Claim Jumper Completes Financing Deal with GE Commercial Finance.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Claim Jumper, a family owned and operated restaurant company based in Irvine, Calif., recently completed a $31.5 million financing deal with GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance (GEFF). The funding includes money for refinancing debt, ongoing expansion, and construction of two new locations.

"The GEFF team is thorough, communicative, and knowledgeable," says Melissa Terwiske, controller for Claim Jumper. "With the flexibility of the deal, we'll be able to grow at the pace we want. We are confident GEFF will be a part of our long-term success."

The funding includes $21 million for the refinancing and recapitalization of existing debt, $4 million for general expenses associated with expansion, and $6.5 million for the construction of new locations in Lynwood, Wash. and Tucson, Ariz.

The loan is an example of the GEFF approach to restaurant financing with its tailored and innovative solutions which help to maintain the long-term viability of a business. With the current financing deal, Claim Jumper took advantage of lower interest rates and will be able to amortize their debt over a longer timeframe, realizing cash flow savings. That additional cash flow will help fuel the company's long term growth.

"Claim Jumper is an exciting concept," says Mike Dolan, vice president at GEFF. "Our team is proud to participate in their ongoing growth as they expand across the country. We are happy to provide our customers with stable financing solutions to meet their needs."

"We have been in business for more than 28 years," says Terwiske. "We have built our reputation on serving generous portions using the finest and freshest ingredients available. We pride ourselves on our impeccable service and friendly atmosphere, which make our restaurants the perfect gathering place for celebrating special occasions, hosting a business lunch, or gathering for a delicious meal with friends and family."

Claim Jumper currently operates 34 restaurants in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington and is developing plans for five additional locations in 2005.

GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance (GEFF) is a leading lender for the franchise finance market via direct sales and portfolio acquisition in the United States and Canada. With more than $12 billion in served assets, GEFF serves more than 6,000 customers and more than 21,000 property locations, primarily in the restaurant, hospitality, branded beverage, storage, and automotive industries. GEFF offers 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 Commercial Finance, which offers businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services, has assets of more than US$217 billion and is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., USA. General Electric (NYSE:GE) is a diversified technology and services company dedicated to creating products that make life better.