Briefly:

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Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. (NEILP) has announced that it will integrate the operational platforms of Northwest Funds and The Ethical Funds Company, effective April 13, 2009.

The move will allow investors to switch freely between any of the Northwest Funds, Ethical Funds or Credential Funds managed by NEILP, assuming the desired fund is available for sale in the client’s jurisdiction.

At the same time, the company will adopt a common fee schedule. Lump sum or PAC purchases made on or after April 13, 2009 will be subject to this new fee schedule.

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BMO expands U.S. public finance office

BMO Capital Markets has announced the hiring of four new public infrastructure bankers in its Chicago office.

Jeff Holt and Neil Pritz have joined the firm’s fixed income group, covering the public sector and infrastructure, as managing directors. Eric Zampol and Christopher Cochran have joined the group as vice-presidents.

“Public infrastructure will be one of the major accelerants to the North American economy,” said James Kubik, managing director, U.S. public finance, BMO Capital Markets. “We can help state and municipal governments manage new debt offerings, refinancing and restructurings to get their much needed infrastructure projects done now and get people back to work.”

Holt has almost 30 years of experience in investment banking, working at firms such as Goldman Sachs, PaineWebber, First Boston and Morgan Stanley. Most of that experience is in financing large maritime ports, transportation infrastructure clients and Class 1 railroads.

Pritz was previously a managing director with Banc of America Securities, and he has more than 20 years originating and managing new issue debt offerings, refinancings and restructurings for tax-exempt borrowers.

Zampol has over six years of experience in mergers and acquisitions and infrastructure finance working in Goldman Sachs. He focuses on large transportation and infrastructure clients.

Cochran was until recently a vice-president with RBC Capital Markets in the Chicago public finance office offering bond, derivative and credit facility financings.

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Global Prosperata hires CIBC Mellon

Global Prosperata Funds has named CIBC Mellon to provide asset servicing support, including fund valuation and unitholder recordkeeping, for its recently launched Global Iman Fund.

“The Global Iman Fund allows Canadian investors to build wealth through a selection of socially responsible investments, which we believe have been impacted to a much lesser degree than traditional financial investments in part due to the focus on non-interest based investments,” said Glenn Moore, vice-president, Global Prosperata Funds.

“CIBC Mellon’s robust and integrated operations, focus on risk management and thorough knowledge of the Canadian fund market provide us with the expertise and services we need to ensure our Global Iman Fund continues to run successfully.”

(04/07/09)