Manulife Mutual Funds announces changes to Manulife Canadian Bond Plus Fund and other mutual funds

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TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC  
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TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Manulife Mutual Funds announced today that on or about April 1, 2014, Manulife Asset Management Limited, the Portfolio Advisor of Manulife Canadian Bond Plus Fund, will assume the overall portfolio management responsibilities of the Fund.

Terry Carr, Senior Managing Director and Head of Canadian Fixed Income for Manulife Asset Management Limited, will become the lead portfolio manager of the Fund. "Terry's 25 years of investment experience across a variety of fixed income asset classes and excellent track record, make him an ideal choice for this role," said Derek Saliba, Assistant Vice President, Manulife Mutual Funds.

AllianceBernstein Canada Inc. has been the portfolio sub-advisor to the Fund since 2007. "We would like to thank the AllianceBernstein fixed income team for their contributions over the last six years," said Mr. Saliba. "Their dedication and professionalism in managing the Fund is greatly appreciated."

In addition, Manulife Mutual Funds announces that the Manulife Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Manulife Emerging Markets Equity Class, Manulife Emerging Markets Balanced Fund and Manulife Global Natural Resources Fund each will change its investment strategies on or about December 20, 2013 to include the use of quantitative models in ranking securities within its investible universe.

About Manulife Mutual Funds
Manulife Mutual Funds, a division of Manulife Asset Management Limited, builds on 125 years of Manulife Financial's wealth and investment management expertise in managing assets for Canadian investors, through a diverse portfolio of forward-thinking mutual fund products. Our experienced Portfolio Managers offer access to markets in Canada, the United States and around the world, in a range of investment styles to help meet individual needs. Manulife Mutual Funds is part of Manulife Investments, which offers personal wealth management products and services, such as mutual funds, segregated fund contracts, annuities and guaranteed interest contracts. For more information, please visit manulifemutualfunds.ca.

About Manulife Asset Management
Manulife Asset Management is the global asset management arm of Manulife Financial, providing comprehensive asset management solutions for institutional investors and investment funds in key markets around the world. This investment expertise extends across a broad range of public, private, and alternative asset classes, as well as asset allocation solutions. As at September 30, 2013, assets under management for Manulife Asset Management were C$265 billion (US$258 billion). Additional information about Manulife Asset Management may be found at ManulifeAM.com.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for 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$575 billion (US$559 billion) as at September 30, 2013. 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.

SOURCE: Manulife Financial Corporation

Media Contact:
Brooke Tucker-Reid
Media Relations Consultant
Manulife Financial
416-434-0635
[email protected]