22. Subsequent Events

        On January 22, 2013, FirstCity Business Lending Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a stock purchase agreement with CS ABL Holdings, LLC to sell all of the common stock and the preferred stock of American Business Lending, Inc. to CS ABL Holdings, LLC for a total estimated purchase price of approximately $11.1 million. At December 31, 2012, the carrying value of the Company's investment was $7.5 million. The sale is subject to the approval of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the satisfaction of other conditions of the stock purchase agreement.