M&A - JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST

Form Type: DEFA14A

Filing Date: 2025-03-24

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525061378

Filing Summary: John Hancock Investment Trust is soliciting votes for a proposal regarding the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the John Hancock Small Cap Value Fund and the John Hancock Small Cap Core Fund. The reorganization involves transferring all assets from the Small Cap Value Fund to the Small Cap Core Fund, with shares distributed proportionately to shareholders. Both funds share the same investment objective of long-term capital appreciation. The Board of Trustees recommends a vote in favor of the proposal, indicating no anticipated changes to the investment objective or principal investment policies as a result of this transaction. Shareholders are encouraged to vote before the Special Meeting scheduled for April 3, 2025.

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Form Type: 497K

Filing Date: 2025-02-28

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525042408

Filing Summary: The Board of Trustees of John Hancock Investment Trust has voted to recommend a reorganization of the John Hancock ESG International Equity Fund into the John Hancock Global Environmental Opportunities Fund. Shareholders of ESG International Equity as of February 5, 2025, will be entitled to vote on this tax-free reorganization, which is expected to be finalized by April 25, 2025, if approved. ESG International Equity will transfer all assets to Global Environmental Opportunities and, in return, shareholders will receive shares of Global Environmental Opportunities. ESG International Equity will be terminated post-reorganization. Existing shareholders may continue to purchase and redeem shares until the Closing Date, while new investors will not be able to purchase shares, with specific exceptions for certain accounts. Important tax designations and further information will be provided through Form 1099-DIV and a proxy statement-prospectus, available online and via a toll-free number for inquiries.

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Form Type: 497K

Filing Date: 2025-02-28

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525042410

Filing Summary: John Hancock Investment Trust's Board approved a reorganization of the John Hancock Seaport Long/Short Fund into John Hancock Disciplined Value Global Long/Short Fund. This merger is expected to be tax-free and will involve the transfer of Seaport Long/Short's assets to Disciplined Value Global Long/Short in exchange for shares. The merger is set to take place on April 4, 2025, and Seaport Long/Short will continue to accept purchases and redemptions from existing shareholders until that date, although new investments will be restricted. An information statement and prospectus regarding the merger became available on February 21, 2025. Seaport Long/Short will make the final distributions necessary for tax purposes, and relevant tax information will be reported accordingly. Investors are advised to review the information statement/prospectus for comprehensive details regarding objectives, strategies, and risks associated with the funds.

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Form Type: DEFA14A

Filing Date: 2025-02-26

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525036791

Filing Summary: JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST filed a DEFA14A Proxy Statement regarding a special shareholder meeting scheduled for April 3, 2025, related to the ESG International Equity Fund. The primary agenda item is to approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with John Hancock Global Environmental Opportunities Fund. This agreement entails the transfer of all assets from the ESG International Equity Fund to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund, which will be distributed among shareholders. The Acquiring Fund will assume substantially all liabilities of the Fund. The document emphasizes the importance of shareholder voting and provides various methods for participation. Voting is open until April 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and encourages shareholders to act promptly.

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Form Type: 497

Filing Date: 2025-02-21

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525030886

Filing Summary: An information statement and prospectus has been filed regarding the reorganization of the John Hancock Seaport Long/Short Fund (the 'Acquired Fund') into the John Hancock Disciplined Value Global Long/Short Fund (the 'Acquiring Fund'). This merger involves transferring all assets from the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Fund, with the Acquiring Fund assuming its liabilities. The Reorganization is scheduled to occur after the close of trading on April 4, 2025, with shares issued to shareholders of the Acquired Fund, distributed in proportion to their holdings. Importantly, there will be no sales charges on shares received by shareholders. The transaction aims to consolidate funds to pursue similar investment objectives and benefit from reduced costs due to a larger asset base. The combined funds' expense ratios are expected to be lower than those of the individual funds. The advisory fee rates will also adjust as the Acquiring Fund has a lower fee structure compared to the Acquired Fund. The document outlines specific class share details and the rationale behind this strategic merger, which is deemed advantageous for shareholder interests.

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Form Type: 497

Filing Date: 2025-02-14

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525027164

Filing Summary: This document details a proposed merger of John Hancock ESG International Equity Fund (the 'Target Fund') into John Hancock Global Environmental Opportunities Fund (the 'Acquiring Fund'). The merger aims to benefit shareholders by offering expected economies of scale, potentially lower expenses, and continuity of management. Both funds share a similar investment objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation and invest primarily in environmental companies. A special shareholder meeting is scheduled for April 3, 2025, to vote on the proposal. Approval of shareholders is required for the reorganization to proceed, and details regarding the voting process and timelines are included. The Board of Trustees recommends voting in favor of the merger, outlining that if not approved, alternative actions may include maintaining the Target Fund as a standalone or liquidating it.

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Form Type: 497

Filing Date: 2025-02-13

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525026202

Filing Summary: John Hancock Investment Management has proposed a merger of the John Hancock ESG International Equity Fund (the 'Target Fund') with the John Hancock Global Environmental Opportunities Fund (the 'Acquiring Fund'). This Reorganization aims to enhance shareholder value through expected economies of scale and potentially lower expenses. The Target Fund has a market cap of approximately $95 million and primarily invests in stocks of foreign companies that meet sustainability criteria, while the Acquiring Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in securities associated with Environmental Companies. The proposal seeks shareholder approval, with a meeting scheduled for April 3, 2025, to finalize the merger. If approved, shareholders of the Target Fund will receive shares from the Acquiring Fund in proportion to their holdings, and the Target Fund will be terminated after the Reorganization. The combined operation is expected to reduce overall gross shareholder expenses and maintain a similar investment objective, ensuring continuity of management as both funds are advised by the same firm.

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Form Type: 497

Filing Date: 2025-02-12

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525025136

Filing Summary: The document outlines a proposal for a merger between the John Hancock Small Cap Value Fund and the John Hancock Small Cap Core Fund aimed at achieving economies of scale, potentially reducing expenses, and maintaining the same investment objective of long-term capital appreciation. Following the proposed reorganization, the Target Fund will transfer all its assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for shares, which will be distributed to shareholders proportionately. The document emphasizes expected lower operating expense ratios for the combined fund and continuity of management. A special shareholder meeting is scheduled for April 3, 2025, to vote on the agreement, as shareholder approval is required for the reorganization to proceed. The document also discusses the financial implications and reassures that no sales charges will be imposed on shares of the Acquiring Fund received by shareholders.

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Form Type: N-14

Filing Date: 2025-01-21

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525009610

Filing Summary: JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST filed a Form N-14 on January 21, 2025, to propose the merger of the John Hancock Seaport Long/Short Fund (the "Acquired Fund") with the John Hancock Disciplined Value Global Long/Short Fund (the "Acquiring Fund"). This merger is aimed at consolidating similar funds to enhance economies of scale and potentially lower expenses for shareholders. The Trustees of the Acquired Fund have agreed upon this reorganization, which will allow shareholders to transition to a larger fund with a similar investment strategy. The merger is anticipated to be concluded after the close of trading on April 4, 2025. The Acquiring Fund is expected to issue shares to correspond with the net assets of the Acquired Fund, and shareholders will not incur any sales charges. The taxonomy of both funds remains consistent, enabling shareholders to pursue their investment objectives in a combined fund with lower expense ratios. Legal and operational costs are expected to be reduced due to the merger, thereby benefiting wealth management strategies. The documentation emphasizes the importance of shareholder communication concerning this reorganization, detailing the advantages, objectives, and fund performance. No federal income tax consequences are intended to arise from the merger, ensuring a tax-neutral transition for shareholders. All operational aspects and future advisory arrangements will see continuity under John Hancock Investment Management.

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Form Type: N-14

Filing Date: 2025-01-13

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525005307

Filing Summary: On January 13, 2025, John Hancock Investment Trust filed a Registration Statement under Form N-14 for a proposed merger of the John Hancock ESG International Equity Fund (the 'Target Fund') with the John Hancock Global Environmental Opportunities Fund (the 'Acquiring Fund'). This merger, referred to as the Reorganization, aims to combine the assets of the Target Fund into the Acquiring Fund, wherein shareholders of the Target Fund will receive shares of the Acquiring Fund in substitution for their interests in the Target Fund. The rationale for this merger is to achieve potential economies of scale, lower future expenses, and to align shareholder interests more closely with a fund pursuing similar investment objectives. The meeting for shareholder approval is scheduled for April 3, 2025, and shareholders are encouraged to vote. If shareholders do not approve the merger, the Board may consider alternative actions such as the continuation of the Target Fund as a stand-alone entity or possible liquidation.

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Form Type: N-14

Filing Date: 2025-01-10

Corporate Action: Merger

Type: New

Accession Number: 000119312525004377

Filing Summary: John Hancock Investment Trust filed a registration statement proposing a merger of the John Hancock Small Cap Value Fund (the "Target Fund") with the John Hancock Small Cap Core Fund (the "Acquiring Fund"). This action is aimed at benefiting shareholders by achieving expected economies of scale and reducing expenses over time, as both funds share the same investment objective of long-term capital appreciation. The proposed merger would enhance asset growth potential and reduce operating expense ratios for corresponding share classes. A special shareholder meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2025, to vote on the merger proposal, with shareholders of record as of January 30, 2025, eligible to vote. The filing indicates that if the merger is not approved, the Board may consider other actions, including liquidating the Target Fund or merging it with other funds.

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