Kleinwort Benson Investors Dublin Ltd. and Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. announced an agreement to enter into a partnership to develop business interests in the US retail marketplace. The strong commitment of both parties to this agreement is demonstrated by Virtus acquiring a 24% interest in Kleinwort Benson Investors International Ltd. (KBII), a 100%-owned subsidiary of KBID. KBII is a U.S. registered investment adviser that subadvises the Virtus Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, an open-end mutual fund that Virtus launched in September.