Lincoln Financial Introduces New, Solutions-Based Unified Product Portfolio

PHILADELPHIA, April 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today announced the introduction of its new Unified Product Portfolio (UPP), a wide array of life insurance, annuity and linked benefit products. Lincoln plans to make the new product portfolio available through a phased introduction.

"This is truly an example of one plus one equals three," says Mark Konen, President, Lincoln Financial Individual Markets. "UPP is far more than just blending the best products of previous Lincoln Financial and Jefferson-Pilot platforms. We have combined the capabilities and expertise from both organizations, generating considerable horsepower in our product engine. We then channeled that horsepower through a new process of development that put the emphasis on understanding consumer needs and translating that into solutions rather than just new products. The result is a versatile, multi- faceted portfolio of product solutions."

Fruits Of A Successful Merger

On April 3, 2006, the merger between Lincoln Financial Group and Jefferson-Pilot was completed. UPP is the latest in a string of successes since the two companies announced plans to merge in October of 2005. "We developed an integration plan and began execution of that plan precisely on the day we closed the deal," says Dennis Glass, President and COO, Lincoln Financial. "The Unified Product Portfolio is another example of meeting our aggressive integration timelines, with the objective of delivering enhanced products, services and value to our customers."

More Than Retirement Income

Lincoln's new product portfolio helps intermediaries achieve more than just retirement income for their clients, it provides the security of knowing that income will last as long as they do. "'Security' is the key differentiator for our unique suite of products and policy features," says Jon Boscia, Chairman and CEO of Lincoln Financial Group. "There are many branches of the financial services industry that claim to provide retirement income. That's fine for as long as your money lasts. Our new portfolio is designed to provide baby boomers with the means to navigate their retirement years with courage and confidence. And that comes from knowing their monthly income is going to land in their checking account, month after month, for the rest of their lives. A series of unique features and options adds another layer of protection against the hidden risks of retirement planning, such as long term care, market and inflation risk."

The Retirement Wealth Cycle

Lincoln's new product portfolio is designed to offer solutions to baby boomers no matter where they may be in what the company calls the Retirement Wealth Cycle. Each stage in the cycle has different goals as baby boomers pursue retirement income security:

  -- Saving: People in this stage are primarily focused on accumulating
     assets overall, not only for retirement but also for other needs such
     as college costs for children. Concern over wealth protection and
     transfer is usually limited to unexpected events. This stage generally
     includes people who are 10 or more years away from retirement.

  -- Actively planning: Those in this stage are still focused on
     accumulating savings, but they are also interested in protecting their
     nest egg. People who were late to begin saving often enter this stage
     sooner than expected because protecting their savings is even more
     important. Wealth transfer concerns are still probably limited as
     before, though for some taxes may make it a greater issue. This stage
     lasts until retirement begins.

  -- Enjoying: Once people begin their retirement, their overall goals do
     shift but not dramatically. Managing their funds during retirement
     becomes the priority, which means having:
      - assets that produce income,
      - other assets that are growth oriented to maintain a strong income
        base through retirement,
      - some assets that are protection oriented against unexpected
        emergencies or a health crisis that can deplete the income base, and
      - estate planning, which is important to ensure that wealth is
        transferred effectively, while balancing the desire to leave a
        legacy with having enough income to last throughout retirement. This
        stage could be as long as 25 to 30 years.

  Phased Introduction

Lincoln's new product portfolio is scheduled to phase in over the next few months, with fixed products being the first to market. These include universal life products and fixed and indexed annuities. Variable products, including variable annuities and variable universal life, will launch by June, 2007, and term products will launch the following month.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) and its affiliates. With headquarters in Philadelphia, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $234 billion as of December 31, 2006. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life and disability insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; mutual funds; managed accounts; institutional investments; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. Affiliates also include: Delaware Investments, the marketing name for Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries; Lincoln Financial Media, which owns and operates three television stations, 17 radio stations, and the Lincoln Financial Sports production and syndication business; and Lincoln UK. For more information please visit http://www.lfg.com/.