Lincoln Announces Exclusive Strategic Collaboration with BlackRock to Develop a First of Its Kind Guaranteed Income Strategy Designed Specifically for Fee-Based Advisors and Their Clients

RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC) announces an exclusive strategic
collaboration with BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) to help fee-based advisors solve
their clients’ retirement income challenges with the development of a
new variable annuity, Lincoln Core Income^(SM),
built with iShares. Designed with an investment selection
comprised exclusively of ETFs, this lower-cost strategy built
specifically for fee-based advisors provides guaranteed income for life
that can increase each year.

“Retirement savers are facing unprecedented challenges. People are
living longer, equity markets are volatile and interest rates remain
low, putting more pressure on their savings to work harder for longer to
provide adequate income,” said Will Fuller, President, Annuity
Solutions, Lincoln Financial Distributors and Lincoln Financial Network.
“Annuities can provide income for life that is guaranteed and an
essential strategy for savers who want to know they have predictable
income.”

“A shift by advisors towards fee-based models is a growing trend,” said
Salim Ramji, Head of BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory business. “Lincoln
and BlackRock are collaborating to meet the need of advisors looking for
simpler ways to help clients meet their retirement income goals with
more low-cost, quality options using ETFs.”

This exclusive strategic collaboration combines Lincoln’s expertise in
building annuities that deliver guaranteed lifetime income with
BlackRock’s iShares portfolio construction and investment management
expertise. Lincoln Core Income^(SM),
built with iShares, which is anticipated to be
available in the first quarter of 2017, will have several notable
features:

• No surrender charge;
• Lower cost, all in under 2.0%;
• Guaranteed income that increases each year;
• Underlying funds comprised entirely of iShares ETFs; and
• Return of investment death benefit.

“Fee-based advisors want a simple, transparent and lower cost strategy
without a surrender charge that fits the way they serve their clients,”
concluded Fuller. “Lincoln Core Income^(SM),
built with iShares can provide savers with the equivalent of a
paycheck for life that increases every year. We fully expect this
product to be welcomed by retiring baby boomers and the advisors that
serve them.”

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower
people to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and
optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement,
insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their
lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against
long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln
Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation
(NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $228 billion in assets
under management as of September 30, 2016. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com.
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Disclosure

Lincoln Financial Group® affiliates, their distributors, and their
respective employees, representatives, and/or insurance agents do not
provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any tax statements contained
herein were not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for
the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state, or local tax penalties.
Please consult your own independent advisor as to any tax, accounting,
or legal statements made herein.

Variable annuities are long-term investment products designed for
retirement purposes and are subject to market fluctuation, investment
risk, and possible loss of principal. Variable annuities contain both
investment and insurance components and have fees and charges, including
mortality and expense, administrative, and advisory fees. The under 2.0%
cost will reflect contract charges and fees after contractual waivers.
Charges and fees could change in the future. Optional features will be
available for an additional charge. The annuity’s value fluctuates with
the market value of the underlying investment options, and all assets
accumulate tax-deferred. Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary
income and, if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to an additional
10% federal tax. Withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and cash
surrender value.

Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks,
and charges and expenses of the variable annuity and its underlying
investment options carefully before investing. When available, a
pending variable annuity prospectus will contain this and other
important information about the variable annuity and its underlying
investment options. A registration statement relating to these
securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
but has not yet become effective. Information contained therein
and herein is subject to completion or amendment. The securities
may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the
registration statement becomes effective. When available, a copy
of the prospectus may be obtained by calling 888-868-2583. Read it
carefully before investing or sending money. Products and features are
subject to state availability.

Lincoln variable annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life
Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN,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.

Contracts sold in New York (contract forms 30070-A-NY and 30070-B-NY)
are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY,
and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer.

All contract and rider guarantees, including those for optional
benefits, fixed subaccount crediting rates, or annuity payout rates, are
subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They
are not backed by the broker-dealer or insurance agency from which this
annuity is purchased, or any affiliates of those entities other than the
issuing company affiliates, and none makes any representations or
guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuer.

LCN-1658247-120616

Contacts

Lincoln Financial Group
Michael Arcaro
484-583-1799
Michael.Arcaro@lfg.com
or
Chris
Murray
484-583-6625
chris.murray@lfg.com