Threadneedle Investments, the UK retail fund manager, is set to launch a range of share classes ahead of the UK Retail Distribution Review rules coming into effect on 31 December 2012.

The RDR-ready share classes, called Z class, will be launched for 51 funds in Threadneedle OEIC fund range. This share class will be available via platforms operating a clean share class model and have an annual management charge of 0.75 per cent for a typical equity fund. The new Z share classes will be launched in October.

Threadneedle's existing retail and institutional share classes will complement the Z share class and will continue to charge 1.5 per cent for a minimum investment of £2,000 (around $3,200) and 1 per cent for minimum investment of £500,000 respectively on typical equity funds. A limited number of funds will not have a Z share class.