Gestion FÉRIQUE takes over the distribution of its Funds and appoints a new principal distributor

MONTREAL, April 17, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - In its capacity as Manager of FÉRIQUE Funds, Gestion FÉRIQUE announced today its decision to take over the distribution of its Funds through Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE, its wholly-owned subsidiary registered in Québec as a mutual fund dealer and financial planning firm since 2007. As a result of this decision, Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE will be appointed as the principal distributor of FÉRIQUE Funds, and will assume the distribution functions previously outsourced to National Bank Securities Inc.

This change stems from a comprehensive study of Gestion FÉRIQUE's needs, which took into account the competitive environment, the growth outlook for FÉRIQUE Funds, as well as its investors' specific characteristics. "While our distribution activities were already managed by a leading principal distributor, outsourcing the sale of our products meant that we were not the first contact with our investors, said Jacques Laparé, Eng., Chairman of the Board, Gestion FÉRIQUE. This distance meant a lack of direct communication and valuable leverage to improve our client experience and refine our offerings based on client expectations."

The transfer of the distribution functions only affects the sales activities conducted through a telephone advisory center and transactional website. As such, this change will not affect the investments held by unitholders. All Funds will continue to be managed by the same world-class portfolio advisers, selected by Gestion FÉRIQUE, while National Bank Trust, a long-standing business partner of Gestion FÉRIQUE, will continue to act as registrar, custodian and trustee of the Funds.

As of this summer, FÉRIQUE Funds clients will be able to obtain advice and order transactions through a new telephone service and updated transactional website. These will be the first two manifestations of the new service platform that Gestion FÉRIQUE is now setting up for the distribution of its Funds. The new contact center will operate at the same telephone number and on the same schedule, while Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE's mobile advisors will continue to meet with their clients at homes or in their workplaces.

"Gestion FÉRIQUE had reached a new level in its development process, said Fabienne Lacoste, CFA, President and CEO of Gestion FÉRIQUE. While we already controlled the recipe as an investment fund manufacturer, as well as production by managing the portfolio advisers, we only had partial control of sales and service. By assuming control of our distribution, we are confident that we will be better positioned to offer our clients a broader range of products and more personalized service."

Gestion FÉRIQUE and National Bank Securities are currently finalizing the regulatory and administrative procedures pertaining to the transfer process, and working in close collaboration to ensure that the transfer is as seamless as possible for all clients. The entire process will be completed on July 1, 2013 at the earliest or by no later than August 5, 2013.

About Gestion FÉRIQUE

Founded on January 1, 2000, Gestion FÉRIQUE (www.ferique.com) is the manager of FÉRIQUE Funds, launched in 1974 by the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. FÉRIQUE is the only not-for-profit mutual fund company in Canada whose sole purpose is to serve the interests of engineers, engineering graduates and their families. The firm offers 10 mutual funds diversified across all asset classes. Management of the Funds is entrusted to renowned investment firms, handpicked by Gestion FÉRIQUE based on their asset class expertise. FÉRIQUE Funds have approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management and more than 21,000 clients.

SOURCE: Gestion FÉRIQUE

Manon Duhamel, Gestion FÉRIQUE, 514-840-9206, ext. 450, [email protected]