Card Briefs: Old Kent to Sell $280M of Receivables

Old Kent Financial Corp. announced this week that it intends to sell about $280 million of credit card receivables to First National Bank of Omaha.

Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in June, were not released.

Old Kent said Wednesday that it expects to recognize a gain on the sale and anticipates a positive impact on the corporation's operations.

This has been a big year for portfolio sales, noted investment banker Robert Hammer, who said portfolios ranging from $50 million to more than $1 billion had been sold at multiples ranging from single digits to the mid- 20s.

As part of the arrangement, which the companies described as being an alliance, Old Kent will continue to offer Old Kent-branded credit cards through First National.

Last year Old Kent ended its Card Miles frequent-flier program, and its credit card executive, Darrell G. Rickman, resigned. RAM Research Group reported that the portfolio has shrunk 12% since Jan. 1.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER