LendingTree and AutoTrader.com Enter Into Strategic Marketing Alliance

LendingTree Will be the Exclusive Integrated Loan Provider Within AutoTrader.com, Enabling Consumers to Receive Multiple, Competitive Auto Loan Offers Via the Unique LendingTree Lending Exchange

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 24 -- LendingTree, Inc. , the leading online lending Exchange, today announced the Company is now the exclusive lending exchange provider at AutoTrader.com.

Through this long-term strategic marketing partnership, consumers who utilize AutoTrader.com to research and search for cars online will be able to seamlessly access the LendingTree site, where they can complete one simple online form and, if qualified, receive multiple, competitive auto loan offers, usually within one business day. Lenders who participate on the LendingTree exchange also provide auto refinancing options, as well as mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, and credit cards.

"AutoTrader.com's strategic partnership with Lending Tree provides a more seamless channel for our customers to finance their new vehicles," said Clark Wood, vice president of marketing and national accounts of AutoTrader.com. "LendingTree has built a great business along with a network of lenders that provide our consumers more options when making important financing decisions."

"AutoTrader has positioned itself as a comprehensive, empowering solution for consumers who choose to research, purchase, finance, or sell automobiles online," said Bob Harris, senior vice president of marketing, LendingTree, Inc. "We are pleased to be the exclusive provider of online auto loan options for an industry leader like AutoTrader.com and happy to have a partner that is equally committed to providing consumers with choice, convenience, and great value in auto loans."

About AutoTrader.com

AutoTrader.com, created in 1997 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is the Internet's leading auto classifieds marketplace and a comprehensive consumer information website. Serving as matchmaker, AutoTrader.com unites buyer and seller online -- dramatically improving the way people research, locate and advertise cars. AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location a comprehensive database of more than 2.2 million vehicle listings from 40,000 dealers and 250,000 private owners, which provide the largest selection of vehicles attracting more than 6 million unique visitors every month. For more information, visit www.autotrader.com or call 1-800-353-9350.

About LendingTree, Inc.

Founded in 1996, LendingTree is the leading online lending Exchange that connects consumers, Lenders, REALTORS(R), and related service providers. The LendingTree Exchange is made up of more than 190 banks, lenders, and brokers (Lenders) and has facilitated nearly $40 billion in closed loans since inception. More than 8.0 million consumers have accessed the LendingTree Exchange through the Company's site at www.lendingtree.com and through online and offline partners. Loans available via the LendingTree Exchange include home mortgage, home equity, automobile, personal, debt consolidation, and credit cards. LendingTree is the No. 1 brand in the online lending market for consumers, with 67 percent national awareness. The LendingTree Lend-X technology has been cited as 'the platform of choice'(a) for online lending and has been adopted by industry leaders to power their online lending initiatives. The LendingTree Realty Services offering connects consumers to a nationwide network of approximately 7,000 REALTORS(R). The Company's services and products are specifically designed to empower consumers, Lenders, and related service providers throughout the lending process, delivering convenience, choice, and excellent value.

(a) Resuscitating Mortgage Lending. Forrester Research, March 2001

REALTOR(R) -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS(R) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding: projected future revenues; optimism about the results of certain strategic and consumer initiatives; product and technological implementations; and projected expenditures and growth. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward looking statements. The Company's actual results might differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business, which include, but are not limited to: variations in consumer demand or acceptance; the willingness of lending institutions to offer their products over the Internet; further changes in the Company's relationships with existing banks, lender, and brokers (Lenders), companies, and/or strategic partners; the Company's ability to attract and integrate new lending companies and strategic partners; implementation of competing Internet strategies by existing and potential lending participants; implementation and acceptance of new product or service offerings, consumer lending industry regulation; competition in all aspects of the Company's business; fluctuations in operating results; or other unforeseen factors. The forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of these and other risk factors disclosed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.