Investment & Fund Management
Michel sought various
Full Credential Description
Loire Etude, a manufacturing company based in France that specializes in the design and manufacture of large stamping press tools for the automobile industry, faced significant challenges following the economic and financial crisis of 2008. The company's heavy reliance on car producers, who were severely impacted during this period, placed Loire Etude in a precarious position. In response to these difficulties, CEO Michel Garson undertook a strategic analysis of the European market and decided to diversify the company's commercial activities to mitigate risks associated with its dependence on the automotive sector.
To finance this strategic pivot, Michel sought various funding solutions but encountered numerous obstacles, often facing closed doors. His situation changed when Bpifrance, the French public investment bank, approved his application for an EU-guaranteed loan backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the Investment Plan for Europe. This funding was crucial in enabling Michel to implement his diversification strategy, which included expanding into the aviation and rail markets. Additionally, the loan facilitated the development of hot forming technologies that Michel had initiated in 2011, which required substantial investment.
The flexible terms of the EU-guaranteed loan allowed Michel to adjust the loan amount according to the company's evolving needs and provided the option to space out repayments, thereby improving liquidity. As a result of these strategic investments and the support from Bpifrance, Loire Etude successfully transitioned to a more resilient business model, with 90% of its turnover now generated from new clients, primarily in Germany. The company has also expanded its operations internationally, establishing offices in Brasov, Romania, to enhance its presence in Central European markets while planning to focus on technology development in France.