Lincoln Financial Group, Primerica Form Strategic Alliance to Offer Clients New Retirement Solutions

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Financial Distributors (LFD), the wholesale distribution subsidiary of Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC), a leader in retirement-income solutions, and Primerica, Inc. (NYSE: PRI), the largest independent financial services marketing company in North America, announced today that they have formed a strategic alliance enabling approximately 82,000 of the company's 92,000 licensed representatives to offer Lincoln's Fixed Indexed Annuity product as part of its suite of retirement planning solutions.

"Lincoln and Primerica share a commitment to helping Americans plan for their retirements with affordable products that offer upside potential with downside protection," said Will Fuller, President and CEO of Lincoln Financial Distributors. "Our partnership provides Primerica representatives with new tools to help empower their clients to take control of their savings and strengthens Lincoln's position in the middle market segment."

Glenn Williams, President of Primerica, said, "We are excited to be in a partnership with a great company like Lincoln Financial.  We are always looking to improve access to quality products that are appropriate for, and will help our reps better serve our 'Main Street' market."

Implementation of the alliance will occur in two phases: the first phase will start immediately and the final phase, including an official national distribution launch, is scheduled early in 2012. Starting this month, pre-selected Primerica representatives from across the country will begin offering Lincoln's well-regarded Lincoln New Directions® and OptiChoice(SM) (7 year surrender only) to their target middle market. These products are designed for a predictable return with growth potential and to ensure income distribution during retirement years.

In addition, Lincoln announced that it is putting in place a dedicated Primerica team which will be focused on coordinated activities from its back office to its field wholesalers and internal sales support. To ensure Lincoln maximizes this effort, Lincoln has appointed John Chidwick National Sales Manager for this new channel.  

In this role, reporting to John Kennedy, Head of Lincoln's Retirement Solutions Distribution, Chidwick will lead initiatives for maintaining key relationships within Primerica and throughout the Lincoln enterprise to ensure consistency, and that Primerica representatives have the right resources and support systems in place.

Prior to this role, since 2007, Chidwick served as a divisional sales manager for Lincoln. Earlier in his career, he held a number of leadership positions for The Hartford and AIG.

About Primerica, Inc.

Primerica, Inc. (NYSE: PRI), headquartered in Duluth, GA, is a leading distributor of financial products to middle-income families in North America. Primerica representatives assist clients in meeting their needs for term life insurance, savings and investments and other financial products. In addition, Primerica provides an entrepreneurial full or part-time business opportunity for individuals seeking to earn income by distributing its financial products. Primerica insures 4.3 million lives and more than 2 million clients maintain investment accounts with the 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 $153 billion as of September 30, 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.

Lincoln New Directions® fixed indexed annuities (contract form 94-523 and state variations) are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so. Contractual obligations are backed by the claims-paying ability of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.

Lincoln OptiChoice(SM) flexible premium deferred annuity (contract form 05-607, or state variation) is a fixed indexed annuity issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and may not be available in all states (may be referred to as "equity indexed annuity" in certain states). The contract may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. Contract guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.

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SOURCE Lincoln Financial Group