Empire Life Investments Wins FundGrade(R) A+ Awards

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 26, 2015) - Empire Life Investments Inc.¹ today announced that their Empire Life Emblem Conservative Portfolio² and Elite Balanced Fund³ were 2014 FundGrade A+ Award winners. The awards ceremony was held January 21^st at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Fundata picks their winners based on an objective score-based calculation that determines the "best of the best" for each calendar year.

"We are very honoured to be recognized as "best of the best" in each of the highly competitive mutual fund and segregated fund industries," said Drew Wallace, President & Chief Executive Officer, Empire Life Investments Inc. "Our Investment Team has worked hard to achieve this A+ rating, which is awarded to less than 4% of investment products available in Canada."

The two award-winning funds exemplify the Empire Life Investments Inc. team's conservative, value-oriented, disciplined investment style, with a strong emphasis on providing downside protection to help build wealth.

Emblem Conservative Portfolio employs a unique tactical overlay that gives the Empire Life Investments Oversight Team the ability to be opportunistic or more defensive in different environments.

Elite Balanced Fund is comprised of 80% equities and 20% fixed income and is suitable for investors seeking potential growth, income, and predictability in their asset mix.

Empire Life Investments has been managing money for Canadians for over 50 years.⁴

About the Fundata Fundgrade A + Rating

The FundGrade A + Rating identifies funds that have been consistent FundGrade A-Grade performers over the past calendar year. It's the only objective rating system available in the market that's based solely on risk-adjusted performance history and that takes into account the consistency with which a fund is ranked at the top of its CIFSC class.

Those interested in the Empire Life Investments suite of products should contact their financial advisor for more information.

1 Empire Life Investments Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Empire Life Insurance Company (Empire Life).

2 Offered by Empire Life Investments Inc.

3 Offered by The Empire Life Insurance Company. Empire Life Investments Inc. is the Portfolio Manager of the Empire Life segregated funds.

4 †The Empire Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary, Empire Life Investments Inc., collectively, have 50 years of experience in managing money. Empire Life Investments Inc. has been managing money since January 2012.

About The Empire Life Insurance Company:

A subsidiary of E-L Financial Corporation Limited and in business since 1923, Empire Life helps Canadians build wealth and protect their financial security with competitive individual and group life and health insurance, investment and retirement products. The company's vision is to be known for simplicity, being easy to do business with, and having a personal touch.