Toni Tataru, chief executive of International Leasing, says he has chosen expansion through franchises to secure the long-term development of his company.
"I've come to the conclusion that the franchise system is the best solution for the company's development after having analysed activity expansion alternatives. In terms of time and costs, we felt this was a more advantageous solution than development through the opening of branches countrywide," stated Toni Tataru, International Leasing's CEO.
The idea came up early this year, and a thorough market research was conducted before being put into practice, according to Tataru, in order to determine whether the name of the company could sustain the project and how well known the name was in the cities franchises would be granted.
"We conducted internal assessment operations and during the April-August period we carried out brand refreshment activities to modify the look of the logo. We consider it is now ready to sustain franchising and therefore we shall expand through franchises over the following 3 years," added Tataru.
To prepare the methodology and the technical software of the system, where the franchisees will be included, International Leasing has so far invested almost 100,000 euros.
The franchising process first started with an evaluation of partners, together with CHR Consulting consultancy, specialised in franchising operations particularly in the financial domain.
International Leasing plans to grant at least 10 franchises by the end of next year.
Costs related to the development of an outlet outside Bucharest, to be handled in line with criteria imposed by International Leasing, will reach a maximum of 40,000 euros, Tataru estimates.
The network currently includes nine agencies in cities such as Timisoara, Brasov and Iasi.
Tataru expects the first
