Bestinvest says
We have not rated this fund since the departure of the fund's former manager Trevor Green, who left Allianz in 2008. Our favoured mid cap fund is Franklin (ex Rensburg) UK Mid Cap Growth, rated four stars.
The manager looks for companies that typically display above average growth rates. These may be companies benefiting from structural growth; companies which have delivered in the past and companies enhancing their competitive advantage. Additionally the manager focuses on companies with strong management. Within this context companies must also be attractively valued in relation to their growth prospects or possess hidden sources of value.
The in-house research team use their own screens and technical analysis for ideas to assist the manager. This includes their 'Grassroots' research platform that communicates fresh notes to the sector based analysts globally. The manager then uses these ideas in conjunction with his own research as highlighted above and seeks to develop them into sector and industry themes that can then be targeted through a number of stocks instead of just one. Aspects that are considered particularly attractive are stability, compelling valuation and growth catalysts.