Lincoln Director(SM) Now Exclusively Available for New Sales Through Service Model Supported by TPA Channel

PHILADELPHIA, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Financial Group today announced that its Lincoln Director(SM) group variable annuity-based retirement solution will be available for new sales exclusively through a service model supported by the Third-Party-Administrator (TPA) channel.  The Lincoln Director(SM) solution will continue to offer plan sponsors fiduciary assistance, employee retirement education and communications, and additional opportunities for plan enhancements through value-added services.

"Lincoln's Defined Contribution business, underscored by more than 50 years of retirement product innovation, recognizes the differing needs of each business segment and has tailored its product strategies accordingly," says Eric Levy, Head of Products, Defined Contribution. "While TPA exclusivity for Lincoln Director(SM) is the ideal model for the micro-to-small markets, we will continue to offer a suite of competitive, full-service solutions that address the needs of the mid-and-large end of the market."

TPAs offering Lincoln Director(SM) can rely on an ongoing partnership with Lincoln that couples superior relationship and account management support with excellent customer service. As a plan provider, Lincoln Financial's offering also features fiduciary support, powerful funds management, leading accumulation strategies and an easy-to-do-business-with approach. Current Lincoln Director(SM) full-service retirement plan cases will not be affected by the change.

The Lincoln Director(SM) investment lineup offers a broad range of investment options from leading investment managers, providing plan participants with an opportunity to choose from 90 investment options from 15 fund families. The program also offers a range of innovative distribution options, including Lincoln's patented i4LIFE® Advantage solution that ensures a lifetime of income, with a minimum guarantee and control over assets.

"We recognize the value our TPA partners bring to our smaller case clients and are thrilled to enhance our relationship with them through the shift in distribution," said Fred Bloodgood, TPA Management, Lincoln Financial Distributors.

Group variable annuity contracts are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, on contract form #19476 (and state variations thereof), distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc.

In New York, contracts are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity of New York, Syracuse, NY on contract form #19476NY-A.

The i4LIFE Advantage (rider forms I4LA-EMG and I4LA-EMI) is available on contracts issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company only and is not available in New York.

Contractual obligations are backed by the claims paying ability of the issuing company.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) and its affiliates. With headquarters in the Philadelphia region, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $162 billion as of March 31, 2011. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life, disability and dental insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. For more information, including a copy of our most recent SEC reports containing our balance sheets, please visit www.LincolnFinancial.com.

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SOURCE Lincoln Financial Group