If you’re putting money to work for a 3-5 year period, Europe’s current pain could be your long-term gain.

So says, Steve Bodurtha, Citi Private Bank, Head of Investments for North America.

Although the overseas financial woes are casting a pall over related stocks right now – Bodurtha argues that it won’t always be the case.

“Go into the market and take advantage of Europe’s distressed values,” he says.

Of course that begs the question – how?

Bodurtha says his best bets are “companies with characteristics that will help them succeed in slow economy.”

And one theme he thinks is very appealing is productivity enhancement.

“Look at companies that help other business become more efficient – when it’s hard to drive unit growth and hard to drive price increases – these are companies that can help generate strong profit margins.”

Although Bodurtha didn’t offer any specific stocks, trader Tim Seymour, founder of EmergingMoney.com, said if you agree with the thesis – SAP fits the bill.