Franklin Templeton, Bissett fund mergers

Three Franklin Bissett and Templeton mutual funds have completed their proposed mergers, announced in August by Toronto-based Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. Franklin Bissett Strategic Income Fund and Franklin Bissett Strategic Income Corporate Class both were terminated at the end of business on Aug. 12 and merged with Franklin Bissett Monthly Income and Growth Fund. Franklin Bissett Monthly Income and Growth Fund seeks a balance of income and capital appreciation for unitholders through investments in income-generating Canadian, U.S. and global equities, equity-related securities and fixed-income securities. As well, Templeton BRIC Corporate Class Fund was discontinued and merged with Templeton Emerging Markets Fund on Aug. 12. The continuing fund, Templeton Emerging Markets Fund, invests primarily in emerging markets, but also may invest in companies that trade in emerging markets or that earn at least 50% of their revenue from production or sales in emerging markets. Visit www.franklintempleton.ca for full details, including fees.

(fcollie@investmentexecutive.com).