Natixis Global Associates and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. partner to distribute 23 investment funds in Middle East

The agreement encompasses funds from a variety of Natixis-affiliated managers, including Absolute Asia, Loomis Sayles, Natixis AM, Hansberger and Vaughan Nelson.

"This is an important step in Natixis Global Associates' overall distribution strategy for the Middle East region," said Jamal Saab, NGA managing director for Middle East and North Africa. "We have a strong boutique of funds from a variety of independent investment managers and have seen increased interest from third party distributors to include these funds on their platforms. ABN AMRO has great reach in the region, and we are excited to partner with them on this endeavor."

The agreement will cover funds distributed in the United Arab Emirates and other GCC countries and it is in line with ABN AMRO's leading position as a Wealth Management provider in the region.

Mr Burhan Khan, head of Consumer Banking at ABN AMRO, UAE, said: "Our association with Natixis and their affiliated managers complements our product strategy as we are able to provide a comprehensive yet diversified product suite to meet client needs across the wealth spectrum."

Working with third-party distributors is a major component of Natixis Global Associates' global growth strategy.

The company has a strong institutional practice outside of the United States and an impressive line up of investment products.

Natixis has been working in recent years to extend its reach in the third-party or "retail" market.

The Economist named the firm the third fastest growing asset management firm in its March 2008 issue.

"The ABN AMRO agreement fits perfectly into our growth modeling of partnering with leading distribution organizations," said Hervé Guinamant, head of international distribution at Natixis Global Associates. "We have a very strong third-party distribution model in the United States and have had great success pursuing this growth model in countries throughout the world, including Japan, Italy and Germany. We see the Middle East as a natural extension of our continued expansion into the worldwide retail marketplace."