Franklin Mutual European Fund introduced for Canadians seeking deep value investment opportunities in Europe

TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2015 /CNW/ - Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. today launched Franklin Mutual European Fund for Canadians who want exposure to Europe by investing in companies that are based or do business in the region. Using the deep value approach and fundamental research that Franklin Mutual Series has employed for more than 60 years, the fund will focus on uncovering attractively priced opportunities across Europe that have upside potential.

"Europe is at an interesting inflection point in its economic prospects. Having been significantly impacted by the financial crisis that started in 2008, the region's economy is now showing clear signs of revival," said Philippe Brugère-Trélat, executive vice president and portfolio manager, Franklin Mutual Series.

"European equities are currently benefitting from an unusual combination of four factors: a weak euro that helps the region's exports; a reduced oil price that helps lower companies' input costs; a full quantitative easing program being implemented by the European Central Bank; and a resumption of lending by banks to corporations. All of this should translate into better earnings for the region's companies," added Brugère-Trélat.

Brugere-Trelat, with more than 30 years of investment experience, will co-manage the fund with Katrina Dudley, research analyst and portfolio manager, Franklin Mutual Series, who has more than 15 years of investment experience. The €2,9 billion¹ Franklin Mutual European Fund for European investors has been managed by Brugere-Trelat since 2005 and Dudley since 2007. 

"Through extensive company research, and with a measure of patience, we search for deep value opportunities throughout Europe," said Dudley. "Franklin Mutual Series' bottom-up approach allows us to find opportunities throughout all parts of the business cycle. Our core investments are in undervalued stocks with viable catalysts that we believe will change the way the market views their true worth."

Franklin Mutual Series, based in New Jersey, focuses on buying individual securities at a compelling discount to its assessment of intrinsic value, and may also invest in distressed securities and merger arbitrage situations.

Franklin Mutual European Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation and solid risk-adjusted returns by investing primarily in companies incorporated or that have their principal activities in European countries. The fund may also invest up to 10 per cent of its net assets in non-European issuers.

Franklin Mutual European Fund is available in Series A, F, I, M and O.

About Franklin Templeton Investments
Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management to retail, institutional and sovereign wealth clients in over 150 countries. Through specialized teams, the company has expertise across all asset classes—including equity, fixed income, alternative and custom solutions. The company's more than 600 investment professionals are supported by its integrated, worldwide team of risk management professionals and global trading desk network. With offices in 35 countries, the California–based company has more than 65 years of investment experience and approximately US$806 billion (C$1,060 billion) in assets under management as of August 31, 2015.

For more information, please visit franklintempleton.ca or connect with Franklin Templeton on Twitter (@FTI_Global) and read the Beyond Bulls & Bears blog featuring perspectives from Franklin Templeton investment professionals around the world.

¹ Assets under management are in euros as of August 31, 2015.

Copyright © 2015. Franklin Templeton Investments. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Franklin Templeton Investments Corp.

Media contacts: Sarah Kingdon, Corporate Communications, Franklin Templeton Investments, 416.957.6191, Amie Lauder, Corporate Communications, Franklin Templeton Investments, 416.957.6560