OBSR Awards A-Rating to Matthews Asia Dividend Fund

SAN FRANCISCO, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

OBSR has awarded an A-rating to the Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, part of the Luxembourg-domiciled Matthews Asia Funds, a UCITS umbrella fund of Matthews International Capital Management, LLC ("Matthews").

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The Matthews Asia Dividend Fund seeks total return with an emphasis on providing current income. For the long-term investor, dividends have been an essential driver of returns in Asia Pacific.

"Asian companies have a solid track record when it comes to dividend payments. But most investors, who look to growth strategies when allocating to Asia, tend to overlook the attractive potential of dividend-focused strategies in the region," said Jesper Madsen, CFA, the Fund's lead portfolio manager. "We are pleased that the OBSR rating acknowledges our accomplishments in this area. For long-term investors, we believe that companies in Asia continue to offer an attractive combination of current yield, dividend growth and diversification opportunities."

OBSR, a Morningstar company and independent investment funds research and consultancy firm, provides fund ratings as an independent mark of quality.

"We are very pleased to receive OBSR's A-rating," said Jonathan Schuman, Head of Global Business Development at Matthews. "This strong rating is recognition of Matthews' experience and track record with dividend investing, and our firm's notable expertise in Asia."

About Matthews

At Matthews, we believe in the long-term growth of Asia. Since 1991, we have focused our efforts and expertise within the region, investing through a variety of market environments. As an independent, privately owned firm, Matthews is the largest dedicated Asia-only investment specialist in the United States. With US$17.8 billion in assets under management as of 29 February, 2012 and 13 investment strategies, Matthews employs a bottom-up, fundamental investment philosophy, with a focus on long-term investment performance. For more information please visit matthewsasia.com.

Disclosure

Fund ratings represent an opinion only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell any Fund.

This release does not constitute or contain an offer, solicitation, recommendation or investment advice with respect to the purchase of the Funds described herein or any security and such document has not been approved in any jurisdiction. Prospective investors should carefully review the information contained in the prospectus and simplified prospectus and consult their professional legal, tax and financial advisers as to the suitability of any investment in light of their particular circumstances and applicable citizenship, residence or domicile, including any tax or foreign exchange control restrictions. No securities commission or regulatory authority has in any way passed upon the merits of an investment in the Funds or the accuracy or adequacy of this information or the material contained herein or otherwise. Neither the prospectus nor the simplified prospectus has been approved in any jurisdiction where the Funds have not been registered for public offer and sale, including by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. This information is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, a public offering or an offering memorandum as defined under applicable securities legislation. Application for shares may only be made by way of the Funds' most recent prospectus which is available from Matthews International Capital Management, LLC. The Funds' shares may not be sold to citizens or residents of the United States or in any other state, country or jurisdiction where it would be unlawful to offer, solicit an offer for, or sell the shares.                                                        

Media Contact
Victoria Odinotska
Kanter & Company, LLC
Tel. +1-703-534-3735

Distribution Contact
Jonathan Schuman
Head of Global Business Development
jschuman@matthewsasia.com
Tel. +1-415-984-5366