WATERLOO, ON, June 29, 2004 – For the third consecutive year, Manulife
Mutual Funds (a division of Elliott & Page Limited) has been named among the
best in Canada for customer service among its competitors, according to a
survey by Environics Research Group.
“These survey results confirm Manulife’s customer focus and strong
commitment to understanding what our clients want,” says Guy Vaillant, Vice
President Operations, Individual Wealth Management. “We are very proud that
our clients have ranked us number one for the past three years.”
The 2003-2004 Environics survey measured customer service agents of 15
mutual fund companies on various attributes, including professionalism, wait
time, plus overall value-added service to clients. It also measured the
departments as a whole on client service efficiency.
The annual survey was conducted between April of 2003 and March of 2004
and the results of 4,345 telephone calls to client services departments by
advisors and brokers were combined to develop an overall ranking. Manulife
Mutual Funds ranked highest overall at 88.1 per cent.
“Giving that extra bit of service is what it’s all about,” says Robert
Pala, Manager of Client Services. “Every team member is committed to giving
each of our clients the best experience possible. Through these surveys, our
clients are telling us our development program works – that’s incredibly
gratifying.”
About Manulife Investments
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
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group
serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide.
Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and most of Asia, and primarily
through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a
diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services
through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners.
Pro forma funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries
were Cdn$356 billion (US$272 billion) as at March 31, 2004.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE,
and under ‘0945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet
at www.manulife.com.
About the Environics Research Group
Established in 1970, Environics Research Group is one of Canada’s most
respected research companies. It has Canadian offices in Toronto, Montreal,
Ottawa and Calgary. The company’s financial service group specializes in
conducting research with Canada’s personal financial advisors and their
clients.