MINNEAPOLIS – (June 16, 2004) – Marquette Financial Companies has launched a new asset-based lending firm, Marquette Business Credit, Inc. (MBCI), in Dallas, Texas, it was announced today.

This is the second asset-based lending firm for Marquette Financial, and the second company it owns in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Itasca Business Credit, an asset-based lender based in Minneapolis, has been part of Marquette Financial since 1999. Fort Worth-based Marquette Commercial Finance, previously known as KBK Financial, is a factoring company acquired by Marquette Financial last year.

“This de novo company expands our presence in asset-based lending, which continues to be a very key area for us,” said Bert Colianni, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “This move is in line with our strategic plan to expand our reach in the commercial finance area.”

Marquette Business Credit will provide asset-based working capital and term loans to middle market companies with credit requirements ranging from $1 million to $10 million. Marquette Business Credit’s credit facilities would typically be used by companies seeking alternatives to traditional bank lending. Asset-based lending, which relies on a company’s collateral, is used to fuel growth situations, restructurings, recapitalizations and for mergers and acquisitions.

Marquette Business Credit is headed by three Dallas-based, senior financial executives: James E. Casper, Michael D. Haddad and Jim S. Johnson, recently with Guaranty Business Credit Corporation of Dallas. Casper, who will serve as MBCI president and CEO, was senior vice president/group manager of Guaranty. Haddad, previously president and CEO of Guaranty, will serve as MBCI’s senior vice president. Johnson, previously senior vice president, manager of the underwriting department for Guaranty, will be senior vice president of MBCI.

“This is an area of finance that we know exceptionally well,” said Casper. “Michael, Jim and I have a combined 80 years of experience in asset-based lending, and a track record of serving clients successfully over a number of years.”

“Our mission is to be the leading relationship-based, asset-based lender here in Dallas, as well as the other markets we intend to serve,” Casper said, adding that given the team’s national experience, MBCI plans to work broadly across the U.S., with plans to open additional offices in Georgia, Florida and California.

About Marquette Financial Companies:
Marquette Business Credit is part of Marquette Financial Companies, a $1 billion diversified financial services holding company comprised of specialty financial service businesses. Marquette Financial Companies is part of the Carl Pohlad family’s diverse business holdings, which also include significant interest in the beverage industry, real estate, and ownership in Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins.

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