TORONTO, May 30, 2005 – For the fourth 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 an ongoing study by Environics Research Group.
“Customer service is a critical element of our business because it’s an integral part of product delivery,” says Guy Vaillant, Vice President Operations. “We will continue to invest in the competency and skills of our people who are the backbone of our service delivery.”
The 2004 – 2005 Call Audit study measured customer service representatives of 15 mutual fund companies on various attributes including: professionalism, wait time, plus overall value-added service to clients. It also measured the departments on aspects of client service efficiency.
The annual Call Audit study was conducted between April 2004 and March 2005 and the results of approximately 4,500 telephone calls to client service departments by advisors and brokers were combined to develop an overall ranking. Manulife Mutual Funds ranked highest in the study with an overall score of 86.4 out of a possible 100 points.
“Going above and beyond our service requirements is how our team has achieved continued success”, says Robert Pala, Manager of Client Services. “We are committed to meet every client expectation, and then we exceed those expectations to ensure each client receives the best experience possible.”
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 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. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$350.3 billion as at March 31, 2005.
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. Questions about this research may be directed to Hugh Murphy, Vice President, Environics Research Group at (416) 969-2829.
