Morgan Stanley [profile] launched the Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund Global Quality Portfolio, which aims to generate attractive long-term returns by letting PMs invest mainly in companies that have demonstrated they can weather tough times and keep an edge on the competition.

Christian Derold, managing director and PM for Global Quality, said of the fund, "Our primary goal is compound our investors' assets over time. By investing in high quality companies with an inherent economic robustness, we aim to deliver returns to investors at a time when they need them most, during difficult and challenging market environments."

The fund is also looking for companies that have an ability to compound their intrinsic value, robust intangible assets that include strong brands and distribution networks, an experienced management team and a high return on operating capital.

You can read the company press release below.

NEW YORK, September 9, 2013 � Morgan Stanley Investment Management has announced the launch of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc. - Global Quality Portfolio (Global Quality). Global Quality seeks to generate attractive long-term returns by investing primarily in companies the portfolio management team characterizes as high quality due to an ability to compound their intrinsic value, a strong and sustainable competitive advantage, robust intangible assets including strong brands and distribution networks, high return on operating capital and an experienced management team.

Commenting on the launch, Christian Derold, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Global Quality, said, �Our primary goal is to compound our investors� assets over time. By investing in high quality companies with an inherent economic robustness, we aim to deliver returns to investors at a time when they need them most, during difficult and challenging market environments. Investing over the long term allows us to realize value through the steady growth which characterizes our quality companies.�

To build the portfolio and identify quality, the portfolio managers screen companies on certain criteria, including a resilient top line, attractive margins and sustainable cross-cycle returns on capital. The team regularly meets with company management to develop an understanding of the corporate culture and long-term business strategy. This process helps to assess a company�s sustainability and resilience of returns. The final step focuses on valuation, which needs to be attractive in order to justify an investment.

Arthur Lev, Head of the Long-Only Business for Morgan Stanley Investment Management, said, �Morgan Stanley Investment Management�s equity franchise, which includes the long-standing Global Franchise and International Equity strategies, leverages its significant experience and expertise to bring clients a diversified set of investment products led by world-class portfolio managers. Our determination to help clients achieve their investment goals is at the core of what we do.�

Morgan Stanley Investment Management, together with its investment advisory affiliates, has over 550 investment professionals around the world and $347 billion in assets under management or supervision as of June 30, 2013. Morgan Stanley Investment Management strives to provide outstanding long-term investment performance, service and a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base, which includes governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 43 countries. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.

Edited by: Casey Quinlan

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