BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AdvisorShares Investments, LLC, a sponsor of actively managed Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), today announced a partnership with Commerce Asset Management ("Commerce"), a subsidiary of Consulting Services Group (or CSG Holdings) who advise on approximately $24 Billion of assets, to develop an actively managed ETF which will utilize Markov Processes International's ("MPI") patented Dynamic Style Analysis technology in an attempt to outperform the majority of the long/short equity hedge funds.

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"Long/Short equity hedge strategies seek to outperform traditional long-only equity strategies with lower risk- by utilizing their ability to seek alpha via stock selection, leverage and timely shifts in market exposures (e.g. large vs. small cap, sector, geography, etc.) However, such investment products have previously been beyond the reach of the average investor due to high minimum investment thresholds," said Noah Hamman, CEO and Founder of AdvisorShares.

"We feel that Commerce, along with its relationship with MPI, presents a compelling opportunity for us to bring a very unique alternative investment solution to the advisor community whose clients are looking to achieve higher returns and lower risk - all wrapped in an affordable actively managed ETF structure. We believe that the pairing of Commerce's knowledge of hedge fund investors with the hedge fund quantitative modeling technology of MPI offers a compelling alternative solution for advisors, their clients, institutional investors, and sophisticated investors."

Kurt Voldeng, Chief Operating Officer of Commerce Asset Management, said, "At Commerce Asset Management, we are very excited to be partnering with AdvisorShares in creating a hedge fund product for the ETF marketplace. We look forward to offering advisors and institutions our strategy in an actively managed ETF that will offer hedge fund-like performance but with lower fees, daily transparency and liquidity - unlike private alternative strategies. Akos Belezany, Chief Investment Officer of Commerce Asset Management, added that, "having our technology licensing relationship with MPI, we will be able to tap into MPI's hedge fund analysis expertise which we expect to provide a strategic advantage over the competition."  

To request more information on AdvisorShares or TTFS, please contact Noah Hamman or Chuck Robertson at 202-657-6383, nh@advisorshares.com or cr@advisorshares.com.

About AdvisorShares
AdvisorShares is one of the leading providers of actively managed ETFs.  As of 09/1/2011 AdvisorShares offers 10 active ETFs with over $370,000,000 of assets under management.  AdvisorShares is pleased to offer actively managed ETFs, including the

Alternative Strategies

Core Tactical Strategies
Dent Tactical ETF DENT
Cambria Global Tactical ETF GTAA
Meidell Tactical Advantage ETF MATH

Core Long/Short Strategies
Mars Hill Global Relative Value ETF GRV

Core Short Strategies
Active Bear ETF HDGE

Core Domestic Strategies
Madrona Domestic ETF FWDD

Core International Strategies
WCM/BNY Mellon Focused Growth ADR ETF AADR
Madrona International ETF FWDI

Income Strategies
Peritus High Yield ETF HYLD
Madrona Global Bond ETF FWDB

AdvisorShares provides educational support to help investors understand ETFs, and the underlying investment strategy for each of the AdvisorShares ETFs.  AdvisorShares continues to seek qualified sub-advisor investment partners to offer compelling investment strategies in an active ETF structure. Visit our website at www.advisorshares.com to learn more about us. Follow the AdvisorShares Team on Twitter or 'Like' us on Facebook.

About Commerce Asset Management, LLC (Commerce)
Commerce Asset Management was established in 2010 (formally named CSG Fund Management). Commerce offers discretionary alternative investment management services to institutional investors and high net worth families through fund of funds vehicles, separately managed accounts and customized alternative solutions.  Additionally, Commerce owns 85% of Quantitative Alternative Management, LLC ("QAM") an entity formed to design and develop various types of alternative investment products, specifically the QAM Equity Hedge Liquid Strategy.  

About Markov Processes International, LLC (MPI)
MPI is a global provider of investment research and technology solutions with offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. MPI's analytical tools and methodologies are employed by leading institutions and financial services organizations to power their quantitative investment research and reporting. MPI offers the most advanced platform available to analyze hedge funds, mutual funds, portfolios and other investment products, as well as asset allocation and portfolio optimization tools. www.markovprocesses.com

Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information is in the prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by visiting the Fund's website at www.AdvisorShares.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.

Foreside Fund Services, LLC, distributor.

An investment in ETFs is subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. The risks associated with each Fund include the risks associated with the underlying ETFs, which can result in higher volatility, and are detailed in each Fund's prospectus and on each Fund's webpage. Newly organized, actively managed Funds have no trading history and there can be no assurance that active trading markets will be developed or maintained.  The Funds may not be suitable for all investors.

Contact: Noah Hamman
AdvisorShares
202-657-6383
nh@advisorshares.com

SOURCE AdvisorShares Investments, LLC