1st TIER VARIABLE ANNUITY COMPANIES INCREASE SUPPORT TO WHOLESALERS

RICHFORD, VT. — January 28, 2008 — 1st Tier Variable Annuity Distributors have increased the number of Staff/Management supporting the Wholesaler, according to reports published annually by DGL Consultants — "Analysis of Sales Force: Variable Annuity Strategies" and "Cost of Distribution: Variable Annuity Sales Forces."

"The findings in these reports examine key characteristics, including numerous sales force analysis benchmarks separating 1st from 2nd Tier Companies," says Don Lariviere, President of DGL Consultants. "More than ever, companies are successful because they are better able to: (1) determine the most appropriate sales force structure and size; and (2) manage the huge cost of distribution as market conditions and product needs change."

Highlights from Analysis of Sales Force and Cost of Distribution reports include:

• 2nd Tier Group Wholesalers average $11,000 more base compensation compensation.
• Top vs. Average 1st Tier Wholesalers earn 8% more incentive compensation.
• Top vs. Average 2nd Tier Companies employ 13% more Inside Sales personnel per Wholesaler.
• Greater percent of 1st Tier Single-Channel Variable Annuity Wholesalers sell through Wire House Channel.
• 1st Tier Companies average 200% more Wholesalers per Company than 2nd Tier.

These reports are designed to provide reliable and comprehensive information to support the planning and evaluation needs of Annuity Distributors. In order to make valid peer comparisons, 1st and 2nd Tier Group Companies are categorized as top-performing or average-performing based upon sales production per Wholesaler.

Established in 1984, DGL Consultants is a retained executive search and management consulting firm that helps its clients nationwide. DGL is also a leading provider of proprietary, product-specific sales reports. The company's publications include the industry standard "Annual Sales Compensation Survey & Analysis" and a series of reports that support strategic planning and assess the needs of financial product distributors. Clients are exclusively Mutual Fund, Annuity, Managed Money and Retirement Services Companies.

For more information, methodology and universes may be viewed here.