Manulife Financial Proxy Circular and Annual Report available online

TORONTO, March 26 /CNW/ - Manulife Financial Corporation's Proxy Circular and 2009 Annual Report are being mailed to shareholders and are now available for download at www.manulife.com.

Manulife's Proxy Circular contains information for common shareholders about the annual meeting that is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 6, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, including information relating to the election of Manulife's directors and appointment of auditors.

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 customers 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 $440 billion (US$ 420 billion) as at December 31, 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: Investor Relations: Amir Gorgi, [phone], [email protected]; Media inquiries: David Paterson, [phone], [email protected]; Laurie Lupton, [phone], [email protected]