NEW YORK -- Asbury Automotive Group Inc., one of the largest automotive retail and service companies in the U.S., has closed on a number of new senior debt facilities, providing approximately $800 million of replacement financing. These agreements replace an existing $550 million syndicated facility that included a $75 million revolver tranche and a $475 million floorplan tranche.

Excluding mortgages, total senior debt facilities are now comprised of two components. The first is a $200 million syndicated revolving credit facility to be utilized for working capital, acquisitions and other operating needs.

The new facility is for a four-year term. Banc of America Securities LLC acted as sole lead arranger and Bank of America, N.A. is Administrative Agent. Additional participants include Daimler Financial Services, American Honda Finance, BMW Financial Services, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation, Toyota Financial Services, Deutsche Bank, Wachovia Bank, and World Omni Financial.

The second component is approximately $600 million in new vehicle wholesale floor plan lines funded predominantly by our brands' captive finance companies. Floorplan providers now include all the captive finance companies mentioned above plus GMAC, Ford Motor Credit Corp, JPMorgan Chase Bank, and World Omni Financial.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Bank of America and broadening our relationships with our key banks and captive finance partners," said Charles R. Oglesby, president and CEO of Asbury. "These new facilities provide Asbury significantly expanded liquidity and tremendous flexibility."

Craig T. Monaghan, Asbury's senior vice president and chief financial officer, commented, "Being able to close such sizable transactions during these uncertain economic times clearly validates the automotive retail model and Asbury's unique positioning."