CLS' strategy of focusing on loans in small towns pays off

"It was a record year for us. We managed to finance about 5.000 car purchases, out of which 70% with loans obtained from Górnośląski Bank Gospodarczy (now known as Getin Bank). This year we wish to increase sales by 50%," said Mariusz Zysik, CLS president. In 2006 the increase should be another 50% and turnover is planned to reach zł.250 million. "We are one of the few intermediaries that are building their network without a strategic investor. When we reach a sales level of zł.250 million we will start looking for one," explains Zysik. "Last year we tripled our distribution network and we now have 32 offices. This year we plan to expand it to 60. Since we work with Getin Bank and Volksbank-Leasing Polska, that are mainly active in the Śląsk region, we try to open outlets in central, northern and eastern Poland, avoiding large cities where competition is too tough. We are looking for clients in smaller towns," added Zysik. (Puls Biznesu, p. 10) D.W.