November 29, 2004

Assante Asset Management completes three portfolio mergers

TORONTO (November 29, 2004) - Assante Asset Management Ltd. ("Assante") today announced the successful mergers of three Assante Artisan™ portfolios. The mergers were approved at a special meeting of the portfolios' unitholders held in Toronto on November 25, 2004.

The three funds were combined with a larger fund with comparable investment objectives. Under the changes, Artisan Moderate Portfolio, Artisan Global Advantage Portfolio, and Artisan RSP Global Advantage Portfolio were merged into Artisan RSP Moderate Portfolio. In addition, the name of Artisan RSP Moderate Portfolio was changed to Artisan Moderate Portfolio, but it will continue to qualify as Canadian content for the purpose of registered accounts.

"These mergers serve as evidence of our continuing commitment to improve the effectiveness and cost efficiency of our Assante Artisan Portfolios offering to the benefit of the program's unitholders," said Joseph C. Canavan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Assante.

Assante Wealth Management creates wealth and prosperity for Canadian families by providing integrated wealth management solutions through a national network of about 850 professional advisors in 300 offices across Canada. Assante Wealth Management's solutions include investment advice, portfolio management, tax planning, insurance, and estate planning. Assante Wealth Management is a business brand name of Assante Corporation and its affiliates. Assante administers $20 billion on behalf of its clients and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CI Fund Management Inc.

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For further information, contact:
Garnet Anderson
Vice President, Investments
Assante Asset Management Ltd.
Tel.: (416) 681-1736