Guardian Group of Funds Ltd. announced today that subject to regulatory approval, it will add three new funds and two new investment management firms.

“In times of market uncertainty, investors need to have a wide range of options to diversify their portfolios,” said Harold Hillier, President and CEO, GGOF. “The addition of three new funds and two managers with strong track records increases GGOF’s ability to meet the investment needs of Canadians.”

GGOF has filed a preliminary simplified prospectus for regulatory clearance with provincial securities commissions to launch three new mutual funds, GGOF Guardian Global Equity Fund, GGOF Guardian International Equity Fund and GGOF Guardian Dividend Growth Fund. These funds will not be available for sale until a final receipt is issued, which is expected later this year.

Putnam Advisory Company, LLC of Boston will manage GGOF Guardian Global Equity Fund and GGOF Guardian International Equity Fund. The funds employ a blend investment style, without a growth or value bias, and are modeled on funds offered in the United States. GGOF Guardian Global Equity Fund will invest worldwide, while GGOF Guardian International Equity Fund will invest everywhere but North America.

GGOF Guardian Dividend Growth Fund will be lead by Michael Stanley of Jones Heward Investment Counsel Inc. The fund’s objective is to provide a high after-tax return, which includes dividend income and capital gains from growth in the Fund’s portfolio. Mr. Stanley also manages BMO Dividend Fund, named Best Canadian Dividend Fund at the Canadian Mutual Funds Award Gala for the last two years.