MFC Asset Management Plc (MFC) is considering 3 new investment channels to make it portfolio different than the market offered, according to managing director Pichit Akkarathit.

Mr. Pichit said the assets management firm is considering establishing 3 three new businesses, including first, a real estate fund aiming at the private equity business; second and third, a financial and real estate consulting, which will be operating through an affiliate.

He said the company also plans to invest in small-and-medium-size companies, which both the local and foreign investors have no skill of, persuading by to higher rate of return.

About the private equity fund, Mr. Pichit noted that: “We are only offering consult services. MFC earning will be generating from consult fees, which is a long-term earning. Rate of return can be increased in the future upon how well we manage the risk factors.”

MFC currently manages 3 private equity funds including the Energy Fund worth 2.5 billion baht, the Tsunami Fund worth 2.8 billion baht, and the Thailand Equity Fund worth 10 billion baht. ($1 = 34.78 baht)

The company reported a net lost of 3.96 million baht in the third quarter of 2008, down 113.02 percent from the same period a previous year of 30.43 million baht due to lower earnings from service fees and subsidiaries’ net lost.

MFC’s nine months net profit was 52.16 million baht, down 31.46 percent from a year earlier 76.10 million baht.