Eloan. Popular, Inc. and E-LOAN, Inc. Complete Merger Transaction; Partnership to bolster Both Companies

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Teruca Rullán Senior Vice President payday loans ME Business Communications Popular, Inc. 1-917-679-3596

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marlton, nj-new jersey, November 1, 2005…Popular, Inc. (Nasdaq: BPOP), the key institution that is financial Puerto Rico, and E-LOAN, Inc., an internet consumer direct loan provider, today finished the merger transaction involving the two companies, the definitive contract which is why was established on August 3, 2005. Under regards to the merger, Popular, Inc. acquired 100percent regarding the given and outstanding stocks of typical stock and stock that is common of E-LOAN, Inc. for $4.25 per share in money, or around $300 million.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, Ca, E-LOAN will manage its brand identity and turn a subsidiary that is wholly-owned of Financial Holdings, Inc. (PFH), in change a wholly-owned subsidiary of Popular, Inc. its anticipated that the deal will complement Popular’s existing non-prime, and loan servicing companies, and enhance its technology significantly platform.

“This transaction further expands Popular, Inc.’s penetration to the U.S. market,” said Richard L. Carrión, Chairman associated with Board and ceo of Popular, Inc. “The E-LOAN brand name is well known and respected. We think we could assist simply just take E-LOAN to your next level by incorporating economic power and new services to further enhance its brand name.”

Bill Williams, President of PFH, stated, “We view this deal being a partnership. Our objective would be to study on one another and also to gain and develop through the strengths, guidelines, people and methods of each and every continuing business device to be able to strengthen both PFH and E-LOAN, and fundamentally Popular, Inc.”

Mark Lefanowicz, ceo and President of E-LOAN continues to act as President. Lefanowicz stated, “The PFH/E-LOAN partnership enables E-LOAN workers to engage in both a proven 112- year old moms and dad business, Popular, Inc., plus an entrepreneurial environment at E-LOAN, gaining some great benefits of both globes.”

E-LOAN originated significantly more than $5 billion in home loan, home equity, and automotive loans in 2004. In accordance with Williams, “Both organizations share strong values and are usually passionate about supplying a excellent client experience by dealing with individuals with dignity and respect. We enjoy building this partnership within the full months ahead.”

The United States, the Caribbean and Latin America about Popular, Inc. Popular, Inc. is a full service financial services provider with operations in Puerto Rico. Given that leading standard bank in Puerto Rico with over 280 branches and offices, the organization provides retail and commercial banking solutions through its banking subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, along with investment banking, car and gear renting and funding, home mortgages, customer financing, insurance coverage and information processing through specific subsidiaries. The Corporation has established the largest Hispanic-owned financial services franchise, providing complete financial solutions to all the communities it serves in the United States. Banco Popular united states runs over 135 branches in Ca, Texas, Illinois, nyc, nj-new jersey and Florida. The Corporation’s finance subsidiary in the us, Popular Financial Holdings, Inc., runs almost 200 retail financing places providing mortgage and private loans, and also maintains an amazing wholesale broker community, a warehouse financing division, loan servicing, and a secured item acquisitions device. The Corporation continues to make use of its expertise in technology and electronic banking as a competitive benefit with its Caribbean and Latin America expansion, through its economic deal processing company, EVERTEC. The organization is exporting its 112 many years of experience through the spot while continuing its dedication to meet with the needs of retail and business consumers through innovation, and to fostering development within the grouped communities it serves. Popular is ranked among FORTUNE magazine’s 2005 100 most readily useful businesses to exert effort For.

About E-LOAN E-LOAN â is definitely an online consumer direct lender focused on supplying borrowers with a straightforward, simple and available supply of mortgage, auto and home equity loans. Since its launch in 1997, E-LOAN has drawn upon its professional consumer values to enhance the financing experience in revolutionary means. By removing the conventional incentive framework to charge customers greater prices, offering customers free usage of fico scores and eliminating loan provider costs, E-LOAN provides a uniquely available, reasonable and truthful loan procedure. Protecting customers’ monetary privacy can also be a vital concern, prompting E-LOAN to make usage of industry leading privacy techniques and advocate strong consumer financial privacy security laws and regulations. Consumers have actually recognized E-LOAN’s respect and trustworthiness for clients. a separate research carried out by TRUSTe in addition to Ponemon Institute rated E-LOAN among the top 20 most trusted businesses for privacy in the usa. E-LOAN had been the best ranked online financial services business to help make the top 20. An additional separate research by The Customer Respect Group, E-LOAN received the entire rating that is highest in the Online Customer Respect Study of North America’s biggest financial solutions businesses.

This news release may include forward-looking statements according to the economic condition, outcomes of procedure and companies of Popular and E- LOAN inside the concept associated with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These generally include statements that connect with future performance that is financial condition. These forward-looking statements, include specific dangers and uncertainties, lots of which are beyond Popular and E-LOAN’s control. Facets which will cause real leads to vary materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements consist of, and others: (1) the prosperity of Popular at integrating E-LOAN into its company; (2) the danger that the price cost savings and any income synergies through the merger may possibly not be completely recognized or may take more time to appreciate than anticipated; (3) alterations in the attention price environment reducing interest margins or increasing interest danger; (4) running expenses and company interruption, including problems in keeping relationships with workers, clients or companies, could be greater than expected after the transaction;(5) deterioration generally speaking fiscal conditions, internationally, nationwide or in every specific State; (6) increased competitive force among economic solutions companies; (7) legislative or regulatory modifications, or the adoption of the latest laws, adversely affecting the firms by which Popular and/or E- LOAN engage; (8) the effect of terrorist functions or military actions; (9) the effect of earthquakes, hurricanes or any other natural catastrophes; and (10) other dangers detailed in reports filed by all of Popular and E-LOAN using the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements talk only at the time of the date they’ve been made, and Popular and E-LOAN disclaim any responsibility to upgrade any forward-looking statements after the date that such declaration is created.