Yerevan, 19 February 2025–The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) is strengthening its presence in Armenia with a new partnership with Armenian Leasing Company, providing EUR 4 million loan facility to expand access to investment financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This partnership aims at providing businesses with the financial resources needed to invest in modernization, drive growth, and create jobs as well as at supporting the development of the leasing sector in Armenia.
Limited access to financing remains a key challenge for local MSMEs, particularly for long-term investments. By partnering with Armenian Leasing Company, EFSE is helping bridge this gap, equipping businesses with the financial solutions to scale in the increasingly competitive market.
“Sustainable and collateral-efficient access to medium-term CapEx fundingis critical to enabling businesses to grow and drive economic development,” said Jasminka Begert, Fund Director of EFSE at Finance in Motion. “This new partnership ensures that Armenian MSMEs, including agricultural producers and farmers have access to the resources they need to strengthen their operations and contribute to a more resilient economy.”
This first transaction marks an important step in EFSE’s expansion in Armenia, reinforcing its commitment to fostering financial inclusion and supporting local financial institutions in delivering targeted financing solutions.
“This is a bilateral partnership, as the resources involved will support the expansion and development of SMEs, individual entrepreneurs, corporate clients, and agricultural businesses in Armenia through the leasing tool. In particular, the funding will be directed toward sustainable initiatives and essential equipment that reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and contribute to a greener future. Since its establishment, the company’s capital has grown approximately 13 times, driven by investments from its sole shareholder, Partners Invest LLC, and accumulated retained earnings, now exceeding AMD 2.1 billion. The company’s total assets have been doubling annually, reaching over AMD 16 billion to date,” said Arsen Bazikyan, Co-Founder and CEO of Armenian Leasing Company.
About EFSE
An impact investment fund established in 2005, the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) aims to foster economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the European Eastern Neighbourhood Region. EFSE was initiated by KfW Development Bank with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Commission. As the first public-private partnership of its kind, EFSE draws its capital from donor agencies, international financial institutions, and institutional investors. Finance in Motion and Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services S.A., Luxembourg, co-manage the fund. www.efse.lu
About Finance in Motion
Finance in Motion structures, manages, and advises almost €4 billion across 9 funds, all classified as Article 9. These private market funds drive impact for people and planet through regional financial intermediaries, direct investments, advisory and capacity building. Founded in Germany, with local expertise from Latin America to CEE, it has been investing in emerging markets for over 15 years.
www.finance-in-motion.com
About Armenian Leasing Company
Armenian Leasing Company is a universal credit organization founded in September 2019 by a resolution of the Shareholder's Founding Meeting. The company was officially registered on October 11 of the same year, obtaining a license from the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia. As a specialized leasing company, Armleasing offers tailored financial solutions designed to meet the unique needs of businesses. By ensuring maximum adaptability to various operational models, the company aims to create tangible added value for its clients.
Media Contacts:
EFSE: Nusha Westhoff
Director Marketing & Communications
Mobile: +49 69 271 035-789
press@efse.lu
Armenian Leasing Company: Mary Khachatryan
Marketing Manager
Mobile: +374 44 70 00 56
mary.khachatryan@armleasing.am
