CALABASAS, Calif. — Calming the waters a bit in the nation's tight credit markets, Countrywide Financial Corporation, the leading mortgage lender and servicer in the U.S., announced yesterday that it received a $2 billion strategic equity investment from Bank of America. Last week Countrywide drew down on its full $11.5 billion line of credit from a consortium of banks, which caused a downward ripple in the markets.

"Bank of America's investment in Countrywide represents a vote of confidence and strengthens our balance sheet, enabling us to position Countrywide for future growth and success," added Mr. Mozilo. "This transaction benefits all of Countrywide's constituents, including investors, shareholders, mortgage customers, deposit holders, business partners and employees," concluded Mr. Mozilo.

BofA bought preferred shares with an interest rate of 7.25% that can be converted into common stock at a price of $18. "We believe that in the current turmoil the stock market has been underestimating the value in Countrywide's operations and assets," said Kenneth D. Lewis, Bank of America chairman and chief executive officer. "This investment reflects our confidence in their business and recognizes the importance of the company in providing home financing across the country. We hope this investment will be a step toward a return to a more normal liquidity in the mortgage markets. Countrywide has a strong mortgage origination business and it services the mortgages of one in seven American households."