CHICAGO, January 24, 2005 - Since entering the healthcare finance arena, GE Healthcare Financial Services, a business unit of GE Commercial Finance, has quickly become known as an industry leader, generating more than $5.9 billion in new business volume in 2004 % an increase of 16% over last year % and investing over $13 billion in the industry.

"During the past few years of this difficult market when a lot of other lenders were sitting on the sidelines, Healthcare Financial Services continued to help our customers grow," said Jeff Malehorn, president and CEO for GE Healthcare Financial Services. "This strategy, coupled with our commitment to the industry and our healthcare expertise, has strongly contributed to our own growth % particularly in the hospital, long-term care, medical office and medical supplier segments % and will enable us to help our customers take advantage of the financing opportunities that rest ahead."

The corporate finance unit of GE Healthcare Financial Services has long delivered strong growth, rising in the league table ranks from #17 for total dollars invested in the healthcare industry in 2000 to #2 in 2004. During this time, the unit has also grown its customer portfolio twelve-fold % financing more than $860 million in loans in 2004, a 26% increase over the previous year.

This surge in financing was due, in large part, to the industry's recent reimbursement and economic stability that has promoted increased M&A activity, leveraged dividends and re-financings. In 2004, acquisition financing alone accounted for over $400 million of GE Healthcare Financial Services' transactions.

Equally strong was Healthcare Financial Services' growth in the long-term care segment. In 2004, HFS invested over $1.2 billion in the senior housing and skilled nursing segments, nearly doubling the capital this unit committed to the segment the prior year. Transactions of particular note include: $200 million senior secured loan to Atria Senior Living Group, $200 million long-term fixed rate first-mortgage to Formation Capital LLC, and $150 million senior secured revolver to Harborside Healthcare Corporation.

The medical properties real estate unit also doubled its volume % committing and arranging approximately $300 million in financing for several leading medical office building developers and related hospital systems.

"I'm very pleased with the positioning and momentum we have established in the marketplace," said Malehorn. "As we continue to grow, no one is better positioned than GE Healthcare Financial Services to capitalize on the opportunities present in the healthcare industry and create tailored financial solutions to help our customers improve their productivity and profitability."

Other significant growth highlights in 2004 include:

• Through its 2004 acquisition of HPSC, the business expanded its service offerings to physician and dental practices and grew its domestic business over 20%.

• The business' vendor finance team, which provides global sales financing capabilities to medical equipment suppliers worldwide, grew its financing volume to over $600 million and established strategic relationships with several leading healthcare manufacturers such as Kodak Health Imaging, PENTAX Medical Company and Welch Allyn.

• The transition of GE's life science finance business into Healthcare Financial Services also strengthened the company's industry presence, generating more than $170 million in volume and providing a strong platform to pursue growth opportunities in the life science and biotech markets.

• Globally, Healthcare Financial Services expanded its operations into 28 countries worldwide, including the establishment of new equipment financing platforms in Italy and China. The business' international presence is expected to increase even more in 2005 and serve as one of the greatest areas of strategic growth over the next three years.

GE Healthcare Financial Services, a business unit of GE Commercial Finance, is the premier provider of capital, financial solutions and related services for the global healthcare market. With over $13 billion in assets, GE Healthcare Financial Services offers a full range of financing capabilities from equipment leasing and real estate financing to working capital lending, vendor programs and acquisition financing. With a dedicated focus and a deep knowledge of the healthcare ndustry, GE Healthcare Financial Services collaborates with customers to create tailored financial solutions that help them improve their productivity and profitability. For more information, visit .

Media Contacts

Deia Campanelli
GE Healthcare Financial Services
312-441-6169