M&A - John Hancock Funds II

Form Type: DEFA14A

Filing Date: 2025-06-04

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525134600

Filing Summary: The document outlines a Special Meeting of Shareholders for the John Hancock New Opportunities Fund scheduled on August 6, 2025. Shareholders are requested to vote on a proposal to approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the Fund and the John Hancock Small Cap Dynamic Growth Fund. Under this agreement, all assets of the New Opportunities Fund will be transferred to the Small Cap Dynamic Growth Fund in exchange for shares of the latter, which will be proportionately distributed to shareholders. The document emphasizes that the two funds share the same long-term capital appreciation investment objective and informs that the existing portfolio managers are expected to continue managing the combined fund post-reorganization. Shareholders are encouraged to vote in favor of the recommendation from the Board of Trustees.

Form Type: 497

Filing Date: 2025-05-29

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525130550

Filing Summary: John Hancock Funds II has proposed a merger between the John Hancock New Opportunities Fund (Target Fund) and the John Hancock Small Cap Dynamic Growth Fund (Acquiring Fund). This merger aims to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and enhance economies of scale for both funds. The expected benefits include lower operating expense ratios post-merger and continuity of management, as John Hancock Investment Management LLC will remain as the advisor for the combined fund. Shareholders are invited to vote on this proposal at a special meeting scheduled for August 6, 2025. Should the merger not receive approval, the Board may consider other options, including liquidating the Target Fund or keeping it operational as a standalone fund. The document provides details about share class comparisons, expected expense ratios, and the rationale behind the proposed merger, emphasizing that both funds target long-term capital appreciation and share similar investment objectives.

Form Type: 497K

Filing Date: 2025-03-27

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: Update

Accession Number: 000119312525065497

Filing Summary: On March 24-27, 2025, the Board of Trustees of John Hancock Funds II recommended that shareholders approve a reorganization of the New Opportunities Fund into the Small Cap Dynamic Growth Fund. This merger is expected to be tax-free, with the reorganization occurring on or about August 22, 2025, subject to shareholder approval at a meeting scheduled for August 15, 2025. Shareholders of record as of May 9, 2025, will be eligible to vote, and until the Closing Date, New Opportunities will remain open to purchases and redemptions from existing shareholders. However, it will not accept new investors' orders after April 28, 2025. Prior to the reorganization, any dividends paid will follow the current dividend option for each account. This filing does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation regarding the reorganization. A proxy statement and prospectus with further details will be available around May 27, 2025.

Form Type: 497

Filing Date: 2025-01-03

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525001059

Filing Summary: On December 10-12, 2024, the Board of Trustees of John Hancock Funds II met and voted to recommend the shareholders of the Small Cap Value Fund approve a proposed tax-free reorganization of the fund into the John Hancock Small Cap Core Fund. Shareholders of record as of January 30, 2025, will vote on the matter during a meeting set for April 10, 2025. Upon approval, Small Cap Value will transfer its assets in exchange for shares of Small Cap Core, which will assume most of its liabilities. The reorganization is expected to close on or about April 25, 2025. Until then, Small Cap Value remains open to existing shareholder transactions but will not accept new purchases starting January 13, 2025. Dividends will be paid according to the current options, and shareholders are advised to refer to tax reporting documents for any gains. The reorganization details will be further outlined in a forthcoming proxy statement and prospectus, due around February 10, 2025.

Form Type: 497K

Filing Date: 2025-01-03

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525001061

Filing Summary: On January 3, 2025, John Hancock Funds II announced a proposed reorganization of the Small Cap Value Fund into the John Hancock Small Cap Core Fund. This reorganization, which is anticipated to be tax-free, requires shareholder approval with a meeting scheduled for April 10, 2025. Shareholders of record as of January 30, 2025, will be eligible to vote. The reorganization involves the transfer of all assets from Small Cap Value to Small Cap Core in exchange for shares of the latter, with Small Cap Core assuming most liabilities of Small Cap Value. If approved, the reorganization is set to take place around April 25, 2025, after which Small Cap Value will be terminated. The Small Cap Value Fund will continue operations for existing shareholders until the closing date but will cease to accept new investors from January 13, 2025, except for certain existing accounts. Relevant information will be provided in a proxy statement and prospectus available by February 10, 2025. Additionally, measures are in place to satisfy IRS requirements regarding capital gains distributions for the fund's final taxable year.