Manulife Mutual Funds Launches "10 per cent Free" to Funds Sold Under Low-Load Sales Charge Option

TORONTO, July 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Manulife Mutual Funds announced today that on August 1, 2012, they will launch 10 per cent free for all funds sold under the low-load sales charge option. All purchases made in 2012 and beyond will qualify.

Starting with purchases made in 2012, investors will have the opportunity to redeem, reclassify or convert up to 10 per cent of their securities from the low-load sales charge option each year, based on the number of securities purchased as of December 31 of the previous year and those purchased within the current year up to the date of redemption, reclassification or conversion.

"The low-load sales charge option has become increasingly popular as it offers a shorter sales charge redemption schedule (typically three-four years) versus a fund purchased with a standard six year sales charge option. We are pleased to add more flexibility for our investors through this purchase option, by allowing them to access a portion of their investments each year without paying a redemption fee," said Jeff Ray, Assistant Vice President, Mutual Funds & Structured Products.

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 approximately C$18.8 billion as at March 31, 2012 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 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.

SOURCE Manulife Mutual Funds

Media: Brian Carmichael, Manulife Mutual Funds, [phone], [email protected]; Beth McGoldrick, Manulife Mutual Funds, [phone], [email protected]

http://www.manulifemutualfunds.ca