Fund Industry Intelligence: SunStar Recognized for Client Partnership

Villere's George Young

Fund Industry Intelligence recently profiled the launch of Villere & Co.’s new fund, the Villere Equity Fund (VLEQX), which was introduced on June 3, 2013.

In the article, Villere discussed their partnership with SunStar Strategic to promote the new fund. “Villere is also working with marketing and public relations firm SunStar Strategic, to arrange press interviews, including television spots on CNBC and Bloomberg,” the article read.  SunStar has also managed an advisor e-mail campaign to promote the fund directly to Villere’s prospects and current clients. 

SunStar worked with Villere for almost three years. The marketing strategy focusing on increased national visibility has increased assets in the flagship Villere Balanced Fund from $60 million to almost $600 million during that time.

The fund’s strategy is similar to the Villere Balanced Fund (VILLX) in terms of its small and mid-cap strategy, but the fund can invest in equities of all cap sizes. It consists of 20-30 stocks and has gathered $4.32 million in assets since launching.

George Young, co-portfolio manager of VLEQX and VILLX, expects the fund to gather $40 million in assets over the next two months, pending agreements with large platforms.

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