Counterparty&CD ratings: AA-/Negative/A-1+ Bank of Montreal has agreed to acquire the mutual fund business of Guardian Capital Group Ltd., called Guardian Group of Funds, a Toronto, Canada-based mutual fund company with nearly C$2 billion in assets under management. Standard&Poor's views the transaction as an incremental addition to Bank of Montreal's mutual fund capabilities, bringing total assets under management to approximately C$30 billion. An enhanced sales force and an expanded distribution channel will complement Bank of Montreal's mutual fund sales, which will continue to be both branch-based and handled through third parties. The deal, valued at C$180 million, will be a stock purchase, financed through the issuance of 4.96 million common shares. As such, Bank of Montreal's
