TORONTO, Feb. 25 2008 – For the seventh consecutive year, Manulife Mutual Funds, a division of Elliott & Page Limited, has been named the best in Canada for client service among its competitors, according to an ongoing study by Environics Research Group.
“Client Service excellence is a major contributor to our business success,” says Guy Vaillant, Vice President, Individual Wealth Management Operations, Manulife Financial. “I am pleased that for the seventh consecutive year our Mutual Fund Client Service Team has been recognized as being the best in fulfilling our distributors’ needs in service leadership.”
The 2007 Call Audit study measured client service representatives at 15 mutual fund companies on various skills including: professionalism, knowledge, plus overall value-added service to clients. It also measured client service efficiency.
The annual Call Audit study executed between January and December 2007 was based on about 4,500 telephone calls to client service departments by advisors, brokers and their assistants. Manulife Mutual Funds ranked highest in the study with an overall score of 85.7 out of a possible 100 points, above the industry average of 80.8.
“I am extremely proud of our Manulife Mutual Funds Client Service Team,” says Cathy Beck, Manager, Client Service. “Our commitment to service starts with hiring the best talent. Our people make the difference. Everyone on the Operations Team is committed to providing the best possible service to our advisors.”
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 David MacDonald, Vice President, Environics Research Group at (416) 969-2814.
About Manulife Investments
Manulife Investments is the brand name describing certain Canadian subsidiaries and operating divisions of Manulife Financial Corporation that offers 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, guaranteed interest contracts and principal-protected notes.
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$396 billion (US$401 billion) as at December 31, 2007.
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.