Lincoln, Ibbotson Partner on New Fund Lineup

September 13, 2007 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Lincoln Employer Markets, a division of Lincoln Financial Group, is partnering with Ibbotson Associates to offer the Lincoln Ibbotson Insight Series of funds to its defined contribution clients.

A Lincoln news release said the new offering is tailored to fit clients’ needs. It is selected by Ibbotson Associates from the investment options that Lincoln makes available within certain defined contribution products. Ibbotson, a Registered Investment Advisor, will act as a fiduciary in selecting and monitoring the investment lineup, the announcement said.

“We recognize that plan sponsors are increasingly in need of fiduciary guidance,” said Westley Thompson, president of Lincoln Employer Markets, in the announcement. “Many small employers do not have the level of expertise needed to choose, monitor, evaluate and substitute the investments in their retirement plan.”

According to the announcement, the new lineup is available on Lincoln Director and Lincoln American Legacy Retirement Group Variable Annuities.

The service will be integrated into Lincoln’s retirement products and is included in pricing of the product. The Lincoln Ibbotson Insight Series is available to Lincoln clients unless they elect to engage in their own fiduciary process, according to the company.

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