Mackenzie Hall Wins U.K. Consumer Debt Collections Agency of the Year Award

KILMARNOCK, Scotland, Nov. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading U.K. debt collection agency (DCA) and specialist debt buyer, Mackenzie Hall, Ltd., is pleased to announce it has been awarded the Consumer DCA of The Year award at the 6thCredit Today, Debt Collection Awards.

The Debt Collection Awards recognise the achievements of companies working in the collections industry and attracted a high caliber of entries this year.

The category was judged by a panel of experts using criteria including evidence of strong client and customer satisfaction, a responsible approach to debt collection, excellent financial results, employee development, innovation and technology. Mackenzie Hall's entry included a number of endorsements from their growing list of satisfied clients.

Owen James, Chief Executive at Mackenzie Hall, said, "To be recognised as the U.K.'s leading Consumer DCA is a true reflection of the progress we have made during the last year. We are delighted to receive this award, which is a real credit to our entire team."

The Credit Today, Debt Collection Awards took place on the 15th November, 2012 at The Palace Hotel, Manchester.

Mackenzie Hall is a business of Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc.

About Mackenzie Hall

Mackenzie Hall Holdings Ltd. is one of the UK's fastest-growing businesses in consumer debt recovery. Mackenzie Hall today comprises Mackenzie Hall Ltd., outsourced and contingent consumer debt recovery specialists operating on behalf of a wide range of banks, credit providers and debt purchasers; Mackenzie Hall Debt Purchase Ltd., purchasers of distressed and dormant niche portfolios; and doorstep collections agency Meritforce Ltd. The award-winning company is based in Kilmarnock, Scotland, employing approximately 200 people at its headquarters and contact center. For additional information, please visit www.MackenzieHallGroup.com.

About Portfolio Recovery Associates

Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq:PRAA) is a specialised financial and business services company. A U.S. market leader in the consumer debt purchase and collection industry, the company also provides a broad range of business services to U.S. local governments, auto lenders, law enforcement, institutional investors and retailers; and U.K. banks and creditors. PRA was named one of Forbes' Top 25 Best Small Companies in America in 2012, and has been annually ranked as one of Forbes' 100 Best Small Companies since 2007. The company also was named one of Fortune's 100 Fastest Growing Companies in 2012. For more information, please visit www.PortfolioRecovery.com.

The Portfolio Recovery Associates logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13727

Media contact:
Rick Goulart
Vice President, PRA Corporate Communications
(757) 961-3525