Replies to post #315 on EOS Preferred Corp Series D Pfd (fka EOSPN)

[Enterprising Investor]

How about... GE?

Not today. GE Capital Financial has been looking elsewhere. GECF had been looking for a retail funding source.

MetLife to Sell Depository Business of MetLife Bank to GE Capital Financial

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) announced today that GE Capital Financial Inc. will acquire most of the depository business of MetLife Bank, N.A. Financial terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, were not disclosed.

Under the definitive agreement signed by GE Capital and MetLife Bank, GE Capital will acquire approximately $7.5 billion in MetLife Bank deposits, including certificates of deposit and money market accounts. Approximately $3 billion in custodial deposits associated with MetLife’s forward mortgage business and certain other deposits are not included in the transaction, but will be transferred out of MetLife Bank over the next six months.

MetLife Bank had $10.7 billion in deposits as of September 30, 2011.

“This transaction with GE Capital ensures that customers of MetLife Bank will continue to be served by a high quality organization that already meets the financing needs of more than 100 million consumers,” said Steven A. Kandarian, president and chief executive officer of MetLife, Inc. “At the same time, this agreement is a significant step toward MetLife’s no longer being a bank holding company.”

The transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

In connection with the transaction, MetLife Bank and GE Capital will enter into a transition services agreement to help ensure a seamless transition of the business.

MetLife Bank began operating in 2001 by offering retail savings products via the Internet.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. served as exclusive financial advisor to MetLife while Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as MetLife’s legal advisor.

MetLife, Inc. is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers in over 50 countries. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20111227005258/en/MetLife-Sell-Depository-Business-MetLife-Bank-GE

[Enterprising Investor]

Always envisioned one potential ALS acquirer.

[Enterprising Investor]

Aurora Bank as standalone still a possibility.

The strategy of building deposits through online banking has gained credibility in recent years, as a growing number of traditional lenders like Discover Financial Services Inc. and American Express Co. have expanded their own Internet efforts.

Customers are becoming increasingly comfortable with Internet-only accounts, and many online banks now offer rates that are little better than their brick-and-mortar competitors.

Internet bank accounts "are a good way to get into the deposits business in a straightforward way," said Michael Poulos, head of the North American financial-services practice at consulting firm Oliver Wyman.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203479104577124322607239922.html

All one has to do is pay attention to the all those Ally commercials.