Christian Chardin

DWS-F follows a growth-oriented investment style and invests primarily in equity securities across sectors throughout Continental Europe and without market-cap restriction. The firm is a global fund manager offering clients country specific products and services. 'Think global, act local' is the slogan on which the firm bases their investment philosophy. DWS relies on a global network of analysts, headquartered in Frankfurt but present on each significant market, to support investment decisions. This global network maintains a proprietary intranet-based research tool and communication platform, G-Cube, which provides real-time access to information gathered locally by DeAM's analysts. This fully integrated investment process focuses on providing pan-European products adapted to individual markets. Available in all European countries where the firm is present, these products are marketed under the same brand. The firm is a bottom-up investor that utilizes a discounted cash flow model when selecting potential investments. DWS prefers dividend-paying companies with a low gearing ratio and management with a proven track record. Value investments must have a PEG ratio of less than two. Portfolio managers are decision makers and are responsible for stock-picking for the particular funds they manage. The fund management team works as a European network and has a long-term investment horizon