Erik Christoffer Kleinbeck

SPARX Investment & Research, USA, Inc. was established in 1994 as an SEC-registered investment advisor. It is providing client service for the SPARX funds to institutional investors in the US. SPARX's core competence is based on a direct-research approach. Their team of analysts visits companies annually to conduct interviews with top management. Each piece of information obtained through the onsite research process is analyzed and the resulting stock selection of individual companies is reflected in their investment strategies. They believe that this disciplined approach minimizes downside risks and maximizes the potential returns to generate consistently exceptional long-term investment results.

Founded in 1999, Credit Suisse Asset Management LLC (CSAM) is a registered investment advisor headquartered in New York City. The firm is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Credit Suisse Group AG (NYSE: CS), a publicly owned foreign bank holding company based in Switzerland.

Third Avenue Management LLC (TAM) is a registered investment advisor and mutual fund manager headquartered New York City. The firm was founded by Martin J. Whitman in 1986 as EQSF Advisers, Inc. They are a subsidiary of Third Avenue Holdings Delaware LLC, ultimately held by Affiliated Manager's Group, Inc. (NYSE: AMG). TAM provides investment advice to registered investment companies, private funds, offshore funds, individuals, corporations, pension plans, trusts, estates, educational institutions, endowments and foundations.