Encore Capital Group Takes Controlling Stake in Refinancia
- Acquisition Provides Platform for Latin American Expansion -
Company Release - 02/25/2014 16:10
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Encore), an international specialty finance company (NASDAQ: ECPG), today announced that it has taken a controlling stake in Refinancia, a leading debt purchaser in Colombia and Peru. Encore purchased 51 percent of the company in December 2013.
Encore's acquisition of Refinancia establishes Encore's presence in the high-growth Colombian and Peruvian markets, which together have nearly 80 million residents. Refinancia services distressed consumer debt, which it either purchases or services on behalf of others. It also offers merchant guarantee services, factoring arrangements, and a small credit card business in Colombia.
According to Ken Vecchione, Chief Executive Officer of Encore, the acquisition continues Encore's purposeful expansion designed to capitalize on growth and consolidation opportunities both domestically and internationally. "This transaction opens up two new markets in which Encore can deploy capital at higher returns than are available in the U.S.," he said. "In addition, Encore now has a beachhead in Latin America from which to expand, both geographically and into new specialty financial products designed for underserved consumers."
Encore will bring to Refinancia its analytic strength, operational sophistication and deep knowledge of distressed consumers, creating opportunities for Refinancia to increase operating efficiencies and strengthen performance. Refinancia also shares Encore's commitment to fair and ethical treatment of consumers.
Kenneth Mendiwelson, Chief Executive Officer of Refinancia, said, "We are excited to join Encore and gain the financial and operational support of a world leader. In turn, Refinancia provides Encore with immediate access to emerging markets in Peru and Colombia, and positions Encore for growth throughout the Latin American region. We look forward to working together to reach new levels of success."
According to Vecchione, Encore has been deploying capital through Refinancia since late 2012 and plans to continue this activity. "We are taking the same approach with Refinancia that we took with Cabot, in which we acquire a controlling interest in the company with the expectation of increasing our ownership interest over time. In the meantime, the majority of the capital we invest is staying within the business to fund future growth."
About Refinancia
Refinancia is a specialty loan servicer in
Colombia and Peru that provides alternatives to consumers who seek specialized
credit solutions. Through refinancing options, credit cards, guarantees for bank
and merchant loans, the company's products are tailor-made to fit the needs of
its customers. Refinancia's solutions integrate the financial sector, merchant
sector, and individuals to contribute to financial re-entry and access to
credit.
Refinancia specializes in offering solutions to underserved niches. Its core capabilities are loan collections and payment behavior analytics. Additionally, it seeks brand recognition and loyalty to create long-term customer relationships.
About Encore Capital Group, Inc.
Encore Capital Group, an
international specialty finance company with operations spanning seven
countries, provides debt recovery solutions for consumers and property owners
across a broad range of assets. Through its subsidiaries, the Company purchases
portfolios of consumer receivables from major banks, credit unions, and utility
providers, and partners with individuals as they repay their obligations and
work toward financial recovery. Through its Propel Financial Services
subsidiary, the Company assists property owners who are delinquent on their
property taxes by structuring affordable monthly payment plans and purchases
delinquent tax liens directly from select taxing authorities. Through its United
Kingdom-based subsidiaries, including Cabot Credit Management and Marlin
Financial Services, the Company is a market-leading acquirer and manager of
consumer debt in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Through its Refinancia
subsidiary, the Company services distressed consumer debt in Colombia and Peru.
Encore's success and future growth are driven by its sophisticated and
widespread use of analytics, its broad investments in data and behavioral
science, the significant cost advantages provided by its highly efficient
operating model and proven investment strategy, and the Company's demonstrated
commitment to conducting business ethically and in ways that support its
consumers' financial recovery.
Headquartered in San Diego, Encore is a publicly traded NASDAQ Global Select company (ticker symbol: ECPG) and a component stock of the Russell 2000, the S&P SmallCap 600, and the Wilshire 4500. More information about the Company can be found at www.encorecapital.com. Encore Capital Group's website and the information contained therein, is not incorporated into and is not a part of this press release.
Forward Looking Statements
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that are not historical facts, including, most importantly, those statements
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"anticipates" or the negation thereof, or similar expressions, constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"). These statements may include,
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forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. Such forward-looking
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results, performance or achievements of the Company and its subsidiaries to be
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Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent
report on Form 10-K and its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, each as it may be
amended from time to time. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to
update these forward-looking statements.
Contacts:
Encore Investor Relations
Paul Grinberg
Tel 858-309-6904
paul.grinberg@encorecapital.com
Adam Sragovicz
Tel 858-309-9509
adam.sragovicz@encorecapital.com
Encore Media Relations
Katie Lilley, Hillenby
Tel
703-722-3061
katielilley@hillenby.com
SOURCE Encore Capital Group, Inc.