Investment & Fund Management

Gécos, a consulting company based in France, specializes in providing solutions for service stations, fuel depots, and car-washing facilities. The company faced significant challenges as it sought to diversify its services and reduce its dependency on a limited client base. Managing director Cédric Lecina noted that their growth was stunted due to a lack of staff and financial resources necessary for repositioning the company in the compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas markets, which are more environmentally friendly.

In early 2016, Gécos was unaware of the financing options available through EU-backed loans, which led to the abandonment of several projects due to insufficient internal funding. However, in the summer of 2016, Cédric approached the French bank Groupe BPCE for assistance. BPCE provided a loan supported by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the Investment Plan for Europe, specifically designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises like Gécos that struggle to secure financing.

This loan proved to be crucial for Gécos, enabling the company to finance its diversification strategy and acquire necessary computer equipment. Cédric described the loan as a "life-saver," stating that without it, the company would have had to slow down or halt its growth entirely. Following the acquisition of this funding, Gécos expanded its operations, opening new branches across France and even establishing a subsidiary in Romania. This growth resulted in the creation of 10 new jobs in 2015 and 2016, with plans to double that number by 2017 to support ongoing projects. Gécos now collaborates with nearly all major fuel suppliers and large retailers in France and is investing significantly in innovation projects.