The directors of GBC Asset Management Inc. have appointed William Blair & Co. L.L.C. as investment advisor for The GBC International Growth Fund. The firm replaces Colonial-Stewart Ivory International.

William Blair will assume its responsibilities as investment advisor the fund starting as of August 15.

Chicago-based — with offices in Hartford, London, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Vaduz, and Zurich — William Blair is 100% owned by 185 principals, all of who are active in the company’s investment management business.

Currently, the firm is entrusted with more than US$12 billion in client assets, of which US$400 million is dedicated to Europe Australia and Far East “EAFE” equities.

With turnover in the investment industry at an all-time high, the company says there have been no manager departures from William Blair, except for retirement, since 1987. The EAFE team that will be looking after the GBC International Growth Fund has five members and is headed by George Greig, a partner with 29 years in the investment business.