GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services Provides over $5 Billion in Financing Through Third Quarter

BETHESDA, Md., Oct 31, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

--Q4 pipeline remains strong

--Hosting two upcoming healthcare conferences for industry leaders

GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services today announced it financed over $5 billion in the first 9 months of 2011 in over 130 transactions to healthcare customers. As a leading lender to the U.S. healthcare middle-market, the business serves customers in over 40 sub-sectors including healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and senior housing. GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services is part of GE Capital Americas, a leading supplier to the U.S. middle-market.

"Our sole focus is healthcare lending, so even when other lenders pull back, our industry knowledge, capital markets expertise and balance sheet give us the confidence and ability to provide critical financing for our customers," said Darren Alcus, president and CEO of GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services. "Healthcare executives remain relatively optimistic about the future, but uncertainty around government spending cuts is straining access to capital for some companies today."

GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services also closed 3 new transactions through the Senior Secured Loan Program ("SSLP") during the same period totaling approximately $250 million. The SSLP, jointly managed by Ares Capital Corporation and an affiliate of GE Capital, provides one loan to replace traditional senior and mezzanine debt, allowing for greater speed and simplicity.

"As a major investor in the industry, we're dedicated to helping our customers succeed," added Alcus. "Aside from financing, one way we do this is by providing insights and expertise to help customers tackle their toughest business challenges. For example, twice over the next six months, we'll bring together top executives in finance and key healthcare sub-sectors to discuss the most important issues facing the industry."

In November and April, GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services will host two major customer conferences. On Wednesday, November 2nd in New York City, the First Annual Healthcare Products Conference will take place focused on the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. The conference will feature industry leaders, investors and experts discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. On Tuesday, April 24th in Washington, DC, a similar group focused on the healthcare services sector will gather for the Annual 2012 Healthcare Services Conference. For more information on either conference, contact Jeanne DeLeonardo.

In Q3, GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services was the #1 lead arranger in volume and number of transactions completed for all financings of $10-$500 million in U.S. healthcare leveraged finance, according to Thompson Reuters LPC Loan Connector.

About GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services
With in-depth industry knowledge and expertise, GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services has provided more than $60 billion in financing to companies in over 40 healthcare sub-sectors including senior housing, hospitals, medical offices, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Our team of professionals creates business and financial solutions tailored to meet the individual needs of our customers. For more information, visit gecapital.com/healthcare.

GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapital). GE /quotes/zigman/227468/quotes/nls/ge GE +0.25% is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Visit ge.com.

SOURCE: GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services