HNA Group signs Agreement to Purchase Trailer Leasing & Services Business from GE Capital

HONG KONG, June 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HNA Group Company Limited (HNA) of China, a leading diversified services and integrated operations company today announced they have agreed to acquire GE Capital's TIP Trailer Services, a European market leading provider of transport equipment leasing, rental and service solutions, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. HNA Group is advised by Bravia Capital (Bravia) of Hong Kong with whom they have historically partnered on other transactions.

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Following the completion of the acquisition TIP will operate a network of 48 branches throughout 16 European countries, with over 100 rental locations, more than 50 workshops and 100 mobile service vans. TIP has a transport equipment fleet in excess of 45,000 units.

Adam Tan, Vice-Chairman and President of HNA Group states "The acquisition of TIP strategically fits within HNA Group's existing portfolio of logistics, airline, airport, financial services, real estate, tourism, shipping and retail companies, and significant revenue synergies exist between TIP and HNA's logistics and financial services businesses.  We are a group committed to growth and are eager to finalise the acquisition and welcome this new addition to our successful portfolio of businesses." Mr. Tan went on to say "HNA has been seeking to make strategic investments in world-class companies that focus on innovation, growth, and have high quality management. The acquisition of TIP allows HNA to continue  implementing our long-term vision in this space."

This transaction will strengthen TIP's value proposition as significant strategic investment and growth are anticipated.  "This is an exciting and positive step forward for TIP Trailer Services." says Bob Fast, President and CEO of GE's TIP Trailer Services. "It's great news for our employees, customers and partners. TIP will continue to be a trusted, long-term partner with solid financial backing from a leading global firm prepared to invest in the business. During this period of transition we continue to operate as business as usual, delivering the same high quality service levels to our valued customers."

Bharat Bhise, Chief Executive Officer of Bravia pointed out that bringing TIP and HNA together strengthens the depth and breadth of logistical capabilities to meet client's needs. "We are enthusiastic about the combined strategic growth prospects that this acquisition brings and believe both companies will become stronger positioned as a result, this is a true win-win acquisition." says Mr. Bhise.

GE Capital is advised by Barclays and Credit Suisse.

About HNA Group
As a large multi-industry enterprise group, HNA Group's business scope covers logistics, air transportation, airport management, hotel management, real estate, retail, tourism and other related industries.  It employs approximately 120,000 people and operates in 12 countries around the world, with its HQ located in Hainan and Beijing of China.  Its dedicated workforce strive to achieve a common goal of positioning HNA Group as the world's leading integrated service provider in the tourism, transportation and logistics industries.   It aims to achieve this through strategic acquisition and growth, including acquisition of the GE Seaco (now rebranded as "Seaco") business from GE in December 2011 and through provision of full-scale travel, logistics and service solutions to a range of organizations and individuals. 

Over the past 10 years HNA has received a number of prestigious awards within the industries in which it operates, including the "Golden Eagle Cup" and "Golden Award of Passengers Satisfaction Service" by CAAC, which represent the highest level of safe operation and service excellence.  HNA have also won the award of "Passengers Commenting Airlines" for 9 consecutive years, and first prize in "National flights punctuality" 8 times.  These awards highlight HNA's consistently superior performance and its respected position within the market. For more information on HNA Group and its products and services, visit:  http://en.hnagroup.com.

About Bravia Capital
Bravia Capital is a Hong Kong based private equity and advisory firm with a primary focus on transportation and logistics investments worldwide. Please find out more at
www.braviacapital.com

About GE Capital
GE Capital is one of the world's largest providers of credit. For over one million businesses, large and small, GE Capital provides financing to purchase, lease and distribute equipment, as well as capital for real estate and corporate acquisitions, refinancings and restructurings. For our 100+ million consumer customers, GE Capital offers credit cards, retail sales finance programs, home, car and personal loans and credit insurance. For more information, visit www.gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter @GECapital.