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Atherton Capital Incorporated Announces New Financing Program

22 March 2000

Atherton Capital Incorporated Announces New Financing Program for ARCO Branded Contract Dealers

    SAN BRUNO, Calif.--March 21, 2000--Atherton Capital Incorporated, a nationwide specialty retail lender, announced today the roll out of the company's financing program for new Atlantic Richfield Company, ARCO branded retail petroleum facilities operated by Contract Dealers.
    Loan funds will be used for the development, construction and permanent financing of new service stations, which have been approved by ARCO. In connection with the program, Atherton is offering financing with preferred customer terms and reduced pricing when transactions are accompanied by an additional subordinate loan from ARCO. Atherton loans may be amortized up to 20 years with both fixed or floating interest rates available.
    Under a separate Atherton program, financing is available for acquisitions, refinancing and debt consolidation, upgrades, equipment purchases and working capital. These loans are also offered to ARCO branded Contract Dealers with preferred customer terms and reduced pricing. In addition, Atherton real estate loans can be structured with terms of up to 25 years.
    David Elder, Chief Executive Officer of Atherton says, "We are enthusiastically providing ARCO branded Contract Dealers, in cooperation with ARCO, the capital needed to fuel their growth. ARCO has great brand recognition and is a market leader in the western U.S.A. This is a significant financing initiative and with Atherton's understanding of and commitment to the petroleum industry we expect this loan program to be highly successful."
    Atherton Capital Incorporated, a privately-held San Francisco based specialty commercial finance company, is focused on providing loan products for the complete range of growth opportunities for owners, franchisees and investors in branded retail businesses. Financing programs include debt refinancing, acquisition of existing units, real estate acquisitions, equipment purchases, store improvements and leasing.
    Atherton has provided business and franchise financing nationally to operators of quick service and casual dining restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, lube centers, video stores and other specialty retail outlets. The company has funded over a billion dollars in loans and recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The company originates loan products serving ten regions through 14 locations, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Atherton will offer the financing programs to ARCO branded Contract Dealers through loan origination offices located in the Western U.S.