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Manulife Financial becomes Worldwide Life Insurance Partner of the Olympic Games Hong Kong – Manulife Financial is now the Official Worldwide Life Insurance Partner of the Olympic Games, supporting the Olympic Movement around the world, including Hong Kong. As a result of its April 2004 merger with Boston-based John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. the newly activated sponsorship for parent company Manulife Financial arose out of the worldwide agreement that John Hancock has had in place with the International Olympic Committee since 1994. As the exclusive life insurance partner for the Olympic Games, Manulife Financial’s sponsorship of the Games will continue through the end of 2008 and is effective across the company’s operations in Canada, Asia and Japan. “We are proud to have become a Worldwide Life Insurance Partner of the Olympic Games, particularly in time for the run up to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games,” said Edward Lau, Executive Vice President, Asia Regional Operations, Manulife Financial. “The Beijing Olympic Games are being considered the single greatest marketing opportunity this decade for companies wishing to establish leadership positions in Asia, and in particular the Greater China region. We plan to leverage this exciting event to create a powerful and comprehensive marketing strategy that will span all facets of our life insurance business over the next four years.” Sponsorship funds local athletes’ dreams In all countries where it conducts business, Manulife Financial’s corporate sponsorship dollars go toward helping athletes achieve the dream of representing their nation at the Olympic Games. “We strongly support these dedicated individuals of our community, who train long and hard to achieve the excellence that qualifies them for the world’s largest and most recognized sports competition,” said Michael Huddart, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Hong Kong, Manulife (International) Limited. “It is an honour and a privilege to help these young aspiring athletes achieve their dream of representing Hong Kong at the Olympic Games. In the coming months, we look forward to developing a mutually rewarding partnership with Hong Kong’s Olympic Committee and the athletes that the committee represents.” Manulife stands firm behind its commitment to excellence across all facets of its life insurance business. Much like the Olympic Movement, Manulife is also dedicated to helping people achieve their dreams. “As a life insurance company, we help customers reach their financial goals and aspirations” added Mr. Huddart. “By providing tailored life insurance products and services to our valued customers via our professional sales associates, we facilitate the financial means for people to live out their dreams.” Olympic Rings to enhance visibility and credibility of brand “Manulife shares the Olympic attributes of top performance and striving to be the best,” said Mr. Lau. “As the exclusive worldwide life insurance partner of the Olympic Games, we hope to leverage the symbolism of the world-renowned Rings to communicate to our stakeholders that we, too, stand for the excellence that has long been associated with this famous icon. While the arena of sports marketing is new for Manulife, we look forward to the tremendous benefits and advantages that we stand to gain from our investment in the Olympic Movement.” “By co-branding Manulife with the Olympic Rings, we create a composite logo that is distinct and differentiated in our business category,” added Mr. Huddart. “Additionally, research indicates consumers associate certain positive attributes, such as “successful”, “dedicated to excellence”, “progressive” and “highly reputable” with the Olympic Rings. These are valuable attributes to us as they are the ones that are highly relevant to consumers who are trying to decide which life insurance company they want to do business with. From a brand perspective, the Rings will serve to enhance Manulife’s visibility and credibility in the crowded Hong Kong marketplace.” Manulife’s new Olympic composite logo will be used on company and marketing collateral to increase visibility of its association with the Olympic Games. Partnership creates business-building opportunities Using sports sponsorship to promote products and services is a highly effective approach, and is fast becoming one of the most important marketing tools available to companies. “In general, it’s exciting for our company name to be associated with the prestigious Olympic Games but it also generates a sense of pride and excitement amongst our staff and advisors,” said Mr. Huddart. “The obvious advantage of the Olympic sponsorship for Manulife is the unparalleled opportunity it provides to help us build our life insurance business and motivate our people – from Olympic-themed incentive programs for our staff and agency force to developing important relationships with our staff, top producers and distribution partners.” About Manulife (International) Limited Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$360 billion (approximately HK$2,096 billion) as at June 30, 2004. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Helena Lee / Jeanie Ho Manulife (International) Limited Tel: 2202 1050 / 2510 3191 Fax: 2234 6875 Email: helena_lee@manulife.com jeanie_ho@manulife.com |
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