Federated Investors, Inc. and Horizon Advisers Announce Transition of Assets

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 21, 2016

In relation to the agreement, approximately $144 million will be transitioned from the Hancock Horizon Value Fund to the Federated MDT Stock Trust, approximately $131 million will be reorganized from the Hancock Horizon Growth Fund to the Federated Kaufmann Large Cap Fund, and approximately $156 million will be transitioned from the Hancock Horizon Core Bond Fund to the Federated Total Return Bond Fund.

"Federated has a longstanding history of providing investment solutions for a variety of market conditions, and our boards are confident that as shareholders of these three funds focus on their own financial goals and objectives, they will benefit from the opportunity to access the Federated funds," said David Lundgren, chief investment officer for Horizon Advisers.  "Horizon Advisers remains committed to our remaining 10 Hancock Horizon mutual fund strategies.  Our focus will continue to be on niche asset classes where we feel our Hancock Horizon Funds provide great value to our shareholders."

The boards of directors of Federated Investors, the Federated Funds and the Hancock Horizon Funds have approved the transactions and related reorganizations, which are now subject to the approval of shareholders of the Hancock Horizon Funds.  Completion of these transactions also is subject to certain regulatory and other customary conditions.  The Hancock Horizon shareholder meetings to approve the transitions are tentatively scheduled for late January 2017, and the transactions are expected to be completed shortly thereafter.

"As the investment management landscape evolves, firms continue to approach Federated about opportunities for business transactions that can provide them with the opportunity to better accommodate their strategic plans," said Joe Machi, director of alliances at Federated. "We are pleased Horizon Advisers chose to work with Federated, and we continue to look for opportunities with insurers, banks, broker-dealers and investment advisors as they evaluate their long-term goals."

Federated Investors, Inc. is one of the largest investment managers in the United States, managing $364.3 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2016.  With 123 funds and a variety of separately managed account options, Federated provides comprehensive investment management to approximately 8,500 institutions and intermediaries including corporations, government entities, insurance companies, foundations and endowments, banks and broker/dealers.  For more information, visit FederatedInvestors.com.

Horizon Advisers is an unincorporated division of Whitney Bank (established 1899) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hancock Holding Company.  Whitney Bank manages assets for institutional and high net worth clients including pension plans, endowments, foundations, government entities, corporations, trusts, and estates.  Whitney Bank uses these trade names: Hancock, Hancock Bank, and Whitney.   For more information, visit hancockhorizon.com.