Third Link adds three underlying Aussie equity managers

The investment manager of the Third Link Growth Fund has added three new Australian equity managers to its underlying portfolio to enhance the fund's active manager lineup, while broadening diversification and bolstering long-term returns.

Australian Eagle Asset Management, Chester Asset Management and Firetrail Investments have joined the fund, each bringing unique characteristics.

Australian Eagle AM brings its Australian Eagle Equities Fund, which actively invests in a portfolio of 25 to 35 large-cap Australian listed companies.

Focused on identifying companies with potential to deliver "exceptional" returns, Australian Eagle AM chief investment officer Sean Sequeria said the firm is proud to contribute to a consistent strategy.

"This is a rare opportunity to combine investing excellence with a greater purpose and supporting the community," Sequeria said.

Meanwhile, Chester AM's Chester High Conviction Fund has outperformed the market by 5.8% per annum since 2013, is supported by deep fundamental research and ESG integration that aims to outperform the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index. It now manages over $1.5 billion in funds under management.

"We are thrilled to be part of the Third Link Growth Fund and support its dual mandate of returns and impact," Chester AM portfolio manager Rob Tucker said.

"We are proud to contribute to a fund with such a meaningful purpose."

Further, the Firetrail Australian Small Companies Fund from Firetrail Investment targets companies outside the S&P/ASX 100, aiming to uncover "under-researched" opportunities with attractive long-term growth potential.

It aims to outperform the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index over the medium to long term after fees.

Firetrail Investments portfolio managers Matthew Fist and Eleanor Swanson said the firm is excited about partnering with the Third Link Growth Fund and looks forward to "deliver strong investment returns" while giving back to the community.

Third Link Growth Fund founder and portfolio manager Chris Cuffe welcomed the additions.

"Their inclusion strengthens what is now a stellar line-up of investment managers. By leveraging their expertise, we aim to enhance investment performance for our investors, while continuing to support our nominated charities through the generous rebate of all management and performance fees," Cuffe said.

Aside from achieving long-term capital growth, the Third Link Growth Fund also donates its management fee, net of expenses, to charities, and has generated over 9.4% p.a. net of fees in returns for investors since inception.

However, the fund underperformed in the past year against the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index, returning -4.3% in the 12 months, and -4.8% in the three months to 31 March 2025.

The Third Link Growth Fund now comprises:

• 1851 Capital - 1851 Emerging Companies Fund
• Australian Eagle Asset Management (via Montgomery Investment Management) - Australian Eagle Equities Fund
• Auscap Asset Management - Auscap Ex-20 Australian Equities Fund (Ex-20 Fund)
• Chester Asset Management - Chester High Conviction Fund
• Cooper Investors - CI Australian Equities Fund
• DNR Capital - DNR Capital Australian Equities High Conviction Fund
• ECP Asset Management - ECP Growth Companies Fund
• Eiger Capital - Eiger Australian Small Companies Fund
• Eley Griffiths Group - Eley Griffiths Group Mid Cap Fund
• Firetrail Investments - Firetrail Australian Small Companies Fund
• Greencape Capital - Greencape Capital High Conviction Fund
• L1 Capital - L1 Capital Catalyst Fund
• Lennox Capital Partners - Lennox Australian Small Companies Fund
• Pengana Capital - Pengana Emerging Companies Fund