Investment Strategy
The fund management focuses on companies with convincing structural growth and high long-term earnings. These companies are based in the European Union, but often operate globally. Based on fundamental stock selection, companies are selected that achieve sustainable growth over long periods of time with high profitability. Investments are made primarily in large caps as well as high-growth smaller and medium-sized stocks. The decisive criteria for these business models are high entry barriers, end markets with structural growth and excellent management teams.
- Concentrated portfolio of about 50 stocks
- All cap approach, i.e. exploiting investment opportunities across all market segments
- Long-term investment horizon and therefore low portfolio turnover
- Benchmark-agnostic approach
Learn more about our investment philosophy in equity fund management
Further details on the opportunities and risks of this fund can be found in the sales prospectus.
Indexed performance
Performance in 12-month periods
Currencies
Sectors
Countries
Asset classes
Top Holdings
Monthly market comment
Global equity markets were mixed in September. U.S. indices remained strong, supported by robust economic data, a Fed rate cut, and a weaker dollar, while European markets edged lower. The HC Berenberg Europe ex UK Focus Fund underperformed its benchmark. Deutsche Börse shares weakened amid growing concerns about potential AI disruptions and a high comparison base. Knorr-Bremse came under pressure as reallocations in Germany’s special budget and cuts to regular infrastructure spending dampened growth prospects in the transport and infrastructure sectors, while Siemens without new catalysts moderately corrected after a strong August. UCB gained after weak study data from competitor Moonlake strengthened confidence in Bimzelx’s growth potential. ASML benefited from positive analyst sentiment and rising demand for lithography machines, while Prosus profited from gains in Tencent’s shares and a successful acquisition. We added Fresenius SE and Amrize to the portfolio, and sold Straumann, Amadeus, RELX, Reply, and Sanofi.
Portfolio Management

Oliver Fritz
Oliver Fritz has been a Portfolio Manager at Berenberg since July 2017. Before joining Berenberg, Oliver Fritz worked in the Securities Division of Goldman Sachs, covering German-speaking equity and multi-asset clients. He started his career as a Sell-Side Sales at Mainfirst Bank. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Maastricht University and a Master's degree in Finance and Management from St. Andrews University.

Martin Hermann
Martin Hermann has been a Portfolio Manager at Berenberg since October 2017. He is responsible for the Berenberg Global Focus Fund and the global wealth management strategy “Equity Growth”, and serves as co-portfolio manager of the Berenberg European Focus Fund. Prior to joining Berenberg, he was a Portfolio Manager within Allianz Global Investors’ award-winning Europe Equity Growth Team and deputy portfolio manager of the International Equity Growth Fund. He began his career in 2010 as an investment trainee in the Graduate Programme at Allianz Global Investors. Martin Hermann holds a Master’s degree in Investment Analysis and Corporate Finance from the University of Vienna and is a CFA charterholder.

Christian Korth
Christian Korth has been a Portfolio Manager at Berenberg since June 2024. Before joining Berenberg, Christian Korth worked for the Droege Group as a portfolio manager for liquid assets (equities, bonds) as well as private equity and venture capital. Prior to that, he was a senior equity research analyst at HSBC and Stifel. He holds a Diploma degree in Finance from Frankfurt’s Goethe University.

Kay Eichhorn-Schott
Kay Eichhorn-Schott has been a Portfolio Manager at Berenberg since October 2017. Kay started his career in the Berenberg International Graduate Program in October 2015 and joined the Wealth and Asset Management division in London after completing the program. He holds a Master of Science in Finance and studied at EBS Business School, University of Bath and Texas A&M University. Kay Eichhorn-Schott is a CFA Charterholder.
CO₂-Intensity
The fund does not actively manage its carbon footprint, however, emissions data such as CO2 intensity are relevant parameters which can be used to assess the efficient management of a company and the extent of transition risks.
ESG Score
The data provider MSCI ESG uses an ESG score of 0 to 10 to assess the management of material ESG risks of portfolio holdings compared to competitors.
ESG Controversies Screen
Investments in the fund are monitored for ESG controversies and, with the help of MSCI ESG data, flagged according their severity. Thereby, potential ESG risks of investments are identified. In the case of an orange flag (severe controversy), we enter into an active exchange with the company. In the case of a red flag (very severe controversy), the company is excluded.