CHICAGO, May 28, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ibbotson Associates, a leading provider of investment tools and knowledge, today introduced its newest sales tool iManager. iManager is a software and support program that provides wholesalers with a powerful tool for promoting and positioning funds. It produces customized, full-color fund fact sheets "on demand" and can incorporate tailored peer group comparisons. Every company that purchases iManager will work with an Ibbotson consultant to develop a comparison peer group of funds and fact sheet templates that highlight the fund's strong points.
"In today's market it's difficult to sell funds based on performance alone. Wholesalers who have iManager can create custom fact sheets and fund comparison sheets 'on-the-fly' that demonstrate all the strengths of a fund," said Mark Kowalczyk, managing director of sales and marketing. "The fund comparison sheets are particularly beneficial when wholesalers meet with representatives who sell competing funds. With iManager, wholesalers can show a customized report that not only highlights the benefits of their fund, but also provides a comparison to a competing fund or group of funds."
In addition to working with an Ibbotson consultant to design custom templates and peer groups, iManager users will have access to a dedicated support team. Trained Ibbotson staffers will be available to support the software and assist in making changes to reports.
About Ibbotson Associates
Ibbotson Associates, founded by Professor Roger Ibbotson in 1977, is a leading authority on asset allocation, providing products and services to help investment professionals obtain, manage and retain assets.
The company's business lines include investment consulting and research; planning and analysis software; wealth forecasting; educational services and a widely used line of NASD-reviewed presentation materials. With offices in Chicago, New York and Tokyo, Ibbotson provides integrated investment knowledge, leading-edge technology, multi-conceptual education and a variety of sales presentation solutions. Ibbotson markets its integrated product line of investment analytical tools and services to institutional money managers, plan sponsors and consultants for quantitative analysis, high level decision making and presentations. The company's clients also include financial planners, brokers, mutual fund firms, private bankers and small money managers.