The Marshall Funds Launches New Small-Cap Value Fund

MILWAUKEE, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marshall Funds today introduced the Marshall Small-Cap Value Fund, which seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in value-oriented common stocks similar in size to those within the Russell 2000® Value Index.

With a time tested, bottom-up stock selection process, the portfolio management team selects companies that it believes trade at a discount to intrinsic value and that have meaningful upside potential relative to downside risk. The team screens their investment universe for traditional value metrics such as low price-to-earnings, low price-to-book, and high free cash flow yields.  Additionally, they search for companies with under-appreciated assets that are involved in corporate restructuring or turnarounds, or have been sold off due to temporary issues or earnings shortfalls. The team's proprietary research process thoroughly evaluates a company's financial statements, industry position, management team, Wall Street expectations, and potential downside risks before initiating a position.  

With over 30 years of investment experience, Matthew B. Fahey, senior vice president, portfolio manager and Director of Equities of M&I Investment Management Corp, the Adviser to the Marshall Funds, will serve as the Fund's lead portfolio manager. Gregory S. Dirkse, CFA, and Brian J. Janowski, CFA, CPA, will co-manage the Fund. Dirkse, vice president and portfolio manager, has been employed by the Adviser since 1999. Janowski, vice president and portfolio manager, has been employed by the Adviser since 2008.

"The Marshall Small-Cap Value Fund further expands our product line-up to include an important asset class for investors. The Marshall Funds family now has 20 funds across the risk/return spectrum and provides a full array of equity styles," said Tommy Huie, CFA, president and chief investment officer of M&I Investment Management Corp.

"This Fund allows our clients the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of undervalued small-cap stocks that we believe are trading at a discount relative to their intrinsic value," said Matt Fahey.

The Marshall Funds offers institutional and private investors an array of mutual funds that spans the risk-reward spectrum. Corporations, foundations and endowments, Taft-Hartley plans, governmental entities and high-net-worth individuals look to M&I Investment Management Corp. for asset management expertise.

The Fund offers two shares classes – Investor Class (Y) shares (ticker: MRSYX), and Institutional Class (I) shares (ticker: MRSNX).

About M&I Investment Management Corp.

M&I Investment Management Corp., an SEC-registered investment adviser, is one of the affiliates of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation marketed under the brand name M&I Wealth Management. M&I Wealth Management has over 1,400 associates, $134.2 billion in assets under administration and $30.6 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2010. M&I Wealth Management is a leading provider of trust, investment management and banking services to corporations, institutions and affluent individuals. As noted above, M&I Wealth Management offers products and services through various affiliates of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation, including Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company N.A., M&I Investment Management Corp., M&I Financial Advisors, Inc. (member FINRA/SIPC, maintaining its principal offices at 111 E. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202), North Star Trust Company, North Star Deferred Exchange Corp. and Taplin, Canida & Habacht, LLC. Insurance coverage is underwritten by a number of insurers. Insurance products are the obligation of the insurance company. Banking products and services are provided by M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank or M&I Bank FSB, Members FDIC.

© 2011 Marshall & Ilsley Corporation

Investment products are: Not FDIC insured | No bank guarantee | May lose value

You should consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus and/or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information about the Marshall Funds, call 1-800-580-3863. Please read it carefully before investing. M&I Distributors, LLC, is the distributor. Funds that have a higher concentration of investments in a specific industry or sector may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than funds whose investments are more diversified. Small-cap stocks are less liquid and more volatile than larger-cap stocks.

SOURCE Marshall & Ilsley Corporation