Sun Life Financial celebrates 10th anniversary as a public company

Following a decade of considerable global change, the Company continues to grow and leverage its strengths

TORONTO, March 22 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX/NYSE: SLF) today marks its 10th anniversary since demutualizing and becoming a public company and celebrated the occasion at ceremonies to open the markets at the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange. During this past decade, Sun Life has expanded in size, scope and customer reach in all of its markets.

"This expansion occurred during a decade of considerable global change in the financial marketplace," said Donald A. Stewart, Chief Executive Officer. "We have taken bold action to move our business forward and this has made us what we are today: a sustainable company that is committed to its customers."

Since Sun Life Financial began its first day of trading on March 23, 2000, the average annual total shareholder return (comprised of share price appreciation and dividends) has been 12.3%. The common share price has risen since then from $12.50 (US$8.50) to $31.94 (US$31.39) at March 19, 2010.

"During the past decade, Sun Life Financial has acquired new businesses, forged new partnerships, grown its brand and enhanced its global operations," Stewart said. "The Company's strategy of diversifying across products, distribution and geographies, as well as its strong capital and prudent risk management, has helped it adapt to all economic conditions, not least of which was the recent worldwide financial crisis."

Stewart paid tribute to Sun Life's employees for their work in helping the Company succeed - not just over the last 10 years, but over the course of its rich 145-year history of helping customers achieve their goals.

"We have much to celebrate. Personally, I want to thank all of our employees globally. I'm very proud of all their hard work, dedication and focus. They've helped Sun Life to establish and maintain relationships with millions of customers worldwide, helping them achieve lifetime financial security."

Sun Life is the only North American life insurer to rank as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World in 2010. It has also been recognized for its sustainability efforts through FTSE4Good Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America.

"Investing in the future and in the communities we serve is very important," Stewart said. "The accomplishments from the last 10 years have been significant, and our future is bright for the next 10 years and beyond."

For highlights of Sun Life Financial's history over the last decade and milestones from its 145-year history, please visit www.sunlife.com/history.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2009, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $433 billion (US$411 billion at spot rate of $1.052). For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars except as noted.

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For further information: Media Relations Contact: Teresa Muzzi, Director, Media & Public Relations, Tel: [phone], [email protected]; Investor Relations Contact: Phil Malek, Vice-President, Investor Relations, Tel: [phone], [email protected]