–international investment management firm reinforces longstanding commitment to responsible investment practices–
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (NYSE: LM), announced today that it has become a signatory of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
“Signing on to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is the latest initiative in Brandywine Global’s ongoing integration of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues into our investment approach,” says David Hoffman, CFA, managing director and portfolio manager for the firm’s Global Fixed Income team.
“As we strive to provide investment strategies that deliver strong risk-adjusted returns, we recognise the meaningful impact that ESG issues can have on long-term performance,” he adds.
“We are delighted to welcome Legg Mason affiliate, Brandywine Global, to the PRI and applaud their commitment to creating value by incorporating long-term investment strategies,” says PRI Managing Director Fiona Reynolds. “More investors are seeing the benefits of embracing responsible investment as a way to manage risk, identify new opportunities and in so doing, create positive returns for their clients and contribute to the future sustainability of financial markets.”
Andy Sowerby, Country Head and Managing Director Legg Mason Australia says; “Brandywine Global has established a strong track record of managing investments for clients across Australia and New Zealand. For example, the Legg Mason Brandywine Global Opportunistic Fixed Income Trust is a leader in its category and has over A$500m in assets under management locally.
“We are delighted to see the firm join the list of other Legg Mason affiliate fund managers who are PRI signatories, including Western Asset, Clearbridge, Martin Currie, RARE Infrastructure and Clarion.”
Joining the UN-supported PRI serves as another significant step in the firm’s growth story, although Brandywine Global’s involvement in ESG investing long predates its relationship with the organisation.
“We’re honoured to be part of a larger community dedicated to sharing information and furthering responsible investment practices for the betterment of our industry, especially on behalf of our clients,” says Hoffman.
“As environmental, social, and corporate governance considerations are critical elements in investment management, we’re proud to let our clients know that these issues are important components of our integrated analysis.”
The UN-supported PRI is recognised as the leading global network for investors committed to incorporating ESG considerations into their investment philosophies. The UN-supported PRI’s network of international investors work together to implement a set of voluntary principles that provide a framework for integrating ESG factors into investment analysis and ownership practices aligned with investors’ fiduciary duties.
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About Brandywine Global
Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC (“Brandywine Global”) offers a broad array of fixed income, equity, alternatives, and asset allocation strategies that seek value across global markets. Founded in 1986 the firm has been a wholly owned, independently operated affiliate of Legg Mason, Inc. since 1998. The firm manages $70 billion as of September 30, 2016 for a primarily institutional client base, with headquarters in Philadelphia and office locations in San Francisco, Montreal1, Toronto1, Singapore2 and London3.
About Legg Mason
Legg Mason, Inc. is a global asset management firm with assets under management of $733 billion as of September 30, 2016. The Company provides active asset management in many major investment centers throughout the world. Legg Mason is headquartered in Baltimore, MD and its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: LM).
About the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Initiative is an international network of investors working together to put the six principles for responsible investment into practice. Its goal is to understand the implications of Environmental, Social and Governance issues (ESG) for investors and support signatories to incorporate these issues into their investment decision making and ownership practices. In implementing the principles, signatories contribute to the development of a more sustainable global financial system. Visit www.unpri.org.
© 2016 Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC
All investments involve risk. Securities are subject to price fluctuation and possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
1 Brandywine Global Invest Management (Canada), ULC
2 Brandywine Global Investment Management (Asia) Pte. Ltd
3 Brandywine Global Investment Management (Europe)
