LendingTree Announces New Creative Agency Relationship with Merkley and Partners

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 7,  2012) – LendingTree, LLC, the nation’s leading online source for competitive loan offers, has announced its selection of Merkley + Partners as its new creative agency.  The responsibilities of Merkley + Partners will include strategic and creative development to support the LendingTree brand.

“The LendingTree brand is very strong and continues to be a key differentiator and  distinct competitive advantage in our category,” said Gabe Dalporto, LendingTree CMO. “Merkley + Partners came to us with a powerful campaign platform that will strengthen that brand foundation while effectively communicating our major upcoming product rollouts.”

“Lending Tree is an iconic brand and a pioneer in changing how people secure financing. We are thrilled and excited that they have chosen us to help them bring their message to the marketplace,” said Alex Gellert, Merkley + Partners CEO

The company expects to launch a new creative campaign in the spring of 2013, extending across all marketing communication channels including television, print and online advertising. LendingTree will also release its website re-design and a series of major product improvements in the coming months.

“We saw tremendous interest and passion from a number of Agencies throughout the RFP process, ” said Fred Saunders, SVP, Marketing.  “Merkley stood apart in their embrace of our brand, our company and our mission of empowering the consumer.  We are excited by the potential in our partnership.”

About LendingTree, LLC
LendingTree, LLC is the nation’s leading online source for competitive home loan offers,  empowering consumers during the mortgage, refinance or auto loan process.  LendingTree provides an online marketplace which connects consumers with multiple lenders that compete for their business, as well as an array of online tools and information to help consumers find the best loan. Since inception, LendingTree has facilitated more than 30 million loan requests and $214 billion in closed loan transactions.  LendingTree provides access to lenders offering mortgages and refinance loans, home equity loans/lines of credit, and more. LendingTree, LLC is a subsidiary of Tree.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE). For more information go to www.lendingtree.com, dial 800-555-TREE , join our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter @LendingTree.