AST Appointed Transfer Agent for Franklin Templeton Sponsored Closed-End Funds

NEW YORK--()--American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (AST) announced today that it has been appointed as transfer agent to seven closed-end funds advised by Franklin Templeton Investments.

Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management to retail, institutional and sovereign wealth clients in over 150 countries. Through specialized teams, the company has expertise across all asset classes -- including equity, fixed income, alternative and custom solutions. With offices in 35 countries, the California-based company has more than 65 years of investment experience.

“We appreciate the trust Franklin Templeton has placed in us,” said Mark C. Healy, President and Chief Executive Officer of AST. “We are committed to providing superior client service and building a mutually beneficial relationship that incorporates our integrated solutions.”

“The conversion to AST was well organized and effortless with everything communicated in a timely manner,” noted Heidi Croel, Senior Vice President at Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC. “AST’s comprehensive transfer agent services made the company an attractive choice. I have been extremely pleased with the process.”

About AST

AST and its affiliates are leading providers of registry services and technology to financial market participants around the globe. AST and its affiliate, CST Trust Company (CST), provide comprehensive stock transfer and employee plan services to more than 8,000 public issues and over 5.5 million shareholders. Together, AST and CST serve clients located throughout North America. The organization provides fully integrated services that include corporate proxy solicitation and advisory solutions, employee plan services, information agent, mutual fund proxy solicitation and advisory solutions, shareholder identification, asset recovery and investment management offerings.

About AST Fund Solutions

AST Fund Solutions, LLC is a full-service provider of mutual fund and closed-end fund proxy services in North America. The company offers a complete suite of services, including mutual fund and closed-end fund proxy management, tabulation and mailing, fund administration, market intelligence and reporting on shareholder activism as well as corporate governance consulting.

Contacts

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
Jennifer Efland, 888-267-8625
www.amstock.com
or
AST Fund Solutions, LLC
212-400-2610
www.astfundsolutions.com

Release Summary

AST Appointed Transfer Agent for Franklin Templeton Sponsored Closed-End Funds

Contacts

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
Jennifer Efland, 888-267-8625
www.amstock.com
or
AST Fund Solutions, LLC
212-400-2610
www.astfundsolutions.com