First Mercantile Adds Brian Armstrong to National Sales Team

MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian Armstrong has joined First Mercantile's national sales team effective February 8, 2010, as regional sales director for its newly-defined Florida region.

"Brian brings to us the best of both worlds," says Stan Label, vice president of sales and distribution for First Mercantile, to whom Armstrong reports. "His previous roles as investment professional and retirement plan wholesaler will serve his constituents well."

Mr. Armstrong is responsible for developing new business through bank brokers, consultants, employee benefit brokers, independent broker-dealers, life brokers, registered investment advisors, regional stock brokers, third party administrators, and wirehouses in First Mercantile's Florida region.

The Florida region was previously part of the larger Southeast region for First Mercantile. "As one of the premier collective investment trust recordkeepers in the country, it was imperative that we further focus our efforts in this geographic area to support our growth," adds Label.

Prior to joining First Mercantile, Brian was a retirement plan consultant for Gallagher Retirement Services. He was previously a sales leader with ADP Retirement Services.

Armstrong can be reached at [email protected].  For more information regarding First Mercantile, please contact your investment professional or call First Mercantile at 800-753-3682.

Photo available upon request from [email protected].

About First Mercantile

First Mercantile, one of the premier collective investment trust (CIT) recordkeepers in the United States, offers investment solutions for qualified retirement plans.  Employing a due diligence process, First Mercantile Trust (FMT) searches the investment universe to select non-proprietary options suited for the investment platforms.  CITs are sub-advised by institutional money managers, or invest in mutual funds or exchange traded funds (ETFs).  Also included on the investment platform are Dimensional Fund Advisor (DFA) investments, Lifestyle and Target Date options.  First Mercantile acts in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the management of the assets of the collective investment trust.  The Advisor Review Committee oversees the entire due diligence process, which includes qualitative and quantitative analysis.

These investment products are distributed through solid relationships with quality investment consultants and third party administrators.  First Mercantile offers full fee disclosure and transparency with a flexible and competitive cost structure.  FMT has a national network of seasoned, knowledgeable professionals to provide excellent client service, customer care and support.

© 2010 First Mercantile. MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. www.firstmerc.com.

SOURCE First Mercantile