They have developed customized leasing programs specific to the needs of our industry. Clune has taken away many of the inherent dangers associated with presenting a lease that eventually end up holding our customers hostage. The beauty of Clune is that they have taken away the pain of the past and packaged a solution that will offer overall long-term value for our customers and us. We are also better protected against losing a customer's future business.

James O'Keefe, R.S. Knapp Co Inc

Kevin's Corner

by Kevin Clune, CLP

(Clune & Company is a Kansas City based professional leasing firm)

The recent turmoil in the capital markets has many people asking me “does all this adversely impact Clune?” I reply that we believe the changes we’re seeing leave Clune with an even greater competitive advantage.

Most large leasing companies access capital through Commercial Paper and Securitization. Securitization has all but dried up for leasing and the issuance of Commercial Paper has become very difficult and very expensive, if it can be issued at all. This leaves many lessors scrambling for the capital they need to fund leases.

With diminished capital the cost of funds go up so their rates go up. Additionally lessors will be choosing to get out of some markets and vendor relationships they now have because they no longer have the capital to fund them.

Even in these challenging times business continues to go on and companies need to be able to lease or finance the equipment they acquire. Clune has more than enough capital to serve your needs.

Remember that if you acquire new equipment before the end of the calendar year you can possibly take advantage of the newly expanded Sec. 179 depreciation allowance if you structure a “capital” lease. Ask us for details.

Thanks for your business!

Kevin F. Clune, President