Company Press Release

BOSTON, Nov 03, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Natixis Global Associates (NGA), named by Financial Research Corp. as the fastest-growing mutual fund complex in 2006 and 2007(1), today announced the addition of the Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund (VNVAX) to the Natixis Funds line-up. The Fund is a diversified portfolio of mid-cap value stocks managed with an absolute return orientation.

Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund is managed by Chris D. Wallis, Scott J. Weber and Dennis G. Alff. Mr. Wallis and Mr. Weber have also co-managed the Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund (NEFJX) since 2004. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management is a subsidiary of Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P. (NGAM LP). Natixis Global Associates is the distribution arm of NGAM.

"We are delighted to provide further access to Vaughan Nelson's capabilities in the retail broker-dealer channel," said David Giunta, president and chief executive officer of Natixis Global Associates U.S. "Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund can provide our investors with another solid offering in the mid-cap equity category."

Similar to the Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund, the new Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation with an emphasis on absolute return. Both funds pursue a bottom-up investment strategy focused on identifying undervalued stocks. The primary difference between the two funds is market capitalization. Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund seeks investments in the market-cap range of $1 billion to $20 billion, while the Small Cap Value Fund invests in companies ranging in size from $100 million to $5 billion.

"We are very pleased to partner with Natixis Global Associates on the launch of the Vaughan Nelson Value Opportunity Fund," said Lee Lahourcade, president and chief executive officer, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. "This is a great opportunity for us to create a mutual fund that taps the exceptional talents of our small- and mid-cap equity team while also allowing us to reach a broader pool of investors."

About Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P.

Vaughan Nelson Investment Management was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The firm has approximately $8.0 billion in assets under management (as of September 30, 2008). An affiliate of Natixis Global Asset Management, L.P., Vaughan Nelson manages equity, fixed-income and balanced portfolios for institutions and high-net-worth clients.

About Natixis Global Associates

Natixis Global Associates (NGA) is the distribution arm of Natixis Global Asset Management. NGA works on a consultative basis from its 12 worldwide offices, tailoring the expertise of its managers to meet the investment objectives of local clients. In the U.S., Natixis Global Associates includes Natixis Distributors, L.P. (member FINRA) and Natixis Asset Management Advisors, L.P. (a registered investment advisor). Both are located at 399 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116.
www.ga.natixis.com

About Natixis Global Asset Management

Natixis Global Asset Management is one of the 15 largest asset managers in the world(2) based on assets under management. Its affiliated asset management companies provide investment products that seek to enhance and protect the wealth and retirement assets of both institutional and individual investor clients. Its proprietary distribution network helps package and deliver its affiliates' products around the world. Natixis Global Asset Management brings together the expertise of multiple specialized investment managers based in Europe, the United States and Asia to offer a wide spectrum of equity, fixed income and alternative investment strategies.

Headquartered in Paris and Boston, Natixis Global Asset Management's assets under management totaled $781 billion (556 billion) as of September 30, 2008. Natixis Global Asset Management is part of Natixis, the investment and projects bank of the Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Epargne groups. Its affiliated investment management firms and distribution and service groups include: AEW Capital Management; AlphaSimplex Group; Capital Growth Management; Caspian Capital Management; Gateway Investment Advisers; Hansberger Global Investors; Harris Alternatives; Harris Associates; Loomis, Sayles & Co.; Natixis Global Associates; Reich & Tang Asset Management; Snyder Capital Management; Vaughan Nelson Investment Management; and Westpeak Global Advisors. In addition to the U.S. firms, Natixis Global Asset Management includes four principal affiliates based in Paris: Natixis Asset Management, Natixis Multimanager, AEW Europe and Natixis Epargne Financiere.


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