Architectes Associés.Com #02

Presentation of the company

Created in 2002, ARCHITECTES ASSOCIES.COM is active in the architecture sector. The company, managed by Lee Brooksbanks and Lionel Gautier, has 17 employees and is based in Plerin. 

The company’s main activity is: the drawing, conception and supervision of all real estate projects.

The company works with real estate developers, social housing landlords, home builders and private clients.

The two founders, architects by training, have been working for more than 30 years.

The company benefits of an high visibility in Brittany. In 2018, it won a contract with Semsamar to build part of 1500 housing units to be rebuilt in Saint Martin following the damage caused by the cyclone. 

Project Description

The company requests a loan of 83 000 € over 36 months to finance the works and layout of the Saint Martin office. This project will be realised next month.

As a reminder, the October lending community supported Architecte Associés in february 2018 with 83 000 € to finance the company development related to the signing of new contracts.

This project is a Flexible Bridge Loan, an amortizable loan with a standard commitment for the first 9 months and the possibility of early repayment at no cost for the remainder of the loan term, even in the event of refinancing by other financial institutions.

The amount offered on the platform is limited to 40 670€, which is in line with the regulatory limits.

Analyst’s Opinion

With a turnover of 1 181 000 € in 2017 and an experienced team, the company has a good track record combined with a two-digits operating margin.

The increase of turnover since 2014 driven by a better visibility and growth of the client portfolio. The forecast is based on the historical performance taking into account the signature of new contracts in Saint-Martin and after adjustment of the two managing partners remuneration.

The borrower has a good repayment capacity with a forecast FCCR (Fixed Charge Cover Ratio *) at 1,21 and an excellent financial structure, with a forecast net debt / ebitda ratio of 0,43 and a net debt / shareholder equity of 46%.

The analysis of the project leads to a credit rating of B and a 5,6% annual interest rate.

*The multiple of FCCR at 1,21 means that the company has a safety margin of 21% relative to its ability to repay its credit maturities.

The expert opinion is given as an indication on the basis of the elements provided by the project holder and information from our databases (External data provider). This opinion is only an element of reflection in the decision making of a lender to participate in the financing of a project.

Strong points:

• Good historical performance based on diversified client base.
• Good repayment ability with a forecasted FCCR of 1,21.
• Strong experience of the two architects partners and recognized player on the market.

Point of caution:

• Activity linked to the real estate market.