GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance Provides $5.825 Million to Boston Blackie’s

Funds to facilitate growth and expansion in greater Chicagoland

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance completed a $5.825 million loan to Boston Blackie’s. The loan enables the restaurant chain to fund regional growth and development. Based in Chicago, Boston Blackie’s operates eight restaurants in the city and surrounding metro area.

“It is a rewarding experience to work with a vibrant, growing brand like Boston Blackie’s,” says Scott Tocci, vice president at Franchise Finance. “This deal demonstrates our commitment to providing the kind of financing that supports the restaurant industry’s continued success.”

This is the first deal between Franchise Finance and Boston Blackie’s. The funds allow the popular Chicago chain to enhance their restaurant offerings.

“Experience in the restaurant industry and flexibility of financing options are the reasons we wanted to work with Franchise Finance,” says Chris Giannis, partner, Boston Blackie’s. “Their knowledge of the restaurant industry and menu of funding options were vital to our refinancing effort, and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationship in the future.”

Starting out as a family-owned and operated business, Boston Blackie’s highlights its heritage in every location, and offers a diverse menu and hometown dining experience. Boston Blackie’s provides consistently good food at a reasonable price and is known equally for its friendly service and one of the best over a half-pound burgers in Chicago.

Franchise Finance is a leading lender serving customers in the restaurant, hospitality and branded beverage industries. It provides financing to help franchisees and franchisors grow, compete, and prosper. It offers access to capital with a diverse array of flexible financing options, including funds for purchasing real estate or equipment, new construction or remodels, acquisitions, or refinancing.

About GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance
GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance is a leading lender for the franchise finance market via direct sales and portfolio acquisition. With more than 30 years of experience and $13 billion in served assets, we serve more than 5,000 customers and more than 22,000 property locations, primarily in the restaurant, hospitality and branded beverage industries. We offer customers access to capital with a menu of products featuring flexible structuring, including financing for acquisitions, refinancing, construction of new units, and remodels for single- and multi-unit operators/chains. More information is available at www.gefranchisefinance.com or by calling toll-free 866-GET-GEFF (438-4333).

GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work — a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world’s toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.ge.com.