Manulife Mutual Funds receives approval for fund merger

    
    TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC
    SEHK: 945
    

TORONTO , Dec. 10 /CNW/ - Manulife Mutual Funds has received shareholder approval to merge the following funds:

    
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         Terminating Fund                        Continuing Fund
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    Manulife Global Value Class         Manulife Global Opportunities Class
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To meet regulatory requirements, the merger required the approval of the Independent Review Committee of the funds which was granted on August 11, 2009 . The merger also required the approval of a majority of shareholders in the Continuing Fund by proxy or in person at a special meeting that was held on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 .

Shareholders voted to support the proposal to merge the Terminating Fund into the Continuing Fund that shares similar investment objectives. While shareholders of the Terminating Fund did not have to approve the merger, shareholders of the Terminating Fund were provided with advanced notice of the merger in accordance with applicable securities laws. The merger will be completed on or about Friday, December 11, 2009 .

In addition, as previously announced, Manulife capped new purchases to all retail series of four funds, Manulife Global Tactical Fund, Manulife Global Real Estate Fund, Manulife Real Return Strategy Fund and Manulife International Large Cap Fund effective June 19, 2009 . The funds will now be terminated on or about Friday December 11, 2009 .

    
    About Manulife Investments
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Manulife Investments is the brand name describing certain Canadian subsidiaries and operating divisions of Manulife Financial Corporation that offer personal wealth management products and services in Canada . As one of Canada's leading integrated financial services providers, Manulife Investments offers a variety of products and services including segregated funds, mutual funds, annuities and guaranteed investment contracts.

    
    About Manulife Financial
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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$437 billion (US$407 billion) as at September 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: Tom Nunn, Manulife Financial, [phone], [email protected]