MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 28, 2012) - (TSX:NA) - National Bank Securities Inc. (NBSI) and Westwood International Advisors Inc. (Westwood) have announced the appointment (effective as of today) of Westwood as portfolio manager to the Omega Emerging Markets Fund, whose name has been changed to the Westwood Emerging Markets Fund.

"This cooperation proves once again that quality product offering is a priority at National Bank Securities, and is yet another initiative designed to assist our customers in achieving their financial goals. The expertise of Patricia Perez-Coutts and the team of talented professionals at Westwood is highly regarded and will benefit investors" says Michel Falk, President and Chief Executive Officer of NBSI.

"The growth opportunities of the developing world are very attractive and the team's investment management capabilities in this asset class are among the best in the industry" added Brian O. Casey, Chief Executive Officer of Westwood.

The combination of Westwood's investment management capabilities with NBSI's mutual fund manufacturing and distribution strengths will allow investors to benefit from superior investment solutions.

NBSI has also announced the upcoming launch of two new mutual funds in Canada (the Westwood Global Equity Fund and the Westwood Global Dividend Fund).

A preliminary simplified prospectus relating to the Westwood Global Equity Fund and the Westwood Global Dividend Fund (the "Funds") has been filed with the Canadian securities authorities. Units of the Funds cannot be acquired until the relevant securities authorities issue receipts for the Funds simplified prospectus. There may be commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses associated with the Funds and the Westwood Emerging Markets Fund. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual fund securities are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

About Westwood

Westwood is a subsidiary of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., which provides investment management services to institutional investors, private wealth clients and financial intermediaries. Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. manages a variety of investment strategies including U.S., Global and Emerging Markets equities as well as income-oriented portfolios. Westwood has significant, broad-based employee ownership and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WHG." Based in Dallas, Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. also maintains offices in Omaha and Toronto.

About National Bank Securities

National Bank Securities Mutual Funds (the "Funds") are offered by National Bank Securities Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of National Bank of Canada. Brokerage fees, commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment in the Funds. Please read the prospectus of the Funds before investing. The Funds' securities are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. The Funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

About National Bank of Canada

With $176 billion in assets as at April 30, 2012, National Bank of Canada ([ www.nbc.ca ]), together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups, and was named among the five strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:NA). Follow the Bank's activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at [ clearfacts.ca ] and [ commitment.nationalbank.ca ].

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Contributing Sources

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