"Russell's multi-manager approach already has proven successful with Dutch institutional investors," said Len Brennan, managing director, U.S. Individual Investor Services and International Operations. "Through Robeco, a widely recognized and well-respected investment management brand in the Netherlands, individual investors there will have similar access to our multi-manager investment approach."

This announcement continues a string of agreements worldwide involving Russell's growing global network of alliances with major world-class institutions. The company earlier announced the launch of similar multi-manager products with Scottish Widows, one of the top providers in the United Kingdom's life, pensions and investment market; DnB Investor, the mutual fund arm of Den Norske Bank in Norway; Bank Hapoalim, Israel's leading bank; BMW Bank, the successful financial services arm of BMW Group, the car manufacturing company; Scotia McLeod, one of Canada's leading full-service investment dealers; and The Principal Financial Group®, one of the 401(k) leaders in the U.S. with 45,000 defined contribution plans.

Russell also offers similar products with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Japan's premier bank; Development Bank of Southeast Asia; A.G. Edwards, the sixth largest U.S. brokerage company; Sociêtê Gênêrale, one of the largest French banks; The Liberty Group, a South African insurance and asset management firm; ANZ, one of Australia's largest banks; ARCA SGR Spa, a leading bank in Italy; and RBC Dominion Securities, Canada's largest investment dealer. In addition, Russell works with its parent company, Northwestern Mutual, to offer its funds through mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life insurance products.

Brennan added that Russell's multi-manager investment approach aims to deliver value to clients by bringing together a team of high-caliber investment managers and to manage risk by offering a fully diversified portfolio invested globally across all major asset classes, regions and styles.

Each year, Russell continually monitors and intensely researches 3,500 outside investment manager teams globally. Of these, about 120 managers are selected for specific assignments within Russell's multiple-manager funds. Through its investment management subsidiaries, Russell blends these fund assignments to create diversified portfolios of managers, investment styles and assets designed to manage risk.

Frank Russell Company, a global leader in multi-manager investment services, provides investment products and services in more than 35 countries. Russell manages more than $76 billion in assets and advises clients worldwide representing more than US$1.6 trillion. Founded in 1936, Russell is a subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual and is headquartered in Tacoma, Wash., with additional offices in New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Auckland and Tokyo.