Manulife Financial looks to a bright future as it celebrates 10 years as a public company

TORONTO , Sept. 24 /CNW/ - Manulife Financial (MFC) is looking forward to a bright future as it celebrates 10 years as a public company, a period that saw its market value, funds under management and premiums & deposits quadruple and its employee and agent numbers double.

"Since Manulife's demutualization and listing as a public company 10 years ago, we've grown to be one of Canada's largest and most international financial services companies," said Donald Guloien, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We're proud of the results we've achieved for our customers, policyholders and investors and believe that the current economic environment presents our company with unprecedented opportunities to build on that record and demonstrate that the best is yet to come," he added.

Manulife's 10-year initial public offering (IPO) anniversary marks a solid track record of success, built on diversified products, geographies and investments. Since 1999, the Company has quadrupled in size and delivered compound annual returns of over 12% to its shareholders*.

To celebrate the anniversary and symbolize future growth, Manulife will contribute to the planting of 75,000 trees in Canada , the U.S. and Asia to honour the employees, agents and retirees that helped shepherd Manulife through 10 years of strong growth.

    
    A Growing Company
                                                      1999              2009

    MFC Common Share Price (TSX):                  $8.95(1)         $22.70(4)
    Market Capitalization:                    $9 Billion(1)    $37 Billion(4)
    Premiums and Deposits:                   $19 Billion(2)    $76 Billion(5)
    Funds Under Management:                 $105 Billion(3)   $421 Billion(6)
    No. of Employees and Agents:                  28,000(3)         59,000(7)

    (1) Stock split adjusted, based on closing price on September 24, 1999
        (IPO date)
    (2) For the 12-month period ended September 30, 1999
    (3) As at September 30, 1999
    (4) Based on closing price on September 23, 2009
    (5) For the 12-month period ended June 30, 2009
    (6) As at June 30, 2009
    (7) As at December 31, 2008
    $   Figures in Canadian currency

    * Calculated based on Total Shareholder Return since IPO date assuming
        dividends are reinvested in MFC common shares (Source: Thomson
        Reuters). For additional measures of Manulife's growth, go to
        www.manulife.com.
    

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 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$421 billion (US$362 billion) as at June 30, 2009 .

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

For further information: Media Contact: David Paterson, [phone], [email protected]; Laurie Lupton, [phone], [email protected]