Supports Forty-Five U.S. and Canadian Boat Brands; Extends Through 2017
CHICAGO, IL --- GE Capital's Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) business announced today it has extended its strategic floorplan financing agreement with Independent Boat Builders, Inc. (IBBI), a major boat manufacturer buying group, in the U.S. and Canada. The program covers 24 manufacturers that sell 45 brands. Established in 1989, IBBI, based in Benton, IL, is the largest cooperative buying group in the U.S. and Canada, with IBBI manufacturers selling more boats in those countries than any other entity.
Under this program, CDF anticipates funding over $3 billion for IBBI boat dealers. The program will provide qualified dealers with special, vendor-subsidized financing programs and terms, as well as a dedicated staff with extensive marine experience in order to provide world-class customer service. Additionally, dealers will have access to COMS, CDF's proprietary online inventory finance management tool, and Analytics Online, which provides crucial information and insights about inventory finance management.
"GE Capital's knowledge of our business model and the marine industry has made a big impact with our members over the last several years," said Tom Broy, president of IBBI. "We are pleased to be able to extend GE's flexible financing programs and superb management systems through 2017."
"We are thrilled to continue the strategic program with the IBBI," said Bruce Van Wagoner, president of CDF's marine group, "We have enjoyed a strong relationship and we will continue to deliver valuable tools that IBBI members can leverage to help them succeed."
In the marine industry for more than fifty years of business and economic cycles, CDF has offered customer-centric new and pre-owned floorplan programs that enable marine dealers to stock a broad selection of products. Inventory financing, also known as floorplan financing, is an important element of a successful manufacturer-dealer business model. Manufacturers and distributors benefit from enhanced product flow and increased sales opportunities, and dealers obtain improved terms and credit availability.
About Independent Boat Builders, Inc.
Independent Boat Builders, Inc. (IBBI) was formed as a marine purchasing cooperative in 1989 by a group of independent, recreational boat builders. IBBI has maintained strict standards for membership. Today, it has twenty highly-regarded shareholders, each recognized in the industry for its top-quality boats, its integrity and its stability. For more information on IBBI and its members' brands, visit www.ibbi.com. See the full list of IBBI manufacturers and brands here.
About GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance
GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance provided $34 billion in financing for more than 30,000 dealers and more than 3,000 distributors and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in 2013. Programs include inventory and accounts receivable financing, asset-based lending, private label financing, collateral management and related financial products. For more information, visit http://www.gecdf.com/ or follow company news via Twitter (http://twitter.com/GEInventoryFin).
GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit www.gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (http://twitter.com/GECapital).
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
Tara Lambropoulos
GE Capital
[email protected]
+1 312 441 7854
+1 312 802 9712