On March 27th, UBS AG announced that it launched the KLD Dividend Achievers Social Investing Series 2007A, a unique unit investment trust [“UIT”] designed to meet the needs of UBS Wealth Management US clients who are seeking socially responsible investments with a track record of increasing dividends.

KLD, UBS and Mergent partnered to create the UIT, which is part of the UBS Equity Opportunity Trust and has a lifespan of approximately 15 months. UBS is the leading global wealth manager, a top tier investment banking and securities firm, and one of the largest global asset managers. Mergent, Inc. is a leading provider of business and financial data on global publicly listed companies.

“Each stock chosen for the portfolio has at least 10 consecutive years of dividend growth and has been screened for its social, environmental and governance record,” said Richard A. Stewart, CFA, Director and UIT Product Manager, UBS Wealth Management US. “By selecting only stocks common to both Mergent’s Dividend Achievers Index and KLD’s Domini 400 Social Index, the portfolio invests in companies that are deemed to be socially responsible as well as focused on providing shareholder value.”

“The shared vision that Mergent and KLD Research & Analytics have in the creation of this Index Series exemplifies Mergent’s mission to work in true partnership with others to satisfy the needs of today’s investors”, said Jonathan Worrall, CEO of Mergent Inc. “The launch of this fund by UBS AG once again displays their commitment to bring the right products to their clients and further highlights their position as the leading provider of Wealth Management Services.”

“We are delighted UBS has selected KLD and Mergent as its partners on this compelling investment option for social investors,” said Peter D. Kinder, president of KLD.  “The Equity Opportunity Trust fills a critical diversification gap for socially responsible investors.  It promises to find a broad audience among retail and institutional investors.”

This marks the first licensing agreement following KLD’s partnership with Mergent, Inc.  KLD and Mergent teamed to launch the KLD Dividend Achievers Social Index (DASI), the first SRI dividend income index, on November 1, 2006. 

For more information, please contact Chris McKnett.