DWS' [see profile] parent is weighing "strategic options" for the mutual fund firm. Today Deutsche Bank confirmed that it's "conducting a strategic review of its global asset management division," including the U.S. fund business.

"All strategic options are being considered," a statement from Deutsche Bank reads. "The review covers all of the asset management division globally except for the DWS franchise in Germany, Europe and Asia, which the bank has already determined is a core part of its retail offering in those markets."

The strategic evaluation comes even as Deutsche Bank feels the pain of the Eurozone debt crisis. The German bank's shares (DB on the NYSE) have fallen about 35 percent year-to-date, pushing its market cap down to about $30 billion.

Could Deutsche Bank sell the DWS mutual funds here in the U.S.? The company statement provides no hints, beyond noting, as mentioned above, that "all strategic options" are on the table.

Company Press Release

FRANKFURT, Germany & NEW YORK, Nov 22, 2011 (Deutsche Bank (xetra:DBKGn.DE / NYSE) announced today that it is conducting a strategic review of its global Asset Management division. While the Bank remains committed to asset management, this review is part of the Bank's continual effort to maintain an optimal business mix and be among the market leaders in each of its businesses.

The strategic review of the Asset Management division is focusing in particular on how recent regulatory changes and associated costs and changes in the competitive landscape are impacting the business and its growth prospects on a bank platform.

All strategic options are being considered. The review covers all of the Asset Management division globally except for the DWS franchise in Germany, Europe and Asia, which the Bank has already determined is a core part of its retail offering in those markets.

Kevin Parker, Global Head of Asset Management and a member of the Deutsche Bank Group Executive Committee, said: "The outcome of this review will be driven first and foremost by our fiduciary duty to, and the interests of, our clients. Our aim is to find the best strategic option to maximize the performance and potential of the Asset Management division."

About Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a substantial private clients franchise. Its businesses are mutually reinforcing. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With more than 100,000 employees in 73 countries, Deutsche Bank offers unparalleled financial services throughout the world. The bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions, creating lasting value for its clients, shareholders, people and the communities in which it operates.

www.db.com

This release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they include statements about our beliefs and expectations and the assumptions underlying them. These statements are based on plans, estimates and projections as they are currently available to the management of Deutsche Bank. Forward-looking statements therefore speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could therefore cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include the conditions in the financial markets in Germany, in Europe, in the United States and elsewhere from which we derive a substantial portion of our revenues and in which we hold a substantial portion of our assets, the development of asset prices and market volatility, potential defaults of borrowers or trading counterparties, the implementation of our strategic initiatives, the reliability of our risk management policies, procedures and methods, and other risks referenced in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such factors are described in detail in our SEC Form 20-F of 15 March 2011 under the heading "Risk Factors." Copies of this document are readily available upon request or can be downloaded from www.deutsche-bank.com/ir .

SOURCE: Deutsche Bank

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