VB Leasing: 107m-euro contracts in H1

VB Leasing, a member of the Austrian financial group Volksbank, closed contracts worth 107 million euros in the first half of this year, 45% more than in the same period in 2006. “There are several explanations for this increase: we currently have 13 offices throughout the country, and in many of these centres, clients are given an answer very promptly, because the client’s creditworthiness can be analysed locally,” say company representatives. The value of the goods funded by the company reached 84 million euros. Out of the total funding granted, 63% was aimed at acquiring cars and utility vehicles, 30% was used for lorries and trailers, and the rest for equipment. The structure of loans remained unchanged from the same time last year. VB Leasing closed the first six months of this year with a portfolio of 5,832 contracts, 25% more than in the first six months of 2006. Over 90% of them were closed by individuals and sole traders. In 2006, the company posted a business worth 186 million euros.