Gens Aurea: CEO Godano, 25% listed on the stock exchange; we want to create the European ‘FirstCash’ -2-

"Recycled gold is in high demand in the luxury sector because it is environmentally friendly"

From an industrial perspective, Gens Aurea’s plan envisages a significant expansion of its retail outlets compared with the current 533: “The Italian market, like the Spanish one, is highly fragmented, and the second-largest player after us has 20–30 shops,” emphasises the CEO of Gens Aurea - “In countries where we already operate, therefore, we are not interested in acquisitions but in growing organically for two reasons: firstly, the payback period for our new openings is usually short – 15–16 months – making them very cost-effective; secondly, it is to maintain a level of compliance with our standards that we often do not find among smaller operators.” In new markets, such as Germany or other Northern European countries, where Gensa Aurea is aiming to enter, the strategy could involve an initial acquisition followed by expansion through new outlets. The plan envisages “around 70 openings in total this year and a further 300 in the medium term”. In Italia, the expansion of geographical coverage will focus in particular on establishing a presence in the central regions and Sardinia, as well as strengthening the company’s position in cities and areas where outlets are already present.

The appeal of recycled gold, Godano concludes, is riding the wave of strong interest in all things green: “Producing one kilogramme of gold from mines generates 62.2 kg of CO₂ equivalent, whereas producing it by melting down gold already in circulation generates 8.6 kg of CO₂ equivalent, representing a 99.98 per cent reduction in emissions. Today, green gold is in high demand among foundries because luxury brands want to be able to certify that their products are made exclusively from recycled gold and not from mining.”

fon