Jim Thompson Rejoins Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. as a Vice President and Research Team Member

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Southeastern Asset Management, Inc., advisor to Longleaf Partners Funds, is pleased to announce that Jim Thompson will be rejoining the firm effective December 1, 2010.  

Mason Hawkins, Chairman and CEO of Southeastern, commented: "Jim has more than 25 years of global industry experience, including 11 at Southeastern.  He has been a trusted colleague and business associate both during and after his tenure here.  We are thrilled to have Jim back on our team full time, particularly given his passion for buying undervalued businesses and his experience in Europe, Canada, Japan, and the U.S.  He will be a valuable resource for our analysts and our clients."

Thompson first joined Southeastern in 1996 in the firm's Memphis, Tennessee headquarters.  In 2001 he opened Southeastern's London office where he remained until 2007.  From 2007-2008 he served in a consulting role to Southeastern following his move to California.   Thompson will rejoin the firm as a Vice President and member of the research team.  

Thompson returns to Southeastern from MacKenzie Cundill Investment Management Ltd. where he has served as Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager, and Vancouver team lead since 2009.  

"I have been fortunate to have been associated with several of the world's most respected value investors including Peter Cundill most recently, and Mason Hawkins and Staley Cates previously," said Thompson. "It was an honor to follow Peter Cundill in working with the Cundill Investment Group, the energetic wholesalers at MacKenzie, and the dedicated advisors throughout Canada.  I am thrilled to have the opportunity to rejoin Southeastern's talented and disciplined global investment team.  I believe their partnership culture most properly aligns clients' interests with those of the firm."

About Southeastern

Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. is a global investment advisory firm based in Memphis, Tennessee, with offices in London, Singapore, and Tokyo.  The firm, founded in 1975, manages over $32 billion for clients worldwide in separately managed accounts and the pooled Longleaf Partners Funds (both mutual and UCITS funds).  Southeastern buys substantially discounted equity securities of quality businesses run by capable management teams.  To eliminate any potential client conflict of interest, Southeastern's employees are required to use the Longleaf Partners Funds as their vehicle for owning public equities.  Consequently, employees and their families, Southeastern's pension plan, the affiliated private foundation, and Longleaf's independent trustees collectively comprise the largest shareholder group in the Longleaf Funds.  

This is not intended to be an offer or solicitation in jurisdictions where such offers or solicitations would not be lawful.

SOURCE Southeastern Asset Management, Inc.