Atherton Capital Expands Gas Station and Convenience Store Lending Program in the Midwest; Industry Veteran, Frank Hyson Joins Atherton From Amoco Corporation.

SAN BRUNO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 1998--Atherton Capital Incorporated announces the addition of Frank Hyson as Midwest Regional Vice President.

Effective immediately, Hyson will be responsible for retail petroleum loan origination efforts throughout the Midwest and Lakes region, which includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.

During his fifteen years in the petroleum industry, Hyson has most recently worked for Amoco Corporation as a Project Manager on the Strategy Team in the Marketing Business Unit and held positions in strategic planning, site assessment analysis, capital investment and engineering.

Prior to joining Amoco, Frank worked with Keller & Kirkpatrick, where he consulted engineers. He also worked for Exxon Company USA as a Senior Project Engineer. Hyson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at Lafayette College in Pennslyvania and his Master of Business Administration in Finance at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.

Edgar Murcia, National Vice President of the Retail Petroleum Division said, "Mr. Hyson's in-depth industry capabilities will allow Atherton to be more responsive to our borrowers. His experience and expertise in the retail petroleum industry will enable the company to continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers."

Atherton Capital Incorporated, a San Francisco Bay Area 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, lube centers and convenience stores, video stores, optical retailers and specialty retail outlets. Atherton originates loan products through eleven locations serving ten regions, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.