ING Funds Introduces New Line of Value-Oriented Mutual Funds

Today ING Funds, part of ING U.S. Financial Services, introduced a line of targeted value-oriented mutual funds created for investors seeking distinct choices for diversifying their investment portfolios. The new ING Value Choice line includes four mutual funds, including three new funds and one existing fund all subadvised by NWQ Investment Management, a recognized leader in value portfolio management.

The four ING Value Choice Funds -- ING SmallCap Value Choice Fund, ING MidCap Value Choice Fund, ING International Value Choice Fund, and ING Global Value Choice Fund -- are each structured to meet specific investing needs across the spectrum of market capitalization and geographic strategies. With continued investor interest in value, international and small- and mid-cap investing strategies, the ING Value Choice line not only meets investor demand for value funds, but was also designed to make the fund selection process easy for the investor.

The arrangement between ING and NWQ creates a unique opportunity for individual investors to gain access to NWQ's exceptional value portfolio management expertise for an initial investment of as little as $1,000.

"Value investing has distinct benefits and can play an important role in almost every investor's portfolio," said Bob Boulware, president and chief executive officer, ING Funds. "When it comes to value investing, NWQ's experience and focus stand apart in the industry, and we're pleased to be working with them to bring their unique, innovative and disciplined value- investing approach to retail investors."

   Press inquiries:
   Christina Divigard, ING Americas, 860 723 2293 or
   christina.divigard@us.ing.com

  ABOUT ING

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 112,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

In the U.S., the ING family of companies offer a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients which include life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit http://www.ing.com/

ABOUT ING FUNDS

ING Funds goal is to create and deliver innovative investment products intended to help investors reach their financial goals. ING Funds offers more than 60 mutual funds, with $35 billion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2004.

ABOUT NWQ

Founded in 1982 and currently managing more than $30 billion in assets, Los Angeles based NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC, has built its reputation as a premier value-oriented asset manager for an array of institutions, retirement plans and private clients.

DISCLOSURE AND PRINCIPLE RISK(S):

Principal Risk(s) for the ING SmallCap Value Choice Fund and the ING MidCap Value Choice Fund: Exposure to financial and market risks that accompany investments in equities. While equities may offer the potential for greater long-term growth than most debt securities, they generally have higher volatility. Because the prices of value-oriented securities tend to correlate more closely with economic cycles than growth-oriented securities, they generally are more sensitive to changing economic conditions. From time to time, the stock market may not favor the small-cap value securities in which the Fund invests. Rather, the market could favor growth-oriented securities or not favor equities at all. International investing does pose special risks including currency fluctuation, economic and political risks not found in investments that are solely domestic. The value of convertible securities may fall when interest rates rise. Convertible securities with longer maturities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than convertible securities with shorter maturities. The use of certain derivatives may increase the volatility of the Fund and may reduce returns.

Principal Risk(s) unique to the ING SmallCap Value Choice Fund: In exchange for higher growth potential, investing in stocks of small-sized companies may entail greater price volatility and less liquidity than investing in stocks of larger companies.

Principal Risk(s) unique to the ING MidCap Value Choice Fund: In exchange for higher growth potential, investing in stocks of mid-sized companies may entail greater price volatility and less liquidity than investing in stocks of larger companies.

Principal Risk(s) for the ING International Value Choice Fund and the ING Global Value Choice

Fund: Exposure to financial and market risks that accompany investments in equities. While equities may offer the potential for greater long-term growth than most debt securities, they generally have higher volatility. In exchange for higher growth potential, investing in stocks of mid-sized and smaller companies may entail greater price volatility and less liquidity than investing in stocks of larger companies. Because the prices of value-oriented securities tend to correlate more closely with economic cycles than growth- oriented securities, they generally are more sensitive to changing economic conditions. From time to time, the stock market may not favor the value- oriented securities in which the Fund invests. Rather, the market could favor growth-oriented securities or not favor equities at all. International investing does pose special risks including currency fluctuation, economic and political risks not found in investments that are solely domestic. Risks of foreign investing are generally intensified for investments in emerging markets. The value of convertible securities may fall when interest rates rise. Convertible securities with longer maturities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than convertible securities with shorter maturities. The use of certain derivatives may increase the volatility of the Fund and may reduce returns.

Investors seeking more complete information, or to obtain a prospectus on any ING Fund, should contact their investment professional or call ING Funds Distributor, LLC, at 800 992 0180 or log on to http://www.ingfunds.com/ . The prospectus should be read carefully before investing. Consider the fund's investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses carefully before investing.

SOURCE: ING U.S. Financial Services

CONTACT: Christina Divigard of ING Americas, +1-860-723-2293, or
christina.divigard@us.ing.com

Web site: http://www.ing-usa.com/
http://www.ing.com/
http://www.ingfunds.com/