Encore Capital Group Announces Acquisition Of Asset Acceptance

SAN DIEGO and WARREN, Mich., March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECPG) and Asset Acceptance Capital Corp. (Nasdaq: AACC) today announced that Encore has entered into an agreement to acquire Asset Acceptance Capital Corp. Based in Warren, Michigan, Asset Acceptance has decades of experience in buying consumer receivables across a broad range of asset classes, as well as a  tenured workforce. Combined, Encore and Asset Acceptance have purchased over 60 million individual consumer accounts, including credit card, telecommunications, consumer loans and other related assets, with a face value of over $130 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, Encore will acquire Asset Acceptance for $6.50 per share, which represents a total equity value of approximately $200 million, representing a 24 percent premium to AACC's 30 day volume weighted average share price.  Asset Acceptance shareholders will have the option to receive their consideration in cash or Encore stock or any combination of cash and Encore stock, at their election, with the aggregate stock consideration across all stockholders capped at 25 percent of the total equity consideration to be received.  Subject to regulatory approval and Asset Acceptance shareholder approval, the acquisition is expected to close during the second quarter of this year.

"This acquisition moves our industry into a new phase of maturity defined by more efficient companies that are committed to operating ethically and treating consumers with respect," said Encore's President and Chief Executive Officer Brandon Black. "Encore's strong operating and cost advantages will allow Asset Acceptance's investments to be significantly more profitable and will deliver greater value to shareholders. Consumers also stand to benefit as we extend Encore's industry-leading Consumer Bill of Rights to millions more people who are on their way to financial recovery."

Encore has been acquiring competitor portfolios since 2001 and has developed expertise in valuing, managing and integrating large transactions.  Encore made two significant portfolio acquisitions last year alone and has already successfully integrated them into its operational platform. The acquisition of Asset Acceptance provides Encore not only with an additional portfolio, but also with valuable operations capabilities and synergy opportunities.

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