WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, founded in 1962, is one of the largest small-loan consumer finance companies in the United States and Mexico. It offers short-term small loans, medium-term larger loans, related credit insurance products, ancillary products and services to individuals who have limited access to other sources of consumer credit.It also offers income tax return preparation services and access to refund anticipation loans (through a third party bank) to its customer base and to others.

World emphasizes quality customer service and the building of strong personal relationships with its customers. As a result, a substantial portion of the Company's business is repeat business from the renewal of loans to existing customers and the origination of new loans to former customers. During fiscal 2008, the Company loaned $1.7 billion in the aggregate in 1.8 million transactions. At March 31, 2008, World had approximately 684,000 customers. The Company's loans generally are under $3,000 and have maturities of less than 24 months. World's average loan made in fiscal 2008 was $959, and the average contractual maturity was approximately nine months.

The Company also markets computer software and related services to financial services companies through its ParaData Financial Systems subsidiary. The ParaData system is currently used in approximately 1,493 consumer loan offices, including the Company's branch offices, and ParaData services over 113 customers.

As of June 13, 2008, World operated 860 offices in South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, New Mexico, Kentucky, Alabama and Mexico.