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BNP Paribas multi-manager specialist Fundquest confirms new structure

Following the acquisition of IMS Ltd in April this year and a successful period of integration, BNP Paribas Investment Partners' multi-management specialist FundQuest, today confirms the structure of the combined business with IMS being re-branded FundQuest UK. Operationally, FundQuest activities in Europe now comprise FundQuest Paris, FundQuest UK and Primonial FundQuest, its subsidiary dedicated to French independent financial advisers.

With immediate effect, Antony John, formerly Chief Executive Officer at IMS, becomes Chief Executive Officer of FundQuest UK and Head of Marketing and Communication of the FundQuest Group. He will also co-ordinate FundQuest's Global Product Strategy. Giles Gilbertson, previously Chief Investment Officer at IMS, will have overall responsibility for manager and fund research at the FundQuest Group as well as the management of all single strategy portfolios. Christophe Belhomme, previously Chief Investment Officer at FundQuest Paris, will be in charge of asset allocation and management of all multi-asset portfolios. Both will retain the title Chief Investment Officer.

FundQuest will be supported by three research teams with analysts in Paris, London and Boston. These teams, Global Equity, European Equity and Fixed Income and Alternative Assets will be led respectively by Hans Hamre and Guy Davies in London and Peter Norton in Paris.

FundQuest UK will spearhead business development into the UK, Southern Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Scandinavia; FundQuest Paris will cover Continental Europe, excluding Scandinavia. The combined global FundQuest business has assets under management and advisory of €40bn globally (£32bn) and a total of 210 employees.

Michel Anastassiades, Global Head of FundQuest said, “The acquisition of IMS was an extremely important step in helping FundQuest establish a substantial UK presence. As well as the obvious business advantages that this brings, the company as a whole and its clients will benefit from the strengthened investment expertise and supporting infrastructure of the combined group. With capabilities in the US, France and the UK and an unrivalled team of 48 multi-manager specialists globally, we have established a unified selection and portfolio management process, which provides a single entry point for any client or management group. FundQuest is now positioned to become a leading company operating in the multi-manager sector.”BNP Paribas Multi-Manager specialist Fund Quest confirms new structure

Antony John, Chief Executive Officer of FundQuest UK said, “As we announced the deal with FundQuest in April, we were already convinced of the strong cultural fit between the two businesses. In restructuring the business over the intervening months, it has become apparent just how complementary the capabilities of the combined business are. More than ever, we are able to deliver first class, innovative investment solutions to existing and potential clients wherever they might be.”

About BNP Paribas Investment Partners
BNP Paribas Investment Partners brings together the full palette of asset management expertise of the BNP Paribas group. Through a unique platform that offers immediate and simplified access to a broad range of specialist Partner companies, BNP Paribas Investment Partners has become a leader among the multi-specialist asset managers. At 30 June 2008, assets under management amounted to 327 billion euros*, nearly half of which was managed for institutional clients. With 2,400 professionals serving clients in 70 countries, BNP Paribas Investment Partners draws on over half a century of asset management experience and has seen ten years of steady growth through acquisitions and joint-ventures.
* assets under advice included

About FundQuest
FundQuest is the multi-management specialist of BNP Paribas Investment Partners. With teams of analysts and portfolio managers based in Boston, London and Paris, FundQuest covers all of the world's top multi-management markets. FundQuest gives its customers access to the expertise of specialist portfolio managers around the world and a wide range of investment solutions. At the end of May 2008, the company employed 210 employees including 48 analysts and portfolio managers, and managed more than €40 billion in assets on behalf of institutional and high net worth individuals worldwide.