Geoff Kirbyson

Crocus investors get money back

Advisors across Manitoba are preparing to call thousands of clients today, and it’s safe to say they’re expecting a more-than-hospitable reception. That’s because for the first time in nearly five years, they’re calling with good news about the Crocus Investment Fund. Less than six weeks after a Manitoba judge finally approved a $54.7-million distribution to […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | October 15, 2009

3 min read

Planning and Advice

Case study: Showing your appreciation to clients

Quick — what activity comes to mind when you think of client appreciation events? Golf is by far the winner — and why not? ‘Tis the season for hitting the links. But advisor Greg Thompson wanted a unique event for his clients, something that maximized fun and socializing with others — two characteristics he feels […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | June 10, 2009

4 min read

Living Benefits

Takeover preserved London Life brand

(October 2006) Nearly a decade after being acquired by Great-West Lifeco, London Life Insurance continues to grow while building both its assets and presence in the Canadian market. Ray McFeetors, CEO of Winnipeg-based Great-West Lifeco, says it was always his intention to maintain the London Life brand after its $2.94 billion acquisition in November 1997, […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | October 2, 2006

6 min read

Industry

Crocus shareholders hear details of Growthworks offer

There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for investors in the beleaguered Crocus Investment Fund. About 650 shareholders were presented with a proposal Wednesday night from David Levi, CEO of GrowthWorks Capital, at a special meeting in Winnipeg that would see them receive a cash payment of $1.55 per share and […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | March 9, 2006

3 min read

Industry

Winnipeg money manager back in the game

(August 22, 2005) Larry Sarbit, one of Canada’s best-known value investors, has struck out on his own with the creation of Sarbit Asset Management, which officially opened its doors for business today. Sarbit has been working on the launch since resigning from AIC in April. He says didn’t entertain offers from other firms. In fact, […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | August 22, 2005

3 min read

Industry

Jovian’s aggressive expansion strategy

(August 5, 2005) Jovian Capital has its sights set on the lucrative Ontario and British Columbia markets as it continues towards its goal of becoming a true national player. Philip Armstrong, CEO of the two-year-old holding company, which maintains head offices in both Winnipeg and Toronto, says considering the size of the markets, an expanded […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | August 5, 2005

3 min read

Industry

Crocus debacle could affect entire LSIF sector, experts warn

(June 9, 2005) While the recent scathing report from Manitoba Auditor General Jon Singleton focused exclusively on the Crocus Investment Fund, industry experts warn the fallout could spread to labour-sponsored funds throughout the country. The 245-page report — five months in the making — identified numerous causes for the $61.1 million decline in the value […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | June 9, 2005

3 min read

Industry

Lee-Chin will decide AIC’s future, says CIO

(April 19, 2005) The chief investment officer of AIC says the fate of the company rests in the hands of founder Michael Lee-Chin. Jonathan Wellum says the Burlington, Ont.-based firm has received no shortage of takeover offers and while he doesn’t believe Lee-Chin, its chairman, CEO and controlling shareholder, wants to sell, he isn’t ruling […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | April 19, 2005

3 min read

Industry

Sarbit’s departure seen as damaging to AIC

(March 31, 2005) AIC could be faced with a further run on redemptions once Larry Sarbit cleans out his desk on April 27. The executive vice-president and portfolio manager of the Burlington, Ont.-based company oversees more than $2 billion in the AIC American Focused Fund, including its offshoots, the AIC RSP American Focused Fund and […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | March 31, 2005

3 min read

Industry

Broker fights for right to incorporate

(August 31, 2004) Doctors do it. Lawyers and insurance agents do it. Even mutual fund advisors can do it, at least for the time being. Nick Grady can’t figure out for the life of him is why investment advisors can’t do it. “It” is incorporating one’s practice, a move that has significant income tax implications […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | August 31, 2004

4 min read

Industry

Firms catering to independent advisors’ needs amid competitive marketplace

(August 3, 2004) When Henry Ford first came out with his Model T car in 1909, he told customers they could have one in any colour they wanted — as long as it was black. Flash forward to modern times where a similar situation existed in Canada’s financial services industry, as advisors had very little […]

By Geoff Kirbyson | August 3, 2004

4 min read

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