January 24, 2001

 

 Headlines---

      Mellon Leasing for Sale?

       Correction: Saddleback Does Not Accept Broker Business

         Equifax/UAEL Announcement "Now Official"

      Penske Truck Leasing Commences Tender Offer

        Heller Puts "Spin" on Being Downgraded to "Stable" by Fitch

        also adds," (the economy) faces a credit crunch that could impair

             smaller lessors' ability to compete effectively,"   

        Merill-Lynch Says "Rocky Road" and It Tastes Like Ice Cream for Bond Buyers

     Progress Finance Declares Divident ( yes, there are a number of leasing

        companies doing very well today.editor )

          New Wireless Management to Revolutionize Biz

 

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     Correction: Saddleback Does Not Accept Broker Business

 

Kit,

 

Please revise your comment/summary for Saddleback Financial Corporation.

 

"Saddleback Financial ( 1/2001 Prez. Warren Emard in business, looking for new business from brokers."

 

Saddleback is still in business, but we have never actively sought out Broker business.  We are

still originating business through vendors and directly to lessees.  Please delete the comment

about broker business as we do not accept broker business.  It is our understanding that broker

business should be referred to BSB.

 

Thanks.

 

**********************************************

Rich Balkcum

Saddleback Financial Corporation

625 The City Drive, Suite 140

Orange, CA 92868

tel. 714-938-9500 x309 * fax 714-938-9510

**********************************************

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   Mellon Leasing for Sale?

 

" Mellon US Leasing was told last Tuesday that the division is for sale. They were told it would not be sold to a competitor, which leads him to believe there may be an overseas suitor. He said Mellon booked about $1 billion in leases last year. Apparently the sales staff was given

retention bonuses, and most of them have a lot in the pipeline, so they plan to stay. My friend

actually thinks it will be positive since Mellon tightened up the credit standards quite

substantially after purchasing US Leasing."

 

  Name With Held

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

  LeaseExchange.com

 

It is our goal to be accurate and fair, report the news, and in our experience

from Metrolease to UniCapital and others we hear things first as "rumors."  We

understand from two reliable sources that LeaseExchange is "automated" and

up and running, but they have very limited funds. Many people have

been let go.

 

We hear other eLease companies who received "investment money" are running on "low" as

the internet is not bringing them enough money even to make overhead.

Some have cut back, cutting the overhead, but very few of them have

entered the "black." These companies are basically "automated" super brokers,

or "aggregate funders," as they like to call themselves.  Several other names have been reported to us, and I have confirmed with principals as a reporter, but on a confidential

basis.  Many of the actual funding sources are more aware about the "volume" and it

appears that without additional venture capital, many of the eLease companies will not been

around in three to six months, except perhaps in an "on line" basis only.  Something

like "auto pilot."

 

         editor

 

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      Reaction to:    Association Membership Dues Comparison

               

                         http://www.leasingnews.org/links_section.htm

 

Great job, Kit! I really don't know why you are in the leasing business as

your heart and talents are obviously in journalism. I saved your report and

even printed it on real paper to put in a binder (computers don't always

work; paper does). Thanks for providing the leasing business with this

remarkably valuable service.

 

Bob T.

BoTei@aol.com

( Bob Teichman, Teichman Financial Training )

 

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   Barney Miller----

 

Kit.....Abe Vigoda is alive and well and living in NYC. Before I left

Copelco/CitiCapital in Sept.'00, I had the pleasure of standing on a grocery

line with Mr.Vigoda. He has aged quite a bit, but what a class act. He was

in from NYC visiting his grandchildren, who were in a local school play that

evening. Your e-mail blurp just sparked that memory.

Regards,

Shawn McGill,VenServ

smcgill@venserv.com

 

P.S. Citicorp purchased Copelco Capital in 5/00!

 

  ( She was referring to the Detective Fish in "Barney Miller," the tv show

    anniversary premiere was yesterday. The announcement was 4/00,

    but McGill is correct, and we will correct the Citicorp date. Thank you.

    We are still looking for accurate dates for the following:

              merican Business Leasing ( gone )

  The Bancorp Group, Inc. (Southfield, MI) (Not accepting news business. The  

      BOD of the parent bank is assessing what to do with the leasing

      subsidiary.....currently servicing portfolio but not originating. no longer in

          business )

 Bankvest (bankrupt) .

 Imperial Credit Industries (ICII) ( sold portfolio )

 Leasing Solutions , San Jose( bankrupt )

 Merit Leasing ( gone )

 Prime Leasing, Minnesota ( no longer doing business )

 Rockford ( sold to American Express )

 USA Capital Leasing ( gone-bk )

 

The List can be viewed "on line" at: http://www.leasingnews.org/list.htm

( as reported last week and we posted, but they asked us to remove for

    the formal announcement today. )

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Equifax Launches Small Business Financial Exchange to SupportLending to Small Businesses

 

   ( we reported on this last week, then they asked us to remove from our

     site, and we accomodated them.  Here is the official announcement today.

     editor )

 

Top US Lenders to Participate in Commercial Exchange 

 

United Association of Equipment Leasing to Support

 

ATLANTA, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today announced a revolutionary new

service capability -- a member-owned data exchange to assist financial institutions in making

credit decisions about small businesses.  Managed by Equifax to meet the needs of top U.S. banks and lenders, the Small Business Financial Exchange will enable member financial institutions to report and maintain comprehensive trade data on small businesses.

 

"The Small Business Financial Exchange fills a critical gap in the lending community," said Tom

Chapman, chairman and chief executive officer of Equifax Inc.  "It's the first and only source

for lenders to see the total aggregated loan exposure and performance of small business owners.  Equifax's comprehensive expertise as the trusted steward of information makes the Exchange possible."  The Exchange will provide data on loans, credit card exposure and leasing history, with the ability to integrate consumer data to provide a total picture of a small business

owner's risk and exposure.

 

The Small Business Financial Exchange, which will be available in the second quarter of 2001, is Equifax's second commercial credit exchange and reflects the company's experience gained with fourteen domestic and over thirty worldwide exchanges.

 

Fifteen of the 20 largest U.S. small business lenders currently are members.  They include:

Advanta Corporation (Nasdaq: ADVNB ADVNA), AmSouth Bancorporation (NYSE: ASO), Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC), Bank One Corporation (NYSE: ONE), BB&T Corporation (NYSE: BBT), Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF), SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI), United Association of Equipment Leasing (UAEL), Wachovia Corporation (NYSE: WB) and Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC).

"The Small Business Financial Exchange will profoundly impact the ability of financial

institutions to support the small business community, now estimated at 25 million by the Small

Business Administration," said Bill Catucci, executive vice president, Equifax Information

Services.

 

A recent survey conducted by the National Small Business United organization and Arthur Andersen found that 24 percent of small and mid-sized businesses are unable to obtain adequate financing.  The lack of information available to lenders can contribute to the number of small businesses that do not qualify for loans.  Addressing this deficiency, the Exchange will assist members in managing acquisition risk, preventing fraud, managing portfolios and locating "skipped" accounts.

 

"By creating a quality credit repository, the Small Business Financial Exchange will greatly

enhance our lending capability to the small business market," said John Donohoe, consumer credit risk management executive, Bank of America.  "It will help us to make loans faster and improve the quality and efficiency of the credit decisions process which equates to better service for our customers."

 

"The Small Business Financial Exchange initiative is critical to the continued success of small

business lenders, regardless of portfolio size," said Marc L. Bernstein, executive

vice-president and Business Direct division manager at Wells Fargo Bank.  "I can think of

nothing more important in "decisioning" a small business's credit than knowing what other bank

loans that business already has and how they have managed them.  Equifax is addressing what has

been up until now a disturbing blind spot in our business."

 

"The concept of a member-owned and managed data exchange is extremely appealing considering the current evolution in reporting business performance data," said Steve Bauer, vice president and national risk manager for Business and Community Banking at Bank One.  "This exchange has the potential to change the entire informational landscape for extending business credit.  The framework is set to attract vast amounts of predictive and meaningful data."

 

"The UAEL, which represents more than 500 equipment lessors, brokers and funding sources

throughout North America, is pleased to represent the equipment leasing industry," said Bob

Rodi, president of the United Association of Equipment Leasing.  He added, "We are certain that

our members can make a valuable contribution that will lead to better portfolio management,

thereby improving the availability of equipment leases and loans to our customer base."

 

About Equifax Inc.

 

Equifax (www.equifax.com ), a worldwide leader in enabling and securing global commerce, brings buyers and sellers together through its information management, transaction processing, direct marketing, and customer relationship management businesses.  Atlanta-based Equifax serves the financial services, retail, credit card, telecommunications/utilities, transportation,

information technology and health care industries and government.  Equifax offers knowledge,

expertise, convenience and security to provide value-added solutions and processes for its

customers wherever they do business, including the Internet and other networks.  Equifax employs about 13,000 associates in 17 countries with sales in almost 50 and has $1.9 billion in revenue.

Statements in this press release that relate to Equifax's future plans, objectives,

expectations, performance, events and the like are "forward- looking statements" within the

meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Future events, risks and uncertainties, individually or in the aggregate, could cause

actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements.  Those

factors could include changes in worldwide and U.S. economic conditions that materially impact

consumer spending and consumer debt, changes in demand for the Company's products and services, risks associated with the integration of acquisitions and other investments, and other factors discussed in the "Forward-looking Information" section in the management's discussion and analysis included at Part II, Item 7 in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, and 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2000.

 

CONTACT:  Dave Mooney of Equifax Inc., 404-885-8117, or  

 

dave.mooneyl@equifax.com , or Caroline Campbell of Ketchum,  

 

404-879-9277, or caroline.campbell@ketchum.com , for Equifax  

 

Inc.

 

SOURCE  Equifax Inc.

 

CO:  Equifax Inc.; Advanta Corporation; AmSouth Bancorporation; Bank of      America

Corporation; Bank One Corporation; BB&T Corporation; Capital One      Financial Corporation;

SunTrust Banks, Inc.; United Association of      Equipment Leasing; Wachovia Corporation; Wells Fargo & Company

 

ST:  Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois,      California

 

IN:  FIN CPR MLM

 

SU:  PDT JVN

 

01/24/2001 08:30 EST http://www.prnewswire.com

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   Progress Financial Corporation Declares Cash Dividend

 

BLUE BELL, Pa., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Progress Financial Corporation

(Nasdaq: PFNC) (the "Company") has declared its regular quarterly cash dividend on its common

stock, according to W. Kirk Wycoff, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  The cash dividend of $.06 per share will be paid on February 16, 2001 to shareholders of record on

January 31, 2001.

 

Progress Financial Corporation is a unitary thrift holding company headquartered in Blue Bell,

Pennsylvania.  The business of the Company consists primarily of the operation of Progress Bank, which serves businesses and consumers through sixteen full service offices.  The Company also offers a diversified array of financial services including equipment leasing through Progress Leasing Company, with offices in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and financial planning services and investments through Progress Financial Resources, Inc., headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and asset based lending through Progress Business Credit.  In addition, the Company also conducts commercial mortgage banking and brokerage services through Progress Realty Advisors, Inc. with locations in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania; Richmond and Chesapeake, Virginia; Woodbridge, New Jersey; and Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Company also receives fees for the construction and
development of assisted living communities through Progress Development

Corporation; venture capital activities managed by Progress Capital Management, Inc.; and

financial and operational management consulting services for commercial clients through KMR

Management, Inc. located in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.  The Company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, National Market under the Symbol "PFNC".

 

SOURCE  Progress Financial Corporation  

 

CO:  Progress Financial Corporation

 

  ( full report at end of Leasing News )

 

 

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  CarBiz.com to exchange equity for assets of Automotive FinanceCorporation the financing arm of

     ALLETE's automotive services division

 

 

TORONTO, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ - CarBiz.com Inc. (CDNX: CZ), a leading provider of Internet and software solutions to the North American automotive industry, today announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent with US-based Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC) - a division of ALLETE

Corporation (NYSE: ALE) - to exchange a portion of its equity for AFC's Micro 21 assets, in an all stock deal valued at US$1.8 million, subject to regulatory and Exchange approval.

 

The purchase price will be paid by the issuance of 2,500,000 Series A Units and 2,898,214 Series B Units of CarBiz, each at an ascribed price of $0.504 per Unit. Each Series A Unit consists of one common share of CarBiz and one purchase warrant exercisable into one common share of CarBiz

for a period of 12 months from closing date at a purchase price of $2.25 (CDN). Each Series B Unit consists of one common share of CarBiz and one purchase warrant exercisable into one common share of CarBiz for a period of 24 months from closing date at a purchase price of $2.40 (CDN).

 

Additionally, as a part of the letter of intent, at the next annual general meeting of CarBiz,

shareholders will be asked to approve the issuance of 4,601,786 purchase warrants to ALLETE

exercisable into one common share of CarBiz for a period of 24 months from closing date at a

purchase price of $2.40 (CDN), subject to regulatory and Exchange approval.

 

Also, a small group of shareholders who, as a collective group, hold approximately 8.55 million

CarBiz shares, will grant ALLETE a right of first refusal, for a period of 36 months from the

closing date, to acquire additional shares.

 

Micro 21 provides AFC with a portfolio of dealer services to its 15,000 dealer-client base,

including a Finance and Insurance (F&I) software solution designed to improve dealers'

efficiency in the areas of vehicle financing. As a result of this investment, CarBiz will be a

primary provider of technology products to AFC.

 

AFC is the largest independent dealer floor plan financing company in North America, and is a

wholly-owned subsidiary of ALLETE: a multi-services company based in Duluth, MN. Over the past five years AFC's market presence has expanded significantly to over $400 million in auto floor plan receivables.

 

"We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with CarBiz.com," said John

Fuller, CEO and President of AFC. "Many of our dealer clients currently require technology

solutions and products that we do not offer; by selling Micro 21 to CarBiz.com we will now be

able to offer our 15,000 dealers comprehensive solutions that are cost effective and easily

integrated."

 

"This transaction represents a tremendous opportunity for CarBiz.com to introduce itself to a

huge network of automobile dealers, and will enable us to bundle our solutions and products with AFC's solutions," said Carl Ritter, CEO of CarBiz.com. "Our technology and training products have excellent synergies with AFC, allowing us to aggressively grow our business with their 15,000 dealers."

 

ABOUT CARBIZ.COM 

 

Carbiz.com provides Internet and software solutions for the automotive industry. Its technology

solutions offer a suite of dealer front-end management tools, and a complete e-commerce platform designed to connect financial institutions, credit bureaus, automobile dealers and consumers online. Carbiz.com's solutions allow consumers and dealers to establish a relationship via the Internet and other means, allowing consumers to search for dealers and vehicles, apply for vehicle financing and leasing, and provides them with a variety of financing options.

Carbiz.com's technology solutions increase automobile dealers efficiency, improve their

relationships with customers, expand their customer base by generating sales leads, and provides them with the tools needed to design, develop, and maintain their own web site. Carbiz.com's

solutions are currently in use by over 6,000 North American automobile dealers.

 

Forward-Looking Statements  

 

Investors should take note that certain statements in this press release are forward-looking and may not give full weight to all of the potential risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking

statements include statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties (e.g., the risk that

the transaction may not close). Forward-looking statements are subject by their nature to risks

and uncertainties, and actual results, actions or events could differ materially from those set

forth in the forward-looking statements. Any forward- looking statements speak only as of the

date made. The Company is not undertaking to update any information in the foregoing reports

until the effective date of its future reports required by the securities laws.

 

The Canadian Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the

adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 

SOURCE Carbiz.com, Inc.

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eCredit.com Names Christopher Richmond as New Chief Executive Officer

 

 

DEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2001--

 

Former GE Capital Executive to Lead eCredit.com in Next Phase of

 

Growth  eCredit.com today named Christopher H. Richmond as chief executive officer and a member of the

company's board of directors. Company founder Venkat Srinivasan will continue as chairman,

driving eCredit.com business and technology vision.

 

Richmond was formerly president and CEO of the Commercial Equipment Financing (CEF) business of General Electric (GE) Capital Corp. CEF is GE's eighth largest business and recently ended a record year in sales revenue, growing to $22 billion. Under Richmond's direction, CEF met or exceeded its revenue projections for more than 20 consecutive quarters.

 

"Bringing in Chris as CEO will help us secure the company's position as market leader in

providing credit and underwriting solutions that drive financial liquidity in commerce," said

Srinivasan. "Chris joins us from a company that is one of the world's best senior executive

training grounds and brings the industry stature and collaborative management style that will

help eCredit.com build long-lasting market leadership."

 

According to Richmond, "eCredit.com has a very attractive value proposition - providing

financial tools that help companies make money, which is critical in today's economic climate.

It also has a sustainable business model that targets multiple, related markets where

eCredit.com has demonstrated domain expertise and a strong customer track record. The company is at the beginning of what should be an exciting, high-growth market opportunity."

 

Richmond joined GE Capital in 1991 and was promoted to president of GE Capital, Commercial

Equipment Financing in 1994. Under his leadership, CEF had a portfolio of $42 billion and

businesses in 11 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. CEF provides facilities and equipment financing to middle market companies. Prior to joining GE, Richmond was president and chief operating officer at the engineering and electronics consulting firm, Syska and Hennessey in New York. He also has 20 years experience in the public sector.

 

"Horizontal services, such as finance, are the enablers of e-commerce, and eCredit.com is

uniquely positioned to capitalize on the enormous opportunity created by helping its customers

harness the power of the Internet to transform their businesses," said Ken Fox, co-founder and

managing director at Internet Capital Group (NASDAQ: ICGE) and eCredit.com board member. "Chris Richmond's decision to lead eCredit.com is a strong validation of the company's fundamentals as a strong business. We believe he will bring the world-renowned management practices and operational discipline of GE to the dynamic, fast-growth environment of eCredit.com, helping drive revenue, profitability and long-term value."

 

About eCredit.com

 

eCredit.com enables Fortune 1000 companies, financial services organizations and e-businesses to transform business processes throughout the financing supply chain to strengthen customer

relationships, increase customer purchasing power, and grow the bottom line. eCredit.com

solutions automate credit and underwriting to better manage risk and deliver a portfolio of

financing options at the point-of-sale. Included among the Company's customers and partners are CIT, Eastman Chemical, GMAC, Fleet Leasing, Gateway and Ryder System, Inc. eCredit.com, headquartered in Dedham, Mass., is a member of the Internet Capital Group partner company network. For additional information, visit eCredit.com on the Web at www.ecredit.com.

 

CONTACT: 

 

Roopa Bhide

 

eCredit.com

 

(781) 752-1275

 

roopa@ecredit.com

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 Heller Puts "Spin" on Being Downgraded to "Stable" by Fitch

 

 

They also state in the press release:

 

"Along with the forecast for strong growth, McGrane cautioned that the leasing industry in

general faces a credit crunch that could impair smaller lessors' ability to compete effectively, in that they are unable to borrow at competitive spreads.  'The flip side to growth in the

equipment leasing industry is the need for greater amounts of capital to foster and sustain that growth,' he said. '"But because the money markets have tightened and securitizations are not

being as well received in the capital markets, small leasing companies will have trouble

securing the funding they need to compete.'

 

  (remember most of the business news is from press releases written by 

   professionals who want to make everything to their advantage, change

   poor to great, make everything "hunky-dory."  You need to read the

   entire press release, not just the first paragraph or two to get the

   full picture ( as noted above ). editor )

 

   ( their press release )

 

  2001 Forecast

 

    :Equipment Leasing Industry Poised for Strong Performance AmidCooling Economy, Reports      

 

 

         Heller Financial

 

  ( They are saying," If you have cash, now is the time to ask for a lease or a loan." )

Heller Financial, Inc. (NYSE: HF) predicts that the equipment leasing industry is on track for a solid performance in 2001, experiencing rising revenues even as the domestic economy continues to slow.

 

Jim McGrane, Group President, Heller Global Vendor Finance, said equipment leasing is well

positioned to take advantage of a cooler economic climate. "With GDP growth expected to decline in 2001, companies will be especially conscious of preserving cash, which makes leasing a very attractive option relative to purchasing," he said.  "We already are seeing signs that more companies are electing to lease critical equipment rather than finance equipment purchases."

 

McGrane also sees an opportunity for many equipment lessors to take advantage of recent

developments in online technology to significantly streamline lease transaction processing,

provide a higher level of service and further enhance revenues.  Such technology is expected to

particularly benefit those that specialize in lease transactions valued up to $100,000 and often feature standardized items.

 

"We believe 2001 will be the 'year of execution' as many in the industry begin to reap the

benefits of technological advances, especially those of us in small-ticket leasing," said

McGrane.  "The dramatic efficiency gains online technology offers will make leasing more

profitable for lessors and more attractive to end-users."  McGrane added that since the average

small-ticket lease is approximately one-tenth the size of a lease in the middle-market segment,

technology is vital for achieving the economies of scale that help compensate for the lower

per-transaction revenues of smaller leases.

 

According to McGrane, the industry now faces the challenge of deploying this specialized online technology in the leasing marketplace.  "With outstanding new tools being developed specifically for small-ticket equipment leasing applications, the focus shifts to implementation," he said. 

"The key issue for lessors will be convincing the market to adopt the new technology on a broad

scale."  McGrane acknowledged that technology has already provided significant gains in

processing efficiency, one of the leasing industry's chief concerns.  He cited the Equipment

Leasing and Finance Foundation's "State of the Industry Report 2000," which described

technological advances as triggering a 7.5 percent decrease in average application turnaround

time for small- and micro-ticket leasing.

 

Along with the forecast for strong growth, McGrane cautioned that the leasing industry in

general faces a credit crunch that could impair smaller lessors' ability to compete effectively, in that they are unable to borrow at competitive spreads.  "The flip side to growth in the

equipment leasing industry is the need for greater amounts of capital to foster and sustain that growth," he said.  "But because the money markets have tightened and securitizations are not

being as well received in the capital markets, small leasing companies will have trouble

securing the funding they need to compete."

 

McGrane said he expects more consolidation within the industry, with larger, investment-grade

lessors possibly acquiring smaller competitors, facilitated by larger lessors' ready access to

funds through the capital markets.

 

Heller Global Vendor Finance, part of the company's Leasing Services business unit, structures,

markets and services global and domestic leasing programs for equipment manufacturers,

distributors and dealers.  It offers the expertise necessary to service both high-volume,

small-ticket transactions, and larger, more customized enterprise structures.

 

According to Heller, equipment-leasing industry highlights for 2001 are likely to include: 

 

-- Technology paving the path to increased business and profitability.

 For lessors and vendors alike, online technology is positioned to  

 change the landscape for the majority of equipment leasing  

 transactions under $100,000.  With processing that previously required  

 hours or days now capable of being completed in a matter of minutes,  

 the leasing option will have greater appeal for end-users while  

 enhancing lessors' operating margins.  "An increasingly larger  

 percentage of standardized, flow-oriented, small-ticket transactions  

 will be facilitated online as new technology is implemented," McGrane  

 observed.  "Still, there will always be a need for human expertise in  

 handling larger transactions that require customized structures."

 

 McGrane added that Heller would continue to serve both segments.  "Our  

 technological capacity and service capabilities allow us to meet the  

 needs of customers at either end of this dynamic spectrum," he said.

 

-- Addressing the talent shortfall in the industry.  "As today's leasing  

 industry advances, it requires a rare combination of both business and  

 technological skills," McGrane said.  "And, because equipment leasing  

 is a relatively small industry that consolidation is making even  

 smaller, it's easier for a competitor to identify and raid your star  

 performers.  With talent at a premium, it's critical to develop  

 strategies to reduce turnover."  The equipment leasing industry now  

 faces the challenge of blending the skills of veteran professionals  

 who have broad industry knowledge and proven sales ability with the  

 technology savvy of newer employees, he added.

 

-- Pursuit of new international opportunities.  "All of the elements are  

 in place for leasing to take hold in parts of the world where it has  

 thus far been an under utilized financing option, particularly the Asia  

 

Pacific region," said McGrane.  "In countries like Japan, Korea and  

China, the fast-paced business climate fosters the potential for  

tremendous expansion in our industry."  McGrane added that many  

businesses see leasing as particularly advantageous during their  

rapid-growth stages, when financing a purchase may be prohibitively  

costly for a developing company.  McGrane also sees possibilities for  

accelerated growth in Latin America, though he cautioned that the  

region's inflationary economies and political instability are  

potential obstacles.

 

Heller Financial, Inc., is a worldwide commercial finance company providing a broad range of

sophisticated, collateralized financing solutions. With $20 billion in total assets, Heller

offers equipment financing and leasing, sales finance programs, collateral- and cash flow-based

financing, financing for health care companies and financing for commercial real estate. The

Company also offers trade finance, factoring, asset-based lending, leasing and vendor finance

products and programs to clients in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.  Heller's common stock is

listed as "HF" on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges.  Heller can be found on the World

Wide Web at http://www.hellerfinancial.com .

 

The statements made by the Company in this news release may include certain forward-looking

statements that reflect the Company's current expectations regarding its future growth, results

and performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and

uncertainties, which could cause the Company's future growth, results and performance to differ

materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements.  Information concerning

these risks and uncertainties is contained in the quarterly and annual reports that the Company

files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

SOURCE  Heller Financial, Inc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

    Rocky Road Except for " High-yield Investment Grade Corporate Bonds"

 

  ( their press release )