investors Group offers a wide range of insurance, securities, mortgage and banking services. Investors Group is a member of the IGM Financial Inc. (TSX: IGM) group of companies. IGM Financial is one of Canada’s premier financial services companies with over $123 billion in total assets under management.
A preliminary simplified prospectus relating to the two new funds is expected to be filed shortly with the Canadian securities commissions or similar authorities. You cannot buy units of the new funds until the relevant securities commissions or similar authorities issue receipts for the simplified prospectus of those funds. This is not a solicitation to purchase units of the new funds.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual funds investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The Funds are distributed across Canada by Investors Group Financial Services Inc., (in Quebec, a financial services firm.)
| For more information contact: | |
|---|---|
| Ron Arnst Media Relations (204) 956-3364 ron.arnst@investorsgroup.com |
Laura Vallis Environics Communications (416) 969-2781 lvallis@environicspr.com |
