Putnam Investments and Sceptre Investment Counsel are launching eight new mutual funds. These are the first Putnam-branded products available to Canadian retail investors.

The eight funds cover a range of asset classes and management styles. Four of the funds will invest in U.S. and international securities and will be managed by Putnam. The funds are based on well-established U.S. funds. The four remaining funds will invest in Canadian securities and will be managed by Sceptre’s investment professionals. The two companies will collaborate on the sales, service and administration of the funds.

“We see strong potential in the Canadian market and are committed to becoming a top-tier provider in Canada,” said John Boneparth, head of International Business for Putnam. “This alliance with Sceptre allows us to combine expertise with one of Canada’s leading money managers. We believe the combination of our strengths results in an exciting new alternative for Canadian financial advisors and investors.”

“We are excited to build on our strategic relationship with Putnam Investments,” stated Rocco Taglioni, managing director, Sceptre. “Putnam is one of the largest and most respected fund companies in the U.S. and we believe the depth and quality of their products and their commitment to value-added service will be well received by Canadian advisors and investors.”

The retail joint venture follows the launch in September 2000 of co-branded products for Canadian institutional investors.