Manulife Finl - MFC STOCK NEWS

Manulife Investment Management has closed its second private equity co-investment fund, Manulife Co-Investment Partners II, L.P. (MCIP II), with commitments totaling US$683.5 million, surpassing its initial US$600 million target. The fund primarily targets North American middle market companies and is backed by a diversified global investor base. With a strong track record in private equity, Manulife has invested over US$2 billion across 100 co-investments, reinforcing its expertise in the market.

Manulife Investment Management signed a significant 1,000,000 square foot lease with CJ Logistics America at the Locust Grove Distribution Center in Georgia. The facility, part of a 311-acre business park, features state-of-the-art design including 36' clear heights and 146 dock doors. This strategic move expands Manulife's industrial portfolio in a robust market characterized by low vacancy rates and strong rental growth. With assets under management totaling CAD $1.0 trillion (US $834 billion) as of June 30, 2021, the company continues to leverage its global platform for growth.

John Hancock Investment Management has announced a 5 basis point fee reduction for its $12 billion John Hancock Disciplined Value Fund, effective October 1, 2021. This reduction is part of a broader initiative, resulting in fee cuts on over $20 billion in assets under management (AUM) this year. The portfolio aims to outperform in volatile markets, with a management team from Boston Partners. Over the past decade, the fund platform has seen a CAGR of over 15%. As of June 30, 2021, Manulife Investment Management's total AUM reached CAD$1 trillion (US$834 billion).

Manulife Investment Management has appointed Adam Weigold, CFA, as the new head of its municipal fixed-income team, effective September 8, 2021. With over 20 years of experience, Weigold previously managed over US$5 billion in municipal bond assets at Eaton Vance. He will oversee municipal portfolio construction and decision-making for several John Hancock funds, maintaining existing investment strategies. This strategic hire is expected to enhance the firm's capabilities in the rapidly growing municipal bond market, which exceeds $1 trillion in value.

Manulife Financial Corporation announced that its President and CEO, Roy Gori, will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the 22nd Scotiabank Financials Summit on September 9, 2021, starting at 1:30 p.m. ET. This event will be available live and will also have a replay accessible for three months via Manulife's Investor Relations website.

Manulife, trading under the symbol MFC, is a significant international financial services provider with over CAD$1.3 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2021.

Manulife Investment Management's Hancock Natural Resource Group announced the acquisition of over 300,000 acres of pine timberland in eastern Texas on behalf of its client, AP3. This transaction marks HNRG's fourth timberland acquisition in 2021, reinforcing its expertise in the region. With nearly 1 million acres managed in the Western Gulf and approximately 6 million acres overall, the acquisition positions HNRG to leverage favorable market conditions and timber growth. The investment aims for long-term success, capitalizing on recent mill investments.

Manulife has launched "Fuel Up Fridays," a new initiative starting September 10, encouraging employees to engage in collective learning and take afternoons off for mental health. Additionally, the company will provide over 37,000 employees with five extra personal days in 2022 to recognize their efforts during the pandemic. CEO Roy Gori emphasized the importance of supporting team well-being by fostering learning and rest. This initiative follows the earlier launch of the "Elevate" program promoting healthy living and connectivity among employees.

On August 19, 2021, John Hancock Investment Management launched the John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (ticker: JHMB), subadvised by Manulife Investment Management. This is the second actively managed fixed-income ETF introduced in 2021, with the first being the John Hancock Corporate Bond ETF (ticker: JHCB) in March. The new ETF aims for high current income, investing at least 80% of its net assets in mortgage-backed securities. As of June 30, 2021, John Hancock's ETF offerings grew to 17, managing nearly $5 billion in assets.

Manulife Investment Management, through Rio Verde Holding Ltda., acquired two eucalyptus plantation companies in Mato Grosso do Sul from Copa Gestão de Investimentos Ltda. for sustainable forestry management. This acquisition expands Manulife’s timberland portfolio in Brazil, vital for meeting the rising demand for bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp. The plantations leverage state-of-the-art technology, enhancing growth and sustainability. With this, Manulife manages around 5.7 million acres of timberland globally, emphasizing its commitment to responsible investing.