Manulife Financial Corp Announces Strategic Acquisitions and Dividend Declarations
Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading financial protection provider and investment management service company, has made significant strides in expanding its private credit platform and rewarding its shareholders. The company, which operates in Canada, the United States, and Asia, recently announced the acquisition of Comvest Credit Partners and declared dividends for both preferred and common shares.
Acquisition of Comvest Credit Partners
Manulife has acquired Comvest Credit Partners, a rapidly growing middle market private credit manager, in a move that aligns with its strategy to enhance earnings from its highest potential businesses. This acquisition creates a comprehensive US$18.4 billion private credit asset management platform. The transaction, valued at approximately $285 million in cash consideration, was announced by AMG (NYSE:AMG), which sold its interest in Comvest Partners’ private credit business to Manulife. This strategic acquisition is expected to bolster Manulife’s position in the private credit market, providing a robust platform for future growth.
Dividend Declarations
In addition to its strategic acquisition, Manulife has declared dividends for its non-cumulative preferred shares and common shares. The quarterly dividends for the preferred shares are set to be paid on or after September 19, 2025, to shareholders of record as of that date. Similarly, the Board of Directors announced a quarterly common shareholders’ dividend of $0.44 per share, also payable on and after September 19, 2025. These declarations reflect Manulife’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders.
New ETF Launch
Further expanding its investment management services, Manulife John Hancock Investments has launched the John Hancock Disciplined Value Select ETF (NYSE Arca: JDVL). This new actively managed ETF, subadvised by Boston Partners, targets select value opportunities in the U.S. market. It represents the second actively managed ETF launched by the team at Boston Partners, following the company’s strategy to offer diversified investment options to its clients.
Tele2 and GCI Partnership
In a separate development, Tele2 AB has partnered with Global Communications Infrastructure LLC (GCI), backed by Manulife Investment Management, to create the first pan-Baltic tower company. This partnership involves carving out telecom infrastructure assets to establish a comprehensive tower company covering all Baltic countries. This strategic move is expected to enhance infrastructure capabilities in the region.
Financial Overview
As of August 4, 2025, Manulife’s close price was CAD 42.42, with a 52-week high of CAD 46.42 and a low of CAD 33.23. The company boasts a market capitalization of CAD 73.03 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.324. These financial metrics underscore Manulife’s strong market position and potential for sustained growth.
In summary, Manulife Financial Corporation’s recent strategic acquisitions, dividend declarations, and new product launches highlight its proactive approach to growth and shareholder value. The company’s focus on expanding its private credit platform and enhancing its investment management services positions it well for future success in the financial sector.