Fender® Private Label Credit Card Music to Consumers' Ears
KETTERING, OHIO and SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. -- March 4, 2010 -- GE Money, the consumer lending unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE - News), and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), the world's leading guitar manufacturer, today announced a multi-year agreement to provide consumer financing. The GE Money Music credit card, managed by GE Money's Sales Finance unit, is a revolving program providing music enthusiasts with a flexible, convenient way to finance Fender instruments with affordable monthly payments and competitive interest rates. GE Money provides billions of dollars of consumer financing through more than 145,000 small and medium businesses on Main Streets across the United States.
"Our history has been one of continued innovation and growth," said Paul Jernigan, vice president of global channel marketing for Fender. "The addition of the GE Money Music card will help individuals invest in one of life's most rewarding hobbies, learning and making music."
Today, FMIC brands include Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, Guild®, EVH®, SWR®, Tacoma®, and Groove Tubes® among others. FMIC also manufactures a complete line of professional audio equipment under the Fender brand, including the Passport® portable sound system. Fender also offers a complete line of accessories, including strings, authorized replacement parts, cases, straps, clothing and much more. Fender instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today's musicians and collectors.
As part of the program agreement, Fender dealers will use GE Money's Web-based finance management portal, Business Center. Business Center provides dealers with an easy, secure way to manage their credit programs and better serve their customers. Thousands of businesses use GE Money's Business Center to securely access all the sales, operational, marketing and training tools they need at the click of a button.
"This is a great way for guitar lovers to get the instrument they want and stay within their monthly budget," said Dennis Murphy, vice president of GE Money -- Sales Finance. "More and more music purchases involve financing, and consumers appreciate flexible payment options now more than ever before."
About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world's foremost manufacturer of guitars, amplifiers and related equipment. Founded in 1946, its name has become synonymous with all things rock 'n' roll. FMIC's corporate headquarters are located in Scottsdale, Ariz., with manufacturing headquarters based in Corona, Calif. For further information online, visit www.fender.com. www.youtube.com/user/fendermusical, www.facebook.com/Fender, www.fender.com/blog and twitter.com/Fender.
About GE Money
GE Money's Sales Finance unit, based in Kettering, Ohio, is a part of General Electric Company's GE Capital division, (NYSE: GE), which has extended more than $146 billion of credit to some 50 million consumers in the U.S. since January 2008. Visit GE Capital: Advertising to learn more about GE Capital's role in the American renewal.
GE Money provides credit card programs and financial services for consumers through dealers; national, regional and independent retailers; associations; contractors; manufacturers; healthcare practices; and service providers in nearly 20 industries including: automotive, consumer electronics and appliances, elective health care, floor covering, home design and improvement, home furnishings, jewelry, music, powersports, outdoor power equipment and sporting goods. More information can be found at www.gemoney.com, www.gecapital.com and twitter.com/gecapitalnews.
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. GE is Imagination at Work. For more information, visit www.ge.com, www.gereports.com and twitter.com/ge_reports.
Cristy Williams
[email protected]
678.518.2596