Natixis Global Asset Management Launches McDonnell Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Natixis Global Asset Management (NGAM) announced today the launch of the McDonnell Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, which is a disciplined and flexible strategy seeking attractive risk-adjusted investment opportunities across sectors and securities. The fund's high-quality investment approach may help to limit credit and interest rate risk while primarily generating federal tax-free income.

“We are pleased to offer the McDonnell Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund as an additional option as investors evaluate their investment goals and build durable portfolios for the long term,” said David Giunta, president and chief executive officer, Natixis Global Asset Management – U.S. Distribution. “We are launching this fund in direct response to investors and advisors who have told us they are seeking the benefits of a municipal bond fund.”

The McDonnell Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund is broadly diversified by issuer, state and sector and focuses on high-quality national municipal bonds with maturities ranging primarily from 3 to 15 years. It is managed by Dawn Mangerson, vice president and senior portfolio manager; James Grabovac, managing director and senior portfolio manager; Lawrence Jones, portfolio manager; and Steve Wlodarski, managing director and co-head of fixed-income portfolio management. The managers average over 25 years of experience in the investment industry and have worked together for over 10 years.

“Municipal bonds have been one of the bright spots in this market, offering good relative value and income that is generally exempt from taxation,” said Edward Treichel, president and chief executive officer at McDonnell. “Our new fund provides a research-based vehicle for individuals to gain exposure to this important asset class.”

McDonnell Investment Management, LLC (McDonnell) is NGAM's newest affiliate. The acquisition was announced in October 2012 and closed on December 31, 2012. The firm is a registered investment advisor providing investment management services to institutions, private clients and mutual fund companies. McDonnell is known for its expertise and specialization in fixed-income investment management. Located in Oak Brook, Illinois, McDonnell has approximately $13.5 billion in assets under management (September 30, 2012) for institutions and individuals.

About Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A.

Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A. is one of the 15 largest asset managers in the world based on assets under management.¹ Its affiliated asset management companies provide investment products that seek to enhance and protect the wealth and retirement assets of both institutional and individual investor clients. Its proprietary distribution network helps package and deliver its affiliates' products around the world. Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A. brings together the expertise of multiple specialized investment managers based in Europe, the United States and Asia to offer a wide spectrum of equity, fixed-income and alternative investment strategies.

Headquartered in Paris and Boston, Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A. has assets under management totaling $734 billion (€570 billion) as of September 30, 2012.² Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A. is part of Natixis. Listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Natixis is a subsidiary of BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France. Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A.'s affiliated investment management firms and distribution and service groups include: Absolute Asia Asset Management; AEW Capital Management; AEW Europe; AlphaSimplex Group; Aurora Investment Management; Capital Growth Management; Caspian Private Equity; Darius Capital Partners; Gateway Investment Advisers; H2O Asset Management; Hansberger Global Investors; Harris Associates; IDFC Asset Management Company; Loomis, Sayles & Company; Natixis Asset Management; Natixis Multimanager; Ossiam; Reich & Tang Asset Management; Snyder Capital Management; and Vaughan Nelson Investment Management. Visit ngam.natixis.com for more information.

About McDonnell Investment Management, LLC

McDonnell was founded as a 100% employee owned company and SEC registered investment adviser on November 1, 2001 by former employees of Van Kampen Management Inc. (“VKMI”). Dennis McDonnell, Chairman, and Edward Treichel had originally begun assembling the fixed income talent in 1987 while at VKMI, growing the team for over a decade until they acquired the business from Van Kampen Investments Inc. McDonnell manages several investment disciplines for portfolios of taxable securities (U.S. government & agency bonds, structured securities and corporate bonds) and municipal bonds. McDonnell is known for its experienced portfolio management professionals, highly regarded credit research resources and responsive client service capabilities. More information is available at www.mcdonnellinvestments.com.

¹ Cerulli Quantitative Update: Global Markets 2012 ranked Natixis Global Asset Management, S.A. as the 13^th largest asset manager in the world based on assets under management as of December 31, 2011.

² Assets under management (AUM) may include assets for which non-regulatory AUM services are provided. Non-regulatory AUM includes assets which do not fall within the SEC's definition of ‘regulatory AUM' in Form ADV, Part 1.

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