Nationwide Financial(R) Subsidiary Receives Glowing Customer Reviews in Defined Contribution Survey

Nationwide Financial(R) Subsidiary Receives Glowing Customer Reviews in Defined Contribution Survey The 401(k) Company wins 24 Best in Class awards COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:NFS) today announced The 401(k) Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary, earned high marks in PLANSPONSOR magazine's 2004 Defined Contribution Survey. The 401(k) Company received a total of 24 Best in Class awards, winning four awards in the small-plans category, three awards in the mid-plans category and 17 awards in the large-plans category. "We set the bar for service and accuracy in the large-plans category by taking 17 of 18 possible awards," said Jerry Bramlett, president and founder of The 401(k) Company. "We are dedicated to providing absolute quality in all areas of our firm. It's very gratifying to have our customers recognize this commitment." To qualify for a rating, providers need a minimum of 30 total client responses and at least 10 responses in each asset category to be considered for an award in that category. Best in Class awards are given to providers that have top quartile scores for each service category within each asset class. "The success of The 401(k) Company echoes Nationwide Financial's commitment to servicing its retirement plan customers," said Duane Meek, senior vice president of Nationwide Financial's retirement plans businesses. "Our customers are at the heart of the 'On Your Side' promise and we are dedicated to going the extra mile to exceed their expectations." About The 401(k) Company With more than $13 billion in assets under administration, The 401(k) Company specializes in full-service plan administration with a focus on quality, customization, technology and flexibility. About Nationwide Financial(R) Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:NFS), a publicly traded company based in Columbus, Ohio, provides a variety of financial services that help consumers invest(i) and protect their long-term assets, and offers retirement plans and services through both public- and private-sector employers. It's part of the Nationwide group of companies, which offers diversified insurance and financial services. The group is led by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which is ranked No. 118 on the Fortune 500 based on 2003 revenue.(ii) For more information, visit http://www.nationwide.com/ . (i) Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member NASD. In MI only: Nationwide Investment Svcs. Corporation. (ii) Fortune Magazine, April 2004 Contacts: Jeff Botti (614) 249-6339 bottij@nationwide.com Danny Ischy (512) 344-3914 danny.ischy@the401kcompany.com Source: Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. CONTACT: Jeff Botti of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., +1-614-249-6339, or bottij@nationwide.com ; or Danny Ischy of The 401(k) Company, +1-512-344-3914, or danny.ischy@the401kcompany.com Web site: http://www.nationwidefinancial.com/ http://www.nationwide.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/607050.html ------- Profile: International Entertainment