Manulife Financial to ring NYSE Opening Bell today in celebration of 125th anniversary

TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK:945

NEW YORK, June 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Manulife Financial will ring the NYSE Opening Bell this morning to celebrate 125 years as a strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking Canada-based global company, and the 150^th anniversary of John Hancock, the company's U.S. unit.

Manulife Financial President and Chief Executive Officer Donald Guloien will be joined by senior management and honourees of the company's STARs of Excellence program, to ring The Opening Bell^SM at the New York Stock Exchange. The event launches a week-long series of market opening ceremonies worldwide attended by Manulife executives and other dignitaries.

"We are honoured today to celebrate the 125^th anniversary of Manulife and the 150^th anniversary of John Hancock by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange," said Mr. Guloien. "As one company operating under two firmly established brands, we are proud of the impressive growth that Manulife has achieved both financially and geographically throughout our history. We look forward to the bright future ahead as we continue to pursue sustainable growth in our three key geographies of U.S., Canada and Asia."

Manulife will continue its anniversary celebrations at stock exchanges around the world this week. On June 22, Mr. Guloien will be accompanied by Manulife executives to ring the opening bell at the Toronto Stock Exchange. Executives from Manulife's offices in Asia and local dignitaries will attend market opening ceremonies on June 21 at the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, and June 22 at the Philippine Stock Exchange.

About Manulife Financial - 125^th Anniversary

Founded in Canada in 1887, Manulife has experienced impressive financial and geographical growth throughout its history, becoming one of the largest financial institutions in the world. In 2012, Manulife celebrates its 125^th anniversary and the 150^th anniversary of John Hancock, the company's U.S. Division. Manulife is holding a number of global activities to mark this significant occasion, including the launch of the Drive to 125 social media campaign that encourages Canadians to collectively pledge 125,000 volunteer hours in support of community organizations. Earlier in June, Manulife held anniversary celebrations across its offices in Asia, Canada and the U.S. to engage with their local communities.

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, we celebrate 125 years of providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$512 billion (US$512 billion) as at March 31, 2012. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

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 manulife.com.

Photo to follow

Image with caption: "Manulife Financial President and Chief Executive Officer Donald Guloien, joined by senior management and the company's STARs of Excellence Program honourees, rings The Opening Bell(SM) at the New York Stock Exchange. (CNW Group/Manulife Financial Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120619_C2030_PHOTO_EN_15292.jpg

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