Investec Asset Management is poised to sell its mutual funds via three of Merrill Lynch's fund distribution programmes in the US. Until now, the US-domiciled, and recently rebranded, Investec funds have been sold through the no initial channel through internet-based distribution.

Royce Brennan, now managing director of Investec Asset Management USA, says that part of the firm's short-term strategy in the US is to broaden the distribution channels and the Merrill Lynch system is the first step. 'This move is exciting, as the US is a huge market. There is room for a properly focused product range,' says Brennan.