Brandes Investment Partners & Co. says that it will be adding a new low load sales charge option in respect of the Class A units of the Brandes Funds, and that it is making a number of changes to Brandes Canadian Balanced Fund.

The changes to Brandes Canadian Balanced Fund including: changing the name of the fund; appointing Sionna Investment Managers Inc. as an additional investment advisor on the fund; changing the fund’s investment strategies; providing notice to investors of a reduction in the management fee and providing notice of a change in the distribution policy.

The changes to Brandes Canadian Balanced Fund stem from the earlier announcement of a new strategic alliance between Brandes and Sionna. Effective Dec. 5, 2006, the fund will be renamed the Brandes Sionna Canadian Balanced Fund and Sionna will be added as an investment advisor responsible for the Canadian equity portion of the Fund.

“We are thrilled to be making the inaugural announcement regarding the new strategic alliance. Sionna’s approach to Canadian equities is a perfect fit for a balanced strategy. Combined with the Brandes global equity and fixed income, this is an excellent core portfolio holding for clients,” said Oliver Murray, president and CEO of Brandes, in a news release.

Also effective on Dec. 5, 2006, will be a reduction of 10 basis points to the maximum annual management fee per class and a change to the investment strategies to reflect the additional investment advisor and a reduction in the typical amount of the fund’s foreign equities from 30% to 25%. As well, the distribution policy for this fund will change effective Dec. 28, 2006, to allow unitholders holding units in non-registered plans to opt for a cash distribution. In addition, the distribution frequency for net income will increase from annual to quarterly.

The new low load sales option on all Brandes Funds will provide investors an option for a reduced commitment schedule from seven years to three years and is to be effective Dec. 28, 2006.

“This sales option is becoming an industry standard,” said Murray. “Adding low load is about providing investors with choice and flexibility to structure their portfolios accordingly.”