HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtus ETF Solutions, an affiliate of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRTS), today announced the launch of the Virtus WMC Global Factor Opportunities ETF (NYSE Arca: VGFO), subadvised by Wellington Management Company LLP.

"This new relationship allows Virtus to leverage Wellington Management's proprietary, independent research and vast expertise in global equities, as well as its advanced risk management platform, to structure a portfolio that adapts to an evolving economic climate," said William J. Smalley, executive managing director and head of product strategy and management, Virtus ETF Solutions. "We are committed to growing our ETF platform and VGFO is an innovative ETF solution managed by a subadviser with a long history and deep investment management expertise."

"The dynamic, multi-factor approach combines the benefits of smart beta and active risk management, representing the next generation of factor investing," Smalley said. "VGFO allows investors who use smart beta in their portfolios to outsource the factor allocation decision-making to Wellington Management, a highly respected firm whose capabilities span nearly all segments of the global capital markets."

VGFO employs a multi-factor approach based on quantitative and qualitative research and analysis. It seeks to identify investment opportunities by region and, within each region, allocate the fund's assets to equity securities it believes share complementary factors.

The fund, which seeks to outperform the MSCI All Country World Index, invests primarily in equity securities of U.S. and foreign issuers, including emerging markets issuers, of any market capitalization. Gregg R. Thomas, CFA, senior managing director, and Thomas S. Simon, CFA, FRM, managing director, both of Wellington Management, are portfolio managers of VGFO.

"We're seeking to provide investors with exposure to attractive investment opportunities by leveraging our in-depth, proprietary research and risk management techniques to tilt the portfolio's factor profile to take advantage of changing valuations and market risks," said Simon. "We are excited to have the opportunity to offer this strategy to investors in an ETF structure through this new relationship with Virtus."

About Wellington Management Company

Boston-based Wellington Management Company LLP traces its roots to 1928 and today is one of the world's largest independent investment management firms, overseeing over US$1 trillion on behalf of clients in more than 65 countries. As a private firm whose sole business is investment management, it seeks a long-term view and alignment of its interests with those of its clients. The firm's investment solutions are built on the strength of proprietary, independent research and span nearly all segments of the global capital markets, including equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative strategies.

About Virtus ETF Solutions

Virtus ETF Solutions, (VES) is a New York-based, multi-manager ETF sponsor and affiliate of Virtus Investment Partners (NASDAQ: VRTS). With actively managed and index-based investment capabilities across multiple asset classes, VES seeks to deliver a family of complementary exchange-traded-funds subadvised by select investment managers.

About Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

Virtus Investment Partners (NASDAQ: VRTS) is a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors. The company provides investment management products and services through its affiliated managers and select subadvisers, each with a distinct investment style, autonomous investment process, and individual brand. Virtus Investment Partners offers access to a variety of investment styles across multiple disciplines to meet a wide array of investor needs. Its affiliated managers include Ceredex Value Advisors, Duff & Phelps Investment Management, Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, Newfleet Asset Management, Rampart Investment Management, Seix Investment Advisors, and Silvant Capital Management. Additional information can be found at virtus.com

The fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund ("ETF") and does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. The fund may have a higher portfolio turnover than funds that seek to replicate the performance of an index. The "net asset value" (NAV) of the fund is determined at the close of each business day, and represents the dollar value of one share of the fund; it is calculated by taking the total assets of the fund, subtracting total liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. The NAV of the fund is not necessarily the same as its intraday trading value. Fund investors should not expect to buy or sell shares at NAV because shares of ETFs such as the fund are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Thus, shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

Fund Risks: The Virtus WMC Global Factor Opportunities ETF is subject to the risks of exchange traded funds and equity securities investing, including foreign and emerging markets, geographic concentration, equity REITs, and risks associated with investments in derivatives such as futures, options, forwards, and swaps.

Please consider the fund's objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Contact Virtus 1.800.243.4361 or visit www.virtus.com for a copy of the fund's prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Distributed by ETF Distributors LLC, member FINRA and subsidiary of Virtus investment Partners

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SOURCE Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.