GE Capital, Franchise Finance Provides $13.9 Million to Buffalo Wild Wings® Franchisee, Wings Across America, LLC
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--06 July 2011-- GE Capital, Franchise Finance recently completed a $13.9 million transaction with Wings Across America, LLC, a Buffalo Wild Wings® franchisee. The funding includes a $9,400,000 refinance term loan and a $4,500,000 new unit development line of credit. Funding was provided through GE Capitals bank affiliate, GE Capital Financial Inc.
We chose to go with GE Capital based on certainty of execution, the structure they offered, and our existing relationship, said John Weiler, president, Wings Across America, LLC. Equally important was their ability to handle our future growth plans.
Based in Barrington, Illinois, Wings Across America, LLC and its affiliates have been franchising with Buffalo Wild Wings for ten years. They currently own and operate 18 Buffalo Wild Wing units in Maryland and in areas northwest of Chicago.
We provided a creative refinance solution to a complex capital structure that enabled Wings Across America to add flexibility in their debt structure to support future growth, says Allan Hauptli, vice president, GE Capital, Franchise Finance. GE has a long relationship with the Buffalo Wild Wings brand and with John Weiler and his businesses. This helped us execute on the transaction in the timeframe that the customer expected. Its a pleasure working with Wings Across America and we look forward to an expanding relationship with them as they continue to grow.
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar® is one of the top 10 fastest growing restaurant chains with more than 765 Buffalo Wild Wings locations across 45 states in the United States, as well as in Canada.
About GE Capital, Franchise Finance
GE Capital, Franchise Finance is a leading lender for the franchise finance market via direct sales and portfolio acquisition. With more than 30 years of experience and $12 billion in served assets, we serve over 5,000 customers and over 22,000 property locations. We specialize in financing mid-market operators with multiple stores in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Our team of industry experts will work with you to help develop growth plans with access to our proprietary industry research and customized tools. More information is available at www.gefranchisefinance.com or by calling 866-GET-GEFF (438-4333).
