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San Francisco, June 4, 2008 – Forward Management, LLC (Forward), investment advisor to the Forward Funds, has agreed to acquire Accessor Capital Management LP (Accessor), investment advisor to the Accessor Funds. Upon shareholder approval, as a combined fund family, Forward Funds will offer investors 34 mutual funds in no-load and load share classes, with more than $5 billion in assets under management.
Accessor Funds include six lifestyle funds, and their recently launched Strategic Alternatives Fund. Based in Seattle, the firm was founded in 1991 by J. Anthony Whatley, and was one of the first to launch asset allocation funds, as well as integrate an alternative strategy in their more aggressive lifestyle products.
“The addition of the Accessor Funds to the Forward family diversifies our product offerings, including our alternatives strategies, and we are excited about the opportunities we have to continue developing innovative investment options for investors,” said J. Alan Reid, Jr., President of Forward Management.
Both firms are privately-held, entrepreneurial companies with founders who have a strong commitment to individual investors. Accessor’s deep experience with investment process, asset allocation technology and new product research and development is a strong match to Forward’s expertise in product development, distribution, sales and marketing.
Whatley will assume the role of Vice Chairman, and will head the Investment Policy Committee maintaining strict adherence to the investment process that is Accessor's hallmark.
Accessor Funds will continue to be branded and labeled as Accessor Funds (part of the Forward Family of Funds). All fund names and ticker symbols will stay the same for the foreseeable future, although CUSIP numbers will change.
“We are very excited about working with the team at Accessor,” said J. Alan Reid, Jr., President of Forward Management. “Our combined organization will offer a full line-up of investment options for our clients, and expand our offerings to a wider range of investment professionals. In addition, I am impressed with Accessor’s asset allocation platform and we look forward to making it available to a broader audience of financial advisors to assist them in meeting their client’s investment needs.”
“Forward and Accessor are like-minded companies, with product offerings that are well aligned,” said J. Anthony Whatley, President and Founder of Accessor Capital Management. “This is an incredible opportunity to bring two companies together for a mutually beneficial outcome.”
About Forward Management, LLC
Forward Management, LLC, based in San Francisco, is the investment advisor to the Forward Funds, a family of 16 mutual funds. The firm also markets a range of separately managed accounts including Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Intrinsic Value, REIT, Micro Cap and High Income Total Return.
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.
About Accessor Capital Management LP
Accessor Capital Management is a financial services company dedicated to providing an institutional investment solution to investors of all sizes. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Accessor was established in 1991 to provide all investors the same rational, scientific investment tools utilized by large institutions.
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.
You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Accessor Funds carefully before investing. A prospectus with this and other information may be obtained by calling (800) 882-9612 or by downloading one from www.accessor.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.
Forward Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.
J. Alan Reid, Jr. is a registered representative of ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Accessor Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO). SIDCO is not affiliated with Forward Funds nor ALPS Distributors, Inc., and
ALPS Distributors, Inc is not affiliated with the Accessor Funds.
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