AGF announced Wednesday that it has hired AIM Trimark’s Keith Graham to build a Canadian platform at AGF Funds Inc.

Respecting a four-month non-competition agreement, Graham will begin his duties at AGF on September 3.

Graham currently co-manages Trimark Canadian Small Companies Fund, Trimark U.S. Small Companies Class and is part of the four-person team that manages Trimark Income Growth Fund.

AGF says the Canadian value platform will complement its strong growth and growth-at-the-right-price disciplines, while offering advisors and investors broader diversification within the AGF family of funds.

“In Keith Graham, we have hired one of the country’s most respected and talented Canadian value managers to ensure that AGF is a leader across all investment styles,” said Blake Goldring, president and chief executive officer, AGF.

As lead manager of Trimark Income Growth Fund, Graham oversaw four years of strong positive returns during a period of weak and volatile capital markets. He returned 11.2% in 1999, 16.7% in 2000, 13.8% in 2001 and 2.2% in 2002. In 2001 and 2002, the five-star rated fund earned the Canadian Balanced Fund of the Year award at the Canadian Investment Awards.

Although Graham remains with AIM Trimark until August 29, he will no longer manage funds there. Rob Mikalachki, co-manager of Trimark Canadian Small Companies Fund and Trimark U.S. Small Companies Class, will continue as portfolio manager. Geoff MacDonald, portfolio manager of Trimark Canadian Endeavour Fund and Trimark Global Endeavour Fund / Class joins Rex Chong, Vince Hunt and Anthony Imbesi on management of the Trimark Income Growth Fund.

http://www.newswire.ca/releases/April2003/16/c1667.html