While ACE cherche to expand in the province

Directly affected by the hole-in-air in late 2008 and early 2009 credit brokers think limit the decline in their activity through the resumption of the mortgage. It is in this context that Meilleurtaux recently celebrated its ten years. With a forecast turnover for 2009 (contre39,2millionsunanplustôt) EUR 29.7 million, the broker has an oxygen ball. He has confirmed a recapitalisation late December or early January (see "Les Echos" from October 27). On a production of real estate credit estimated at 100 billion euros in 2009 (-20 from 2008), Meilleurtaux think reaching 2.75 market share (compared to 2.65 in 2008). Another encouraging sign, the increase of 30 of the number of cases filed between February and October 2009. Other signs of this area have a rosy Outlook.

CAFPI, leader of the sector with 4.5 of market share, the number of "processed" files (actually obtained credit), an increase of 15 between October 2008 and 2009, should grow by 20 over one year to the end of November. The end-of-year catch-up enable almost maintain its turnover (60 to 65 million euros in 2009 against 67 million in 2008). Empruntis should, in turn, present "a little less" sales from the previous year (EUR 21 million in 2008). At end of November, the online broker provides a 40 increase of deposits of records for an acquisition. Same order of magnitude for ACE (20 million euros of turnover in 2008) which is equivalent to volumes of activity of before crisis.

Beyond conditions, trade - claiming 20 to 25 of the production of new credits - think the place to develop. "In Britain, the rate of intermediation is greater than 65." "But the trend also affects the Latin countries, with 40 in Italy and 50 in Spain," said Sébastien Conte, Director to cabinet Eurogroup. Cause, a crisis of confidence between borrowers and bankers. "Banks are seen as simple generalists in small actors specialized in their field, able to respond more effectively," resumed the consultant. In the more mature markets (Netherlands and United Kingdom), brokers push their proposal on the Council and the prescription. "Attention, however, to find the right balance between approche generalist and specialist, at the risk of diluting the offer and skills", said Sébastien Conte.

"Organic" growth

In practical terms, growth could pass through the concentration of the sector: CAFPI, Meilleurtaux, Empruntis and ACE, 1,600 structures share in half of the market. But the major players are rather in front of the "organic" growth nonOffice CAFPI thus develops its activity with the neighbouring countries, and has launched - via a dedicated subsidiary - of services in the direction of small brokers. Meilleurtaux builds on a partnership policy in the redevelopment of credits and the distribution of insurance. One of the tracks followed by Empruntis is the professionnels credit. While ACE cherche to expand in the province.

This expected growth brings different actors to consider the regulation, which is moving towards a strengthening of the quality of the Council and the creation of a professional Federation. "The issue will be resolved next year", said Philippe Taboret, Director-General Deputy CAFPI. "The brokers know distribute credit, but do not have, such as banks, used to manage the risk", believes a good connoisseur of the sector. The regulation could help them there.