Investors Group announced Friday the upcoming launch of new equity income mandates with the introduction of three new dividend funds.

Investors Canadian Dividend Growth Fund, Investors U.S. Dividend Growth Fund, and European Dividend Growth Fund, will invest primarily in companies that are expected to produce greater than average dividend income growth in their respective regions.

“It is our belief that the markets will favour those companies that will provide consistent growth in dividend return to investors, which will in turn support longer-term capital appreciation.” said Dom Grestoni, head of North American equities for I.G. Investment Management

“Increases in life expectancy and anticipated length of retirement mean Canadians currently approaching retirement tend to be looking for investments that provide income and growth opportunities.” said John Wiltshire, senior vp of product and financial planning.

Wiltshire added the funds are equity products, and will give clients the opportunity to diversify their source of yield, an important feature in today’s low-rate environment.

With these three new Dividend Growth funds, Investors Group increases the choice it offers investors for dividend funds which also includes Canada’s largest fund, Investors Dividend Fund, and the recently launched Investors Global Dividend Fund.

Pending regulatory approval, formal launch of the funds is anticipated early in 2007. The funds will be managed by I.G. Investment Management, Ltd.