BlackRock raids boutique to boost struggling income fund

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BlackRock have poached boutique investment firm NewSmith's Mark Wharrier to work alongside Adam Avigdori on its £604m UK Income fund, Investment Week understands.

Wharrier, who joined the boutique in 2004, is currently co-manager on NewSmith's flagship UK Hedge fund, a long/short equity strategy investing primarily in the FTSE 350. He also co-manages the group's UK Equity fund alongside lead manager Steve Thompson. Wharrier is now working his notice ahead of his move to BlackRock's income desk. BlackRock is taking action to boost its team following a bout of underperformance for the firm's UK Income fund. Manager Avigdori (pictured) has been dogged by poor performance since taking over the portfolio in 2009, with assets under management fall...

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