BERNINA Renews Consumer Finance Agreement with GE Money

GE Money, the consumer lending unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE - News), and BERNINA, a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance sewing and embroidery systems, announced a multi-year extension of their consumer financing agreement, originally formed in 2002. The no annual fee BERNINA credit card offers customers special financing options and additional savings opportunities throughout the year. The card is managed by GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, which provides billions of dollars of consumer financing through more than 145,000 small and medium businesses on Main Streets across the United States.

“For over seven years, BERNINA and GE Money have partnered in providing a valuable financing solution and we look forward to continuing this relationship for years to come,” said Martin Farve, president of BERNINA. “The BERNINA credit card is a great way for our customers to finance our sewing and embroidery products they have always wanted and begin creating new sewing projects today.”

The BERNINA credit card can be used at over 500 authorized dealers to purchase any of BERNINA’s complete line of state-of-the-art sewing and embroidery machines, sergers and embroidery software, including the world’s only luxury, high-performance sewing and embroidery system, the BERNINA 8 Series. Enthusiasts can also take advantage of BERNINA’s wide array of customer support offerings, including training videos, Webinars and product software updates.

“BERNINA is an industry driver in innovation, product excellence and garnering customer loyalty,” said Sharon Burkitt, vice president, specialty industry, GE Money – Sales Finance. “The BERNINA credit card is an excellent option for customers looking to make a purchase and stay within their budgets.”

BERNINA dealers use GE Money’s Web-based finance management portal, Business Center. Business Center provides business clients with an easy, secure way to manage their credit programs and better serve their customers. Thousands of small businesses use GE Money’s Business Center to securely access all the sales, operational, marketing and training tools they need at the click of a button.

About BERNINA

Founded in Switzerland more than 100 years ago, BERNINA® is the world’s premier manufacturer with a proven reputation for offering state-of-the-art sewing and embroidery systems, sergers and embroidery software. BERNINA’s leadership is marked by an impressive number of industry leaders, influencers and artisans who chose to partner with the company. BERNINA products are sold in the United States through a network of approximately 500 fully trained dealerships. In 2008, the company introduced the revolutionary BERNINA 830 that is designed to change the home sewing industry. To learn more and to find a dealer, visit www.berninausa.com.

About GE Money

GE Money’s Sales Finance unit, based in Kettering, Ohio, is a part of General Electric Company’s GE Capital division, (NYSE: GE). GE Money provides credit card programs and financial services for consumers through dealers; national, regional and independent retailers; associations; contractors; manufacturers; healthcare practices; and service providers in nearly 20 industries including: automotive, consumer electronics and appliances, elective health care, floor covering, home design and improvement, home furnishings, jewelry, music, powersports, outdoor power equipment and sporting goods. More information can be found at www.gemoney.com.

GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. GE is Imagination at Work. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

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