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SAN FRANCISCO, January 17, 2008- Forward Management, LLC (Forward) today announced the launch of two new international funds, the Forward Eastern Europe Equities Fund and the Forward Asia Ex- Japan Fund. These actively managed equity funds are sub-advised by Pictet Asset Management Ltd, a subsidiary of Pictet & Cie, one of Switzerland’s largest private banks and one of the premier international asset managers in Europe.
The Forward Eastern Europe Equities Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital investing primarily in equity securities of companies in emerging European countries. Pictet uses a strong bottom-up, value bias to achieve long term growth, and they select investment candidates that have strong underlying value, implied growth and expertise. Because emerging markets are prone to exaggerated market cycles and market inefficiencies abound, the Forward Eastern Europe Equities Fund is actively managed to identify and buy mispriced stocks. The fund’s investment universe consists of an emerging markets database of 6,100 companies, and country and sector weights are driven by stock selection.
The Forward Asia Ex- Japan Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital investing primarily in equity securities of companies in Asian countries, excluding Japan. The investment universe covers developed as well as emerging markets. Pictet uses a bottom-up stock picking process integrated with top-down framework, and securities are reviewed using a modified, value-based approach based on adjusted book value and implied growth. The investment managers believe market valuations are driven by the liquidity cycle and the portfolio is subject to a top-down sector overlay, country and liquidity risk review.
With the addition of these two new funds, Pictet now sub-advises six international funds for Forward Funds. Other funds are: Forward Global Emerging Markets Fund; Forward International Equity Fund, Forward International Small Companies Fund, and Forward International Fixed Income Fund.
“Pictet’s teams based out of Central Europe and London are well positioned to run these exciting new funds,” said Alan Reid, president of Forward Management. “Their deep experience in international investing and emerging markets strategies gives them unique insights into these complex markets. With support from Pictet, Forward has agreed to launch these two new distinctive global building block portfolios.”
About Forward Management, LLC
Forward Management, LLC, based in San Francisco, is the investment advisor to the Forward Funds, a family of sixteen mutual funds. The firm also offers a range of separately managed accounts including Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Intrinsic Value, REIT, Equity Income and Micro Cap. Forward Management is an affiliate of ReFlow Management Co., LLC, which developed ReFlow, an innovative liquidity tool for portfolio managers that provides enhanced performance and tax efficiency. ReFlow is used by the Forward Funds, as well as other leading mutual fund managers.
Forward Management offers institutional money managers, financial advisors and individual investors access to industry leading investment managers, investment products and services. The firm specializes in identifying sub-advisors who have long track records of managing assets in specific investment disciplines and asset classes. More information on Forward Management and the Forward Funds can be found at www.forwardmgmt.com.
You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Forward Funds carefully before investing. A prospectus with this and other information may be obtained by calling (800) 999-6809 or by downloading one from www.forwardfunds.com. It should be read carefully before investing.
There are risks involved with investing, including loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Investing in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, will involve certain additional risks, including exchange rate fluctuations, less liquidity, greater volatility and less regulation.
Forward Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.
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