DWS Scudder Announces 15 New Hires to Bolster Sales Effort.

NEW YORK -- DWS Scudder, a division of Deutsche Asset Management Americas (DeAM), today announced the appointment of 15 new sales professionals, including eight Regional Vice Presidents, four Retirement Services Specialists, two National Account managers and one Advanced Sales specialist.

"Strengthening the DWS Scudder sales platform is one in a series of strategic initiatives we are taking to bolster our efforts throughout the United States," said Axel Schwarzer, Managing Director and Head of DWS Scudder. "These individuals bring with them significant experience from prestigious mutual fund firms and exemplify the high caliber of talent and commitment to world-class service and support we bring to financial advisors across the country."

The new Regional Vice President appointments are: Jason F. Inglis, Mitchell Izumi, Matthew Sawyer and Douglas M. Wallace Jr., who will cover territories in the western US, reporting to Regional Director John Telling; Phillip B. Northington, Colleen Ignacio Yee and Jeffrey L. Smith, who will cover territories in the southern US, reporting to Regional Director Mark Perrelli; and Christopher D. Berg, who will serve the central US, reporting to Regional Director Bud Cappola.

Ruben Gonzalez, Richard Merson, Kevin D. Morgan and Bill Wilkinson have been appointed to serve the Northeast, West, South Central and Midwest regions, respectively in the firm's Retirement Services Division. They report to Ron Cohen, Head of Retirement Plan Services.

"Our ability to develop and maintain strong personal relationships with advisors and provide innovative value-added programs are critical factors that differentiate DWS Scudder within the financial services industry," added Philipp Hensler, Managing Director and Head of DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc. "With account managers who are second-to-none, and an Advanced Sales team that is dedicated to helping financial advisors build their book of business, advisors will know that we are deeply committed to providing superior solutions."

DWS Scudder also announced the following additions to its sales team: Kristina Young, Account Manager, reporting to Steve DiMaio; Derik Liberatore, Assistant Vice President in the Financial Institutions Group reporting to Kim Mustin; and Andrea Schlapia Vice President and member of the DWS Scudder Advanced Sales team, reporting to Scott Frumhoff.

Deutsche Bank 

Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With Euro 1,035 billion in assets and 64,103 employees, Deutsche Bank offers unparalleled financial services in 73 countries throughout the world. The bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people.

www.db.com

About Deutsche Asset Management

Deutsche Asset Management is the global asset management business of Deutsche Bank AG, with AUM of US$630 billion (as of 12/31/05). It is one of the world's leading investment management organizations in terms of the quality and breadth of investment products, asset management expertise and client service. DeAM provides asset management capabilities to a variety of clients worldwide including foundations, non-profit organizations, public and private superannuation funds, high-net-worth individuals and retail investors.