Preparation of Decisões e Soluções for entry into PALOP by2026

The Decisões e Soluções group is preparing for the international expansion of its business. After completing the planned expansion in Portugal, Paulo Abrantes, the group's founder and CEO, has decided to set a course to cross borders and oceans with all eight brands. "We want to grow and become big in our country. Our goal is to reach 800 agencies by 2025. Then we want to expand to countries where Portuguese is the official language - Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde ... - and Europe. And then grow globally," says Abrantes.

20 years ago, the Decisões e Soluções Group, which includes the Decisões e Soluções, DS Seguros, DS Intermediários de Crédito, DS Private, DS Imobiliária, DS Investimento, DS Auto and DS Travel brands, started its financial consulting activities under the Decisões e Soluções brand. Today, this chain of 124 stores specializes in negotiating and restructuring loans with banks. As Abrantes explains, "we provide financial counseling and represent clients so that they pay less on their loans." Over time, the group has expanded its activities into the fields of insurance and real estate.

About eight years ago, the group decided to increase its market presence based on a franchise model. The group expanded its operations nationwide and invested in the creation of new brands and businesses. Today, it is involved in loans, insurance and real estate intermediation, as well as real estate investments, used car sales and tourism activities.

In light of the current rising interest rate environment, Abrantes recognizes that the group's operations will grow. "We grow in the most difficult times," he says. As Abrantes explains, "We work with banks and offer the best solutions. It's not always the house the client wanted, it's the house that matches their capabilities, and we tell them where that house is." Paulo Abrantes expects the group to reach a credit intermediation volume of around 1,600 million euros this year, 140 million more than in 2022. The group currently holds a 15% market share in credit provided by banks. Total turnover should reach 65 million euros, with credit intermediation at around 30 million, real estate at over 20 million and insurance at around 10 million (the three main lines of business).

To reach the goal of 800 stores in the country by 2025, the group has developed a plan to open 170 agencies by the end of 2024. At that time, the number of employees is expected to increase from the current 4,500 to around 10,000. The total business volume of all stores should reach 100 million euros. To open an agency under the Decisões e Soluções brands, it is necessary to pay an entry fee that varies from five to fifteen thousand euros (the amount depends on the business sector) and to transfer 10% of the turnover to the parent company. Participants and employees receive training from the parent company, but they need to have the appropriate license from the Bank of Portugal to work in the lending sector.