John Hancock Expands Its Variable Annuity Product Line

BOSTON, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- John Hancock announced today its re-entrance into the L-Share marketplace with the launch of the Venture 4 variable annuity. The product offers clients and advisors access to John Hancock's popular JHT Lifestyle portfolios and innovative features along with full liquidity after four years.

"We are pleased to introduce Venture 4 and continue the tradition of providing products that add real client value to the retirement marketplace," said Marc Costantini, President of John Hancock Annuities. "Venture 4 can help answer the need for lifetime income backed by a financially secure company while also offering the flexibility and liquidity to help meet changing needs during retirement."

Venture 4 expands John Hancock Annuities' variable annuity lineup to three. The other two products are Venture, a traditional B-Share offering, and AnnuityNote, an innovative offering designed to create simpler, lower-cost lifetime income.

"As millions of Baby Boomers enter retirement during this new decade, financial advisors need products that meet their clients' unique needs. Venture 4 complements our current platform of annuity offerings and is designed to attract those who are looking for the features typically found with traditional variable annuities, but with better liquidity features," said Mike Treske, President, John Hancock Wood Logan.

Venture 4 may be purchased with the optional Income Plus For Life withdrawal benefit, which provides lifetime income that has the potential to increase through either deferring withdrawals or locking in potential market gains through the annual step-up provision.

An additional annual fee applies if an investor elects an Income Plus For Life rider. The annual fee of 0.90% (1.20% maximum) is based on the adjusted benefit base and is deducted from the contract value on the anniversary. Upon step-up, the fee may increase to an annual maximum. The step-up may be declined if the fee is raised and the previous Benefit base retained. Additional restrictions and limitations apply. Contact John Hancock for a prospectus for full details.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as 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$437 billion (US$407 billion) as of September 30, 2009.  

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.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

Contact your financial advisor or visit www.jhannuities.com or www.jhannuitiesnewyork.com for more information, including product and fund prospectuses that contain complete details on investment objectives, risks, fees, charges, and expenses as well as other information about the investment company, which should be carefully considered. Please read the prospectuses carefully prior to investing.  The prospectuses contain this and other information on the product and the underlying portfolios.

It is important to understand that IPFL is an optional benefit available with Venture Variable Annuity contracts and cannot be elected without purchasing the annuity contract. These benefits may not be appropriate for those individuals who do not foresee a need for liquidity and whose primary focus is tax deferral. Before considering either benefit, please make sure the annuity is suitable for your investment goals and personal circumstances.

Charges may apply to amounts taken in excess of the withdrawal amount available without a withdrawal charge during the surrender charge period. All withdrawals reduce the death benefit and optional benefits. In addition, withdrawals of taxable amounts will be subject to ordinary income tax and, if made prior to age 59½, a 10% IRS penalty tax may apply.

Venture Annuities and the optional riders, which are available for an additional fee, are not available in all states; product features may vary, subject to state regulation. Variable annuities are not FDIC insured, are long-term contracts designed for retirement purposes, and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.

This information was prepared to support the promotion and marketing of Venture Annuities. Neither John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, John Hancock Distributors LLC, nor any of their representatives provides tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any tax statements contained herein were not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state, or local tax penalties. Please consult your own independent advisor as to any tax, accounting, or legal statements made herein.

Venture Annuities are issued and administered by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Bloomfield Hills, MI, which is not licensed in New York. In New York, Venture Annuities are issued and administered by John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY. Venture Combination Fixed and Variable Annuities are distributed by John Hancock Distributors LLC, member FINRA.

-- Not FDIC Insured

-- Not Bank Guaranteed

-- May Lose Value

-- Not a Deposit

-- Not Insured by Any Government Agency

SOURCE John Hancock Financial Services