Financiera Independencia Closes Acquisition of Apoyo Financiero Inc.

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Financiera Independencia, S.A.B. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R. (BMV: FINDEP; OTC: FNCRY) ("Independencia" or the "Company") a leading Mexican microfinance lender of personal loans to lower income segment individuals and working capital loans through group lending microfinance, announced today that is has successfully closed the acquisition of 77% of the outstanding shares of Apoyo Financiero Inc. ("AFI"), a microfinance company primarily serving the unbanked Hispanic community in San Francisco, California, as announced on December 22, 2010. Through this acquisition, Independencia increased its loan portfolio by Ps.31.8 million and added 919 new clients.

About Financiera Independencia:

Financiera Independencia, S.A.B. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R. (Independencia), is a Mexican microfinance lender of personal loans to individuals and working capital loans through group lending microfinance. Independencia provides microcredit loans on an unsecured basis to individuals in the low-income segments in Mexico in urban areas of both the formal and informal economy. As of December 31, 2010, Independencia had a total outstanding loan balance of Ps.5,773.0 million, operated 371 offices in Mexico and Brazil and had a total labor force of 9,763 people. The Company listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange on November 1, 2007, where it trades under the symbol "FINDEP". On November 30, 2009 Independencia launched a sponsored Level I American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program in the United States. Each ADR represents 15 shares of Independencia common stock and trades over-the-counter (OTC). More information can be found at www.findep.mx.

Some of the statements contained in this press release discuss future expectations or state other forward-looking information. Those statements are subject to risks identified in this press release and in Financiera Independencia's filings with the Mexican Stock Exchange. Actual developments could differ significantly from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information is based on various factors and was derived using numerous assumptions. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except as may be required by applicable law, we do not have an obligation to update or revise them, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise.

This press release does not constitute an offer for the sale of or a solicitation of offers to purchase any securities. The shares expected to be issued in the capital increase will not be registered under the US Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

SOURCE Financiera Independencia, S.A.B. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R.