Sun Life Financial Inc. Wednesday unveiled plans for 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,” Sun Life said in a release.

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.

IE