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Manulife Financial Receives Top Ratings In 401(K) Participant Services For Third Year Running -- Plan Sponsor magazine Names Manulife Financial Best in Class in Eight Participant Services Categories -- In the micro plan category, Manulife Financial received top ratings in the categories of Participant Education, Clarity of Statements, Participant Internet Services, Range of Investment Options, Communication Materials, Participant Call Center, Accuracy of Reporting, and Loan Withdrawal Turnaround. The eight awards received represented an increase from the three top ratings earned in 2002. In the small plan market, Manulife was recognized in the Clarity of Statements and Accuracy of Reporting categories. Recognizing Manulife’s focus on the rapidly growing defined contribution plan segment of the market for small- to medium-sized employers, the Plan Sponsor survey results state: “Manulife…runs small and micro plans and runs them well.” One survey respondent elaborates, saying “They provide excellent field support to the agent of record, ensuring that participants are being enrolled properly and provided sufficient education.” “Manulife Financial is pleased by the results of the Plan Sponsor survey and its findings that we are successfully meeting the retirement planning needs of 401(k) plan participants,” said Ralph Vizl, Vice President of Strategy and Research for U.S. Group Pensions, Manulife Financial. “Using knowledge gained through extensive research, Manulife Financial has developed a comprehensive program of online and off-line participant communication, education, and enrollment materials. Our entire program is designed to appeal to all levels of interest and demystify the retirement planning experience, making it easy and even enjoyable for employees to set achievable retirement goals and confidently manage their retirement plans. We are gratified to see our approach is being appreciated and embraced by our customers.” About Manulife The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) (Manulife USA) is committed to offering the highest quality life insurance, pension, and individual wealth management products to its clients. Its family of products has been built around a powerful combination of investment options chosen with the goal of providing attractive risk-adjusted returns and broad diversification across asset classes, investment styles, and asset managers. With its extensive product lines, competitive underwriting, excellent ratings, and quality customer service, Manulife USA is dedicated to providing quality products designed to help create and preserve wealth for its clients. Group annuity contracts are issued by Manulife USA. Product features and availability may differ by state. In New York, products are issued by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company of New York (Manulife New York). Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 15 countries and territories worldwide. Through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners, Manulife Financial offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services. Funds under management by Manulife Financial were US$111.7 billion (Cdn$150.8 billion) as at September 30, 2003. 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. 1Plan Sponsor magazine’s annual survey of defined contribution providers was conducted in July of 2003 through a mailing of more than 17,000 questionnaires to individuals responsible for their companies’ defined contribution plans. -30- Media Contact:Heather Randolph Carter U.S. Communications 617-854-4342 heather_carter@manulife.com |
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