FFEL’s Expansion into Construction Primed to Fuel Growth for JA Mitsui Leasing Group’s North American Initiatives

ORANGE, CA – Monday, May 22, 2023 – First Financial Equipment Leasing (FFEL), a leading equipment leasing solutions provider, announced today that Brian Hutchison joined the company as Senior Vice President to spearhead expansion into the construction and industrial equipment segment.  Hutchison has extensive experience building and leading vendor finance programs with partners both in the US and internationally.  At FFEL, he will focus on developing dealer and vendor-focused solutions for the company’s entry into the segment.

Through this expansion, FFEL is well-positioned to accelerate the organic growth of its core business and push forward new initiatives with the support of its parent company, JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd. (JAML).  JAML has extensive credentials for supporting the construction industry in Japan and is well-positioned to bring that expertise to the North American market.  

Led by Hutchison, a newly formed construction-specific team will focus on significant opportunities within the company to enhance leasing options for vendors, dealers, and customers.  “While we have historically provided direct leasing solutions, our construction team will add dealer and vendor-focused solutions to our model,” said Brian Dundon, SVP, Head of Corporate Development, FFEL.  “Given his customer-centric leadership style and strong track record of success with manufacturers and dealers, Hutchison will be instrumental in identifying new revenue opportunities and enhancing leasing options to various customer groups.”  
Hutchison has over 25 years in equipment finance, with roles in wholesale operations, underwriting, and sales.  Before joining FFEL, Hutchison spent 19 years in commercial leadership roles with DLL Financial Services, including joint venture managing director and global account manager for a vendor program partner.

“I am excited to join FFEL at a time of significant growth and expansion to lead our construction team,” said Brian Hutchison, Senior Vice President – Construction, FFEL.  “The company has earned a stellar reputation within the leasing industry for its unparalleled customer service and innovative financing programs, and I look forward to taking the construction group to new heights.”

About First Financial Equipment Leasing – JA Mitsui Leasing Group

First Financial Equipment Leasing specializes in the acquisition of Construction & Industrial Equipment, Healthcare, IT Solutions and Services, Material Handling & Automation, and Renewable Energy & Solar.  For over 20 years, First Financial Equipment Leasing has provided financing solutions designed to conserve capital and offer affordable access to often expensive yet increasingly critical, advanced technologies and equipment.

Headquartered in Southern California, First Financial Equipment Leasing is a member of JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd. (JAML), a joint venture of Mitsui & Co. (2022 revenue $96B) and Norinchukin Bank (2022 assets totaling $1.05 Trillion)

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Technology Leasing Programs for the Classroom. Solutions First.

Equip your students and educators for success by leasing new technology equipment and IT solutions.

At First Financial Equipment Leasing, we understand the specific challenges facing K-12 school districts and educational institutions. Our leasing solutions are explicitly designed to assist customers with limited resources and budgets. Our technology financing experts will work closely with you to develop programs that require minimal upfront costs, ensure you have the means for frequent updates, and keep your budget in check.

Benefits of Leasing Information Technology:

• Refresh Outdated Equipment with 100% Financing and No Down Payment Required
• Option to Bundle Equipment and Services, Maintenance, Extended Warranty, and Insurance Into One Low Payment
• Eliminate the Expensive Inconvenience of Managing and Repairing Outdated Equipment
• Easy to Budget, Predictable Monthly Payments on Flexible Terms

Contact us today to learn how we can help you acquire new computers, printers, software, security, and connectivity equipment to serve your students better and keep your institution ahead of the curve.

Let the technology consultants at First Financial outfit your classroom for success by implementing new equipment and IT solutions.

TYLER FIELDS
Regional Sales Representative
M. 714-404-7948 | O. 714-646-1657
tfields@ffequipmentleasing.comHello, world

CLICK TO VIEW PDF

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Specialized Industrial Equipment Financing to Meet the Unique Needs of Distributors

Construction equipment can come with a hefty price tag, making it challenging to find the necessary assets without straining finances or disrupting cash flow. First Financial Equipment Leasing offers acquisition plans that allow businesses to preserve cash while obtaining the equipment required to meet evolving business demands.

Over the last two decades, we have developed long-lasting relationships with manufacturers, dealers, and vendors throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. Our construction industry pros have a detailed knowledge of your industry and the challenges facing your business. Working side by side through the acquisition process, we create solutions that align with current needs and budgets while preparing for future upgrades and seasonal fluctuations.

A well-executed construction equipment acquisition plan from First Financial Equipment Leasing will increase profitability, accommodate growth and reduce the risks associated with maintaining outdated assets. Having the right equipment at the right price allows businesses to push forward onto more significant projects and build a solid foundation for future expansion.

About First Financial Equipment Leasing

• Privately held lender specializing in the acquisition of Construction & Heavy Equipment, Healthcare, IT Solutions and Services, Material Handling & Automation, Renewable Energy & Solar, and Robotics.
• For over 20 years, we have provided financing solutions designed to conserve capital and offer affordable access to often expensive yet increasingly critical, advanced technologies and equipment.
• Part of a global network and the JA Mitsui Leasing family of companies. JA Mitsui is a joint venture of Mitsui & Co. (2022 revenue $96B) and Norinchukin Bank (2022 assets totaling $1.05 Trillion).
• Well-equipped to finance purchases from $100K to over $50MM+.

Jeff Whitcomb, Senior Vice President
Construction Sales Director USA/Canada
346.275.2835
jwhitcomb@ffequipmentleasing.comHello, world

Lease financing can equip your business for success by keeping working capital in your hands.

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Equip your business for the future by leasing new technology equipment and IT solutions.

Equipment Leasing Solutions Optimized for Small to Medium Businesses Financing $100,000-$500,000

First Financial Equipment Leasing understands the challenges of acquiring critical technology and software solutions at a manageable cost while remaining adaptable as your technology needs grow. When budgets are under unprecedented pressure and facing competing demands for capital, leasing equipment is a sound, fiscally responsible alternative to buying.

During the equipment acquisition process, we will work closely with you to develop tailored leasing structures that match your financial needs with your technical requirements. We will consult with you about equipment lifecycles, market pricing evaluations, and industry best practices and share ideas on maximizing your produc- tivity and financial efficiency. Leveraging all the available options, we can tailor a cost-effective solution that works harder and smarter to promote the profitability and competitiveness of your business.

About First Financial

• Privately held lender specializing in the acquisition of Construction & Heavy Equipment, Healthcare, IT Solutions and Services, Material Handling & Automation, and Renewable Energy & Solar.
• For over 20 years, we have provided financing solutions designed to conserve capital and offer affordable access to often expensive yet increasingly critical, advanced technologies and equipment.
• Part of a global network and the JA Mitsui Leasing family of companies. JA Mitsui is a joint venture of Mitsui & Co. (2022 revenue $96B) and Norinchukin Bank (2022 assets totaling $1.05 Trillion).

Benefits of Lease Financing with First Financial

• Companies appreciate that by leasing their project, they gain the benefit of new technology solutions, with minimal upfront costs.
• Leasing can help drive day one savings due to the cost and productivity efficiencies that far exceed the monthly lease cost.
• Leasing conserves capital and provides 100% financing with no down payment required.
• Option to bundle equipment and services, maintenance, extended warranty, and insurance – all in one convenient payment.
• Eliminates the expensive inconvenience of managing outdated equipment.
• Flexibility at end of term allows purchase of the equipment or upgrade to newer equipment to maximize efficiency.

Dave Sanborne, National Sales Manager
480.363.7554
dsanborne@ffequipmentleasing.comHello, world

Monitor recently caught up with Tom Slevin, founder and CEO, and Brian Dundon, SVP corporate development at First Financial Equipment Leasing ahead of their company’s acquisition of NorFund, an independent leasing company specializing in capital equipment, solar and alternative energy and vendor finance programs.

First Financial Equipment Leasing announced its expansion into Canada in 2022 with the acquisition of NorFund, an independent leasing company specializing in capital equipment, solar and alternative energy and vendor finance programs.

Having been acquired by JA Mitsui Leasing a few years ago, Tom Slevin, founder and CEO of First Financial, and Brian Dundon, SVP corporate development, both knew not only what to expect during the acquisition, but also what to provide to make it a smooth transition.

Reminiscing about First Financial’s acquisition not too long ago, Slevin and Dundon remember the fears they had around acquisitions, which stemmed from stories of other independent companies being purchased by a larger company or bank and facing restrictions and various changes, which lessened the overall experience, value and productivity of some companies. Thankfully, that was not the case for the JA Mitsui Leasing acquisition some years ago, but it offered insight on how to provide insight, resources and opportunities when expanding internationally and into new territory.

“The biggest thing that we have with JA Mitsui and with the folks that we work with is that it’s much more of a partnership than a top-down mentality,” Dundon says. “That’s not something you get in every single big company. And it’s something that I know myself, Tom, and others are really grateful for is having partners that are seeking to actively help.”

The Cultural Fit

The First Financial team plans to take a similar approach in its acquisition of NorFund. Slevin says NorFund is a perfect fit for First Financial. Having been established in Canada for years, NorFund was everything First Financial wanted in a partner, as Slevin puts it, “They have contacts, they have customers, they have vendor relationships, they have relationships within the leasing community there. And it was a really good cultural fit in that they’re creative and entrepreneurial like First Financial.”

NorFund, which has been renamed First Financial Canadian Leasing, will continue to be led by Robert MacFarlane, who has more than 30 years of leasing experience, including roles at Newcourt Credit, National City and PNC that focused on developing fair market value leasing businesses in Canada.

“[What] made NorFund really an attractive target was the people,” Dundon says. “Rob MacFarlane founded NorFund. He led that company, and prior to that, he worked in fair market value, technology leasing, solar leasing, and really the type of businesses that we want to be involved in. There aren’t many people up there in Canada that have done that and understand that market, so being able to acquire NorFund and bring Rob on board, it made a lot of sense.”

What attracted First Financial Equipment Leasing to the Canadian market is how the country does business in a similar fashion to the U.S. From a contractual and legal standpoint, it makes sense, but Selvin also notes that recently, banks have pulled away from that market and have left a potential opportunity open for his company.

“Our goal is to really take what we’ve learned over the last 10 years that we’ve been there and grow that,” Dundon says. “We’re really a relationship focused company. We try to have our customers be our customers for decades, and Canada’s a market that’s pretty similar and people value that kind of approach and relationship mindset.”

Running with NorFund’s previous successes with solar asset classes, Dundon and Slevin plan to expand the company’s offerings to include construction and material handling. In the U.S., First Financial’s asset classes are material handling, information technology, healthcare and construction.

“Since the acquisition, we’ve grown — our equipment leasing volume has tripled and we’ve doubled the back office in three years,” Dundon says. “That pace is continuing to grow and adding Canada in there is only going to further accelerate that in the long run.”

>> Link to monitordaily.com article <<Hello, world

NorFund Capital to be rebranded as First Financial Canadian Leasing.

ORANGE, CA and TORONTO, Canada – Thursday, December 8th, 2022 – First Financial
Equipment Leasing (FFEL), a leading provider of equipment financing solutions and a member company of JA Mitsui Leasing Ltd (JAML), announces a strategic expansion into Canada with the acquisition of NorFund Capital. Based in Toronto, Canada, NorFund Capital is an independent leasing company specializing in capital equipment, solar and alternative energy, and vendor finance programs.

The acquisition continues First Financial Equipment Leasing’s tremendous growth trajectory, driven by its vision to elevate and broaden solutions offered to its global customers. “NorFund
Capital’s expertise and creativity within the Canadian market made it the ideal fit to lead our growth in new markets and industries,” said Tom Slevin, FFEL Co-Founder and CEO. “With Canada becoming a significant part of our North American platform, this acquisition provides key opportunities for us to extend our financing solutions and enhance the customer experience throughout our global client base.”

“We are excited to join First Financial Equipment Leasing and the JA Mitsui Leasing Ltd. family of companies,&quot; said Robert MacFarlane, President and Founder NorFund Capital.”

“Our organizations have a shared passion for building innovative financing solutions with a customer-focus approach. Given the complementary nature of our combined businesses, we look forward
to a strengthened global platform with expanded investment opportunities.”

MacFarlane will lead the newly named First Financial Canadian Leasing as Senior Vice President, overseeing the Canadian sales strategies and business development. He will focus on growing the company’s fair market value (FMV) leases and establishing First Financial Canadian Leasing as a market leader in renewable energy financing in Canada. MacFarlane has over 30 years of experience in the leasing industry and has built and managed several highly successful equipment finance companies.

First Financial Equipment Leasing was represented by Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP on the transaction.

About First Financial Canadian Leasing

FF Canadian Leasing, Inc. dba First Financial Canadian Leasing (FFCL) is a privately held equipment finance leader working with Canadian businesses and subsidiaries of US corporations. FFCL provides businesses with equipment financing for all categories of commercial assets and various industries, including construction and heavy equipment, IT solutions and services, material handling and automation, and solar and renewable energy. FFCL is a division of First Financial Equipment Leasing, and a member of JA Mitsui Leasing Ltd. (JAML), a Japanese equipment leasing company providing leasing and financial solutions in Japan and Globally (offices in Asia and North America). For additional information, please visit the company’s website at www.ffcanadianleasing.com.Hello, world

> Link to Monitor 4th Annual Women in Equipment Finance Issue <<

>> Link to download PDF <<

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCING

Leasing new equipment can boost revenue and achieves a speedy return on investment

• Leasing medical equipment can offer you more financial flexibility, save money, and provide significant cost savings.
• Upgrading your outdated assets can boost your profits, manage your growth, and reduce risks.
• Maintain a competitive edge in attracting and serving patients by investing in the newest technology.
• Leasing medical equipment is an effective way to easily adapt to changes in the healthcare industry.

BENEFITS OF LEASING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

100% Financing
Acquire the equipment you need without a major initial cash outlay.

Conserve Working Capital
Stabilizes cash flow and preserves lines of credit for other operational needs, investments, or unforeseen expenditures.

Accelerate ROI
Rather than paying one lump sum for your equipment, you make smaller payments while the equipment is working for you.

Avoid Obsolescence
Upgrade outdated equipment and stay on top of the latest advances in equipment and technology.

Bundle Soft Costs
Ability to bundle all project costs like engineering, software, services, freight, and installation into one monthly payment.

Flexibility
Options at the end of term to easily purchase, replace, upgrade or add additional equipment.

First Financial Equipment Leasing equips an array of medical facilities including:

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Critical Access Hospitals
• Outpatient Diagnostic Centers
• Skilled Nursing Facilities

IMAGING:
MRI Machines, CT Scanners, X-Ray Machines, Nuclear Imaging, Ultrasound, Mammography
Pharmacy Automation & Inventory Management

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT:
Microscopes, Chemistry Analyzers, Mass Spectrometers, Sterile Processing

PATIENT ROOM & LIFE CARE SOLUTIONS:

• Anesthesia Delivery, Infusion Pumps, Patient Monitoring and Ventilators
• Patient Comfort: Hospital Beds, Stretchers and Surgical Tables
• Telehealth & Patient Record Management Technology

RADIO SURGERY/CANCER CARE:

• Gamma Knife, Linear Accelerator and Proton Beam Therapy
• Operating Room: Surgical Robots and Operating Room Technology
• Endoscopy and Surgical Tools

HEALTHCARE IT EQUIPMENT:

• Laptops, Servers, Networking, Storage, Printers, EHR System, Mobile Computer Carts,
  Nurse Calling, Telephony
• Sterilization Equipment
• Energy Management and
• Recapture: Solar, Regeneration

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