Boeing

Boeing Capital Corporation announced today that it has retained Credit Suisse First Boston, LLC to explore strategic options for the future of Boeing Capital's Commercial Financial Services group.

Boeing Capital also announced that it will move most of its operations that are currently located in Long Beach, Calif. to its headquarters in Renton, Wash.

"Late last year we began refocusing our strategic direction toward supporting the operations of Boeing's business units," said Boeing Capital President Walt Skowronski. "While the commercial finance business has been a solid contributor to Boeing Capital's success, it is not at the core of our strategic focus going forward. As a result, we are exploring opportunities to maximize its value for all of our stakeholders."

Skowronski said that there is no fixed timetable for determining the future of Commercial Financial Services. "The timing will be dictated by what is the best outcome for our customers, our bondholders and our employees, and for Boeing shareholders."

The options being examined include the sale of the operation itself, sale of all or part of the commercial finance portfolio, or a phased "wind-down" of the existing portfolio.

The Commercial Financial Services portfolio as of Sept. 30, 2003 was US$2.3 billion, or approximately 19 percent of Boeing Capital's US$12.2 billion portfolio.

Boeing Capital also announced that it intends to relocate most of its operations currently in Long Beach, Calif. to its headquarters in Renton, Wash. Skowronski said the company's infrastructure is being consolidated in Renton to reduce cost, increase efficiency and improve productivity. Approximately 90 employees in the company's support organizations will be affected. The move is expected to be complete by September 2004.