OTHER NEWS - Aug. 5, 1996

Republic, GE Capital Discussing Alliance: Republic Industries Inc. is in the second stage of talks with General Electric Corp.’s finance arm to obtain millions of dollars in loans for Republic’s used-car superstores, according to someone familiar with the negotiations. Billionaire H. Wayne Huizenga controls Republic, which has moved rapidly with acquisitions to establish a used-car supply and distribution network. A partnership with GE Capital, the nation’s largest finance company, would let Republic provide easier financing for AutoNation USA customers. The source added that Republic is talking with other companies about financing too. Republic and GE Capital declined to comment on the talks.