Transamerica Corporation sells its consumer finance business to Household International for $1.1 billion

Business Wire, May 21, 1997

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 1997--Transamerica Corporation (NYSE:TA) and Household International (NYSE:HI) announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement for Household to purchase the consumer lending business of Transamerica, for $1.1 billion in cash.

The closing is subject to receipt of various regulatory approvals.

The business being sold had a book equity of $487 million at March 31, 1997. The gain which will be reported by Transamerica Corporation at the closing will take into account taxes, writedowns of intangibles and the result of the continuing liquidation or sale of the remaining $280 million of special assets.

Proceeds from the transactions, net of expenses, will be used to pay down debt, to purchase Transamerica Corporation's common stock and for other corporate purposes. Transamerica Corporation also announced that its board of directors has authorized the purchase of up to 6 million of the company's common shares.

"This transaction is not only good for our shareholders, but also Household will be a good home for the customers and employees of the consumer finance operations," said Frank C. Herringer, chairman and chief executive officer of Transamerica Corporation.

William F. Aldinger, chairman and chief executive officer of Household, said, "We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement with Transamerica. This acquisition brings us a very high quality portfolio of real estate-secured loans, a great branch network, and many talented employees. We and our associates at Transamerica are committed to a smooth and seamless transition."

San Francisco-based Transamerica Corporation, which had consolidated assets of $50 billion at March 31, 1997, provides specialized financial and life insurance products and services to individuals and organizations worldwide.

Household International, through its subsidiaries, is a leading provider of consumer financial services, primarily consumer lending and credit card products, in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

CONTACT: Transamerica Corporation

William H. McClave, 415/983-4087 (press)

James F. McArdle, 415/983-5503 (investment community)

http://www.transamerica.com