F2b and VirtualCred conclude an agreement allowing online financing for purchases     F2b, a leader in the field of online payments in Brazil, and VirtualCred, a division of ABN AMRO Real Bank, have just concluded an agreement that permits online purchases to be financed using an Internet based process that is quick, private and extremely convenient for the user. This solution was specifically developed for the small businesses and for individual users that do not have access to these services through banks.   Through the F2b website, F2b users can complete an online application and arrange for credit that is secured using post-dated checks. The user can choose from different payment schedules for a maximum of 12 months. VirtualCred will process the application and the approval is usually obtained within one hour. Thereafter a representative will come to the borrower's home or office to collect the signed documents. VirtualCred will then deposit the credit into the user's F2b account where it can be used for purchases or other purposes.   "This innovative process of financing purchases gives e-commerce a new way to compete with traditional "purchase financing" that is common in physical stores but was difficult to achieve on the Internet. This new tool that makes buying online easier by offering a financing option will be of great benefit for users of auctions websites and small online merchants." says Laurymar Souza, Executive Director of F2b in Brazil.   VirtualCred's goal is to serve the needs of online merchants who can now offer financing alternatives to their customers and increase their sales volume, while also serving the needs of individuals who choose to pay for purchases over an extended period of time.   Carlos Cintra, the Executive Director of VirtualCred comments that "users will happily be able to take advantage of the Internet's convenience to obtain a unique new service especially designed to allow secure and efficient financing transactions."   It is estimated that between 5,000 and 10,000 VirtualCred transactions will be completed by the end of December of 2002. The majority of these transactions will be from F2b registered users.     About F2b (www.f2b.com.br)   Launched in December of 2000 and headquartered in São Paulo, F2b (www.f2b.com.br) is a Brazilian company pioneer in the field of online payment. Through its proprietary financial processing platform, F2b enables Internet users to create virtual accounts, make online purchases, transfer funds using e-mail addresses, purchase logistics services, and establish payment escrow accounts. All of these services are available without the need of bank accounts or credit cards.   F2b is a company financed by a group of North American investors including Neptune Capital Group and the president and founder of the company, Jacques Blinbaum.     About VirtualCred (www.virtualcred.com.br)   VirtualCred, businesses unit of the ABN AMRO Bank group, is the first and only on-line finance company of the country with financing products for goods and personal credit destined to virtual stores, financial portals and final consumer exclusively. The on-line finance is focused on upgrading sales of e-commerce companies, helping them to offer credit conditions appropriate to the needs of Internet user's.   Among the financing products of VirtualCred there are the Personal credit, the Personal credit with Warranty, the Direct loan to the Consumer (DLC) and DLC Automobile, and that can be used for transactions between matters or among natural persons and juridical.     Information for the press:   Edelman of Brazil S2 Comunicação Integrada Renata Pacini Claudia Fuj -3457-0207 - claudiam@s2.com.br (11) 3017.5300 - R.236 Roberta M. Pregnaca - 3457-0223 - robertam@s2.com.br renata.pacini@edelman.com