Manulife Financial Receives Investment and Communications Accolades from Plan Sponsors

Business Wire, Nov 17, 1999

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 1999--

Manulife Financial, a leading international financial services company and market leader in the 401(k) small plan market, received accolades in seven out of eleven Defined Contribution Service Level Categories as cited in the November 1999 issue of Plan Sponsor magazine.

In July 1999, one page surveys were mailed to individuals in charge of their company's defined contribution plan. Of the 27 defined contribution vendors surveyed, those with at least 20 client responses were eligible for Top Rated, Commended or Honorable Mention classifications.

Manulife Financial, which prides itself in identifying and understanding its client's needs, received Commendations for its:

(1) range of investment options

(2) investment performance

(3) participant communications/education.

All three categories are cornerstones to Manulife's retirement strategy. In addition, the company received Honorable Mentions for its:

(4) clarity of participant statements

(5) technology for plan sponsors

(6) turnaround time for processing loans/withdrawals

(7) fee disclosure

Manulife Financial is a standout in seven out of eleven service categories.

"These accolades validate our consumer focus and strategy of providing first quartile participant communications, customer service, and a complete range of investment offerings," said Kendall Kay, Chief Strategy Officer of Manulife's U.S. Group Pensions division. "Manulife was the second largest seller of 401(k) plans in the U.S in 1998, and our existing customers have stated that Manulife continues to deliver on the important promises that are made at the point of sale."

Manulife's 401(k) product covers all 18 assets classes and styles. It offers clients funds that invest in everything from international small-cap stocks and real estate to high yield bonds and money markets-all from premiere fund family managers. Manulife tailors long-term retirement savings to meet the needs of each plan participant. Its broker support, wide range of pricing options (including cost-effective sub-advised funds), and value driven 800 number & Internet services put clients in control of their financial futures.

Manulife Financial (Manulife Financial Corporation, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries) is a leading provider of financial protection products and investment management services to individuals, families, businesses and groups in selected international markets. Manulife Financial operates in 15 countries and territories worldwide, with more than 28,000 employees and agents. Funds under management by the Company and its subsidiaries were Cdn$105.1 billion as of September 30, 1999.