SquareTrade Announces Record Year in 2012 with 90% Growth and Global Expansion

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SquareTrade®, the top-rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers, today announced it grew by 90% in 2012, driven by the widespread use of consumer electronics and the increasing need to protect them. The company's reputation for world-class customer service and comprehensive coverage fueled thousands of 5-star customer reviews, unrivaled word of mouth publicity, and the attention of five of the top ten largest retailers in the world.

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"2012 was an incredible growth year for SquareTrade – in every respect. In addition to growing our business through strong partnerships with some of the world's greatest retailers, we strengthened our unique bond with millions of customers in the U.S. and UK," commented Steve Abernethy, president and CEO of SquareTrade. "The combination of a talented, world-class team, a strong brand, a large market opportunity and the capital to pursue it, position us well for success in 2013 and beyond. "

World-Class Team Expands

• Partnership with Bain Capital and Bain Capital Ventures led to the second largest venture capital investment of 2012
• Former Hotwire, Esurance, Clorox and P&G executive Ty Shay joined SquareTrade as CMO
• Michael Adler, former Expedia CFO, joined SquareTrade as CFO
• Green Dot Veteran SVP Dina Furash joined SquareTrade as SVP of Strategic Partnerships 

Leading Channel Partners and Solutions Multiply: $2.8B under SquareTrade protection

• Leading national retailers expanded the breadth of products under SquareTrade protection plans available to their customers while best in class specialty retailers began offering SquareTrade for all equipment in-store and online
• Large consumer electronics manufacturers and distributors partnered with SquareTrade to enhance customer loyalty
• SquareTrade saw great success with its mobile offering - completing its first full year in large, national stores

International Expansion Accelerates in the UK

• SquareTrade's focus on delighting consumers and obsessing over value and user experience attracted the attention of the UK's two largest retailers – where it was launched in November to provide hassle-free protection plans to millions of customers

Unrivaled Customer Love Continues

• SquareTrade Facebook fans grew by 80% to 195,000 people - creating the largest fan base of any warranty company in the world
• Thousands of SquareTrade customers wrote reviews on retailer sites and Facebook, resulting in consistent 5-star ratings praising our service, ease of use and value.
• More than 22 million people consulted our Drop Tests to compare new devices

About SquareTrade

SquareTrade is the top-rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers for its fast and exceptional service. SquareTrade protects mobile devices, laptops and tablets, and other consumer electronics and appliances from malfunctions, accidental damage and life's frequent mishaps. Unlike old-fashioned warranties, SquareTrade is designed for today's consumer and uses innovative technology to deliver a zero hassle claims process. SquareTrade has more than 195,000 fans on Facebook, consistently wins industry awards and receives thousands of 5-star reviews for its legendary customer service. Top retailers around the world offer SquareTrade, achieving a 200% increase in sales on average and happier customers. SquareTrade's rapid transformation of the warranty industry attracted one of the largest private capital raises in 2012, with a $238 million round led by Bain Capital and Bain Capital Ventures. Headquartered in San Francisco and London, SquareTrade is privately held. For more information, go to www.squaretrade.com.

PRESS CONTACT: 
Jessica Hoffman 
[email protected] 
415-541-1000, ext.1063

SOURCE SquareTrade