TORONTO, July 22 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. has announced a broad expansion of its MFS Investment Management unit's global investment and distribution platforms in response to significant growth of client interest in MFS' products and services. MFS has experienced strong net sales growth in 2009, reflecting the solid relative performance of its investment line-up along with its extensive global distribution capabilities.

As a result, MFS will be adding personnel in investment management throughout its global footprint. Areas the firm is targeting include new equity research analysts stationed in key and growing emerging markets, as well as specialists in quantitative analysis and tactical asset allocation.

Within distribution, MFS will be expanding in relationship management, dealer relations and sales to support the firm's expanding efforts in global retail and institutional distribution. "MFS is a major contributor to the SLF group of companies, and has a bright future," said Kevin Dougherty, President, Sun Life Global Investments. "MFS has built unique global research and distribution platforms that align the firm very strongly with clients. Its excellent historical investment performance is a result of its distinctive team-approach to managing money. We intend to build on these strengths, while allowing MFS to continue to prosper organically, through investment of up to US$50 million in the firm's infrastructure."

"We are exceptionally fortunate to have a parent company in Sun Life that has encouraged MFS to accelerate its growth through direct investment in our operations," added Robert Manning, CEO of MFS. "With their support, we have not only been able to expand our investment management capabilities, but also to continue to invest in our clients by expanding critical areas within distribution and client service."

Ninety-two per cent of all MFS' fund assets ranked in the top half of their respective Lipper categories based on three-year performance as of June 30, 2009. Performance in the U.S. equity and global/international equity categories also has been exceptional, with 93 per cent and 96 per cent of fund assets ranking in the top half of their respective three-year Lipper categories as of June 30, 2009. In addition, 94 per cent of the firm's institutional separate account composites beat their respective benchmarks over the same time frame.

Important Performance Ranking Information

The percentage of assets in the top half of the respective Lipper Category is based on performance of Class A shares at NAV and Class A Assets.