Thompson Investment Management [profile] is gearing up to re-brand its fund family. On September 6, the Thompson Plumb Funds will be rechristened the Thompson IM Funds.

The news was announced via press release, but readers of the MFWire Stork and Reaper, a daily rundown of important fund filings, got the scoop first.

Thompson spokeswoman Nedra Pierce explained to MFWire that the re-brand is meant to align the funds with the asset management firm's brand. In 2004, Thompson Plumb reorganized as Thompson Investment Management, but the mutual fund family has retained the Thompson Plumb name for the past eight years. After a long process involving trademark and marketing considerations, the firm decided on Thompson IM for its funds family's name.

As noted in the Stork and Reaper, Thompson will change the names of three funds as part of this re-brand. The $943 million Thompson Plumb Bond Fund will be re-named the Thompson Bond Fund, the $108 million Thompson Plumb Growth Fund will be re-named the Thompson LargeCap Fund, and the $22 million Thompson Plumb MidCap Fund will become the Thompson MidCap Fund.

The press release follows.

Thompson Plumb Funds, Inc. Re-Branding Fund Family Name

MADISON, Wis., July 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thompson Plumb Funds, Inc. is re-branding its name to Thompson IM Funds, Inc. effective September 6, 2012. In conjunction with this re-branding, the name of each of the Thompson Plumb Funds will be changing on that same date as follows: Thompson LargeCap Fund (THPGX), Thompson MidCap Fund (THPMX) and Thompson Bond Fund (THOPX).

"We are re-branding the names of the Fund Company and of each series of Funds to more closely align them with that of Thompson Investment Management, Inc., the Funds' investment advisor," stated Jason Stephens, Portfolio Manager and Vice President of the Funds. "This slight adjustment more accurately reflects the close relationship between these entities, and is intended to dispel any minor confusion that may exist among our constituents."

The change to the Thompson LargeCap Fund name is intended to more accurately reflect that Fund's investment objective. Although each Fund will be known by a new name, these name changes will not affect any Fund's investment objective or process, nor will they affect any Fund's ticker symbol or CUSIP number.

There has been no change to the management team or operational structure of the Fund Company or the Investment Advisor. John W. Thompson, Jason L. Stephens and James T. Evans will continue to be the Portfolio Managers for all three Funds.

"We have explored making a change for several years, but had difficulty identifying something that accomplished what we wanted and at the same time was likely to survive the trademark process," said John W. Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Funds. "We are pleased with the final solution, and hope that our shareholders will be as well."

About Thompson Investment Management, Inc.: Thompson Investment Management, Inc. is an investment advisory firm based in Madison, Wisconsin which specializes in investment portfolio management for institutions and high net worth individuals. Thompson Investment Management, Inc. also serves as investment advisor to three no-load funds -- the Thompson LargeCap Fund, Thompson MidCap Fund and Thompson Bond Fund.

The Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company, and may be obtained by calling 1-800-999-0887 or by visiting www.thompsonim.com. Read carefully before investing.

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

While the fund is no-load, management and other expenses still apply.

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

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