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Capital One Financial on Sept. 21 announced it has agreed to acquire PeopleFirst Inc., one of the nation's largest online providers of direct
motor vehicle loans. This acquisition will make Capital One one of the nation's largest providers of direct-to-consumer auto loans.
The purchase price is 3.7 million shares
of Capital One common stock. Capital One has agreed to file a registration statement with respect to the resale of such shares promptly after the consummation of this acquisition. Capital One confirmed that it is on track to meet its projected third quarter earnings as well as its previously announced 30 percent growth in earnings per share.
"Leveraging PeopleFirst's successful online business model with Capital One's proven ability to customize products will ultimately benefit auto buyers nationwide," said Richard
D. Fairbank, Capital One's chairman and CEO.
"PeopleFirst is the pioneer of an innovative financing option that allows consumers to conveniently secure financing before purchasing a motor vehicle."
Capital One entered the auto finance business in 1998 when it acquired Summit Acceptance Corporation and is now growing the business as Capital One Auto Finance. "With the acquisition of PeopleFirst, Capital One extends its auto finance strategy to superprime consumers and those directly seeking flexible financing online," Fairbank said.
PeopleFirst Inc., a privately held company with more than 270 employees based in San Diego, Calif., will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Capital One. After the acquisition, the
current senior team at PeopleFirst will continue to manage its operations. PeopleFirst has provided nearly $2 billion worth of
financing to help customers purchase motor vehicles since the company started originating loans in 1997.
"We are excited to become part of the Capital One family," said Gary Miller, CEO and co-founder of PeopleFirst. "Not only does Capital One bring significant resources and opportunities for PeopleFirst to leverage, but they also share our strong commitment to customers."
Credit Suisse First Boston advised Capital One on this acquisition; Merrill Lynch advised PeopleFirst. The parties intend to close the transaction as soon as practicable upon
satisfaction of closing conditions.
About Capital One
Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., Capital One Financial Corp. (www.CapitalOne.com) is a holding company whose principal
subsidiaries, Capital One Bank and Capital One, F.S.B., offer consumer lending products.
Capital One's subsidiaries collectively had 38.1
million customers and $35.3 billion in managed loans outstanding as of June 30, 2001.
Capital One, a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest providers of MasterCard and Visa credit cards in the world. Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"COF" and is included in the S&P 500 index.
About PeopleFirst Inc.
Founded in 1995, PeopleFirst bills itself as the nation's largest online motor vehicle lender, originating and servicing consumer auto and motorcycle loans, primarily via the Internet.
PeopleFirst says it is the pioneer of an innovative financing option that gives consumers the flexibility to finance their purchase of a new or used car or motorcycle at virtually any dealership in the country up to their pre-approved loan amount without having to renegotiate the terms.
The company also provides financing for lease buyouts, refinances of existing loans, and the
purchase of vehicles from private individuals. The company presently offers auto and motorcycle loans in 48 states plus the District of Columbia.
To obtain more information about PeopleFirst, visit www.peoplefirst.com.
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