Brookfield Soundvest Funds Announces Reinstatement of Annual Redemption Rights for Brookfield Soundvest Split Trust (BSD.UN/BSD.PR.A)

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 5, 2011) - Brookfield Soundvest Funds today announced that the annual redemption rights attributable to the Capital Units and the Combined Securities (being one Capital Unit and a $10.00 principal amount of Preferred Securities) of the Brookfield Soundvest Split Trust (TSX:BSD.UN)(TSX:BSD.PR.A) (the "Trust") are being reinstated. The Trust's annual redemption rights were suspended in October 2008 as a result of provisions in the Declaration of Trust that are applicable where it is anticipated that, after giving effect to redemptions, the Combined Value (NAV plus the Repayment Price which is the $10.00 principal amount of a Preferred Security plus all accrued and unpaid interest on such $10.00 principal amount of a Preferred Security) determined as of the Redemption Date would fall below 1.4 times the Repayment Price determined as of the Redemption Date ("the 1.4 times coverage ratio"). The Trust has performed strongly over the past several months and it is now anticipated that redemptions may be processed without violating the 1.4 times coverage ratio. 

Consequently, the Trust intends to reinstate the suspended redemption rights with a specified redemption date of February 14, 2011. This date provides for the notice period required by CDS and the provisions of the Declaration of Trust relevant to the redemption process that apply. Accordingly, each Unitholder who has requested a redemption by depositing Capital Units or Combined Securities with the Registrar and Transfer Agent at least 15 business days prior to February 14, 2011 and in accordance with their deposit requirements will be entitled to receive redemption proceeds calculated and paid in accordance with the Declaration of Trust no later than 15 business days after February 14, 2011.

When Capital Units alone are surrendered for redemption, an equal number of Preferred Securities must be acquired for cancellation, either in the market or, in limited circumstances, pursuant to the Call Right as defined in the Trust Indenture. If the average cost of acquiring Preferred Securities for cancellation exceeds their $10.00 face value plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, the amount the Capital Unit holder will be entitled to receive will be reduced. If any Capital Unit holder chooses to tender just Capital Units, then he or she will take the risk that their redemption proceeds will be reduced by an uncertain amount. Anyone planning to surrender Capital Units alone is encouraged to read the Trust Indenture and the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust that are available at www.SEDAR.com and to consult with their financial adviser.

Notwithstanding any other provision in the Declaration of Trust, redemption of Trust Units and Combined Securities may be suspended or payment of redemption proceeds postponed, even if units have been tendered for redemption, if, after giving effect to the redemptions, the 1.4 times coverage ratio cannot be maintained. The Trust will continue to closely monitor its NAV and will make a further announcement in the event that such a suspension or postponement is required.

Cash distributions cannot be paid on the Capital Units of the Trust if, immediately after giving effect to the proposed distribution, the Combined Value determined as of the declaration date will be less than 1.4 times the Repayment Price determined as of the declaration date. The Trust will continue to monitor its net asset value to determine when it will be able to make future distributions on its Capital Units and will issue a news release if such distributions are declared.

Brookfield Soundvest Funds give investors access to tax-advantaged distributions while focusing on capital preservation and long-term total return. The manager and investment advisor and portfolio manager for the Funds is Brookfield Soundvest Capital Management Ltd. (the "Manager"), an established investment advisor, providing investment management services to trusts, foundations, corporations and high net worth individuals.

For further information please visit www.brookfieldsoundvest.com.

Note: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws. The words "may", "will", "continue" and other expressions which are predictions of or indicate future events, trends or prospects and which do not relate to historical matters identify the above mentioned and other forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding resumption of the temporarily suspended annual redemption privilege in respect of the Trust and payment of future monthly distributions in respect of Capital Units of the Trust. Although the Manager believes that these forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on them, or any other forward looking statements or information in this news release. The future performance and prospects of the Trust are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results of the Trust to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by the statements in this news release include general economic conditions in Canada and elsewhere, changes in legislation including tax laws and regulations and other risks and factors described in the documents filed by the Manager with the securities regulators in Canada including under "Risk Factors" and other risks and factors described in the Trust's prospectus and the Trust's most recently filed Management Report of Fund Performance, Annual Information Form and other continuous disclosure documents available at www.sedar.com, www.brookfieldfunds.com or www.brookfieldsoundvest.com. Except as required by law, the Manager undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.