Royce & Associates is reopening the Royce Premier and Special Equity Funds to new investors as of Monday, 4 January.
Chuck Royce and Charlie Dreifus, the funds' respective portfolio managers, say they are comfortable accepting additional asset flows at each fund's current asset base.
Royce and Dreifus, both large shareholders in these portfolios, believe reopening at this time is in the best interests of each portfolio's shareholders. Dreifus says: "I would like the fund to be available to those investors who want to participate in its opportunistic purchases considering both current valuations for equities and the uncertain global economy. As always, I will carefully watch asset flows in relation to purchase opportunities and will not hesitate to close the fund if flows are strong but opportunities are scarce."
Royce adds: "The market seems to have overlooked many of the sort of high-quality small-cap companies that Royce Premier Fund targets. I believe a situation is developing wherein these types of premier companies can significantly rebound."
Royce Premier Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. It is one of Royce's core funds and invests primarily in what Royce believes are "premier" small-cap companies (generally those with market caps from USD1 billion-USD3 billion at the time of investment) with discernible competitive advantages, high returns on invested capital, and a sustainable, moat-like franchise. Royce manages the Fund, assisted by Lauren Romeo and Steven McBoyle.
Royce Special Equity Fund also seeks long-term capital appreciation. It is a small-cap value fund (generally those with market caps up to USD3 billion) that looks for conservatively managed companies with transparent accounting that have a viable niche or franchise whose stock can be bought below its economic value. Dreifus manages the Fund, assisted by Steven McBoyle.
