AGCO is launching a new retail finance program for its customers in Central Europe.

The introduction of a retail finance program through our AGCO Finance brand has been a key objective given the lack of flexible financing solutions in some Central European countries, explained Eric Raby, vice president, Global Marketing Commercial Development. "Customers asked for it, and we are delighted to offer financial solutions that will help them to acquire the right equipment to grow their business.

AGCO Finance offers comprehensive retail financing to customers buying tractors, combine harvesters and other farm equipment with flexibility to meet the individual needs of professional farmers. Similar retail finance programs exist in Western Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and Brazil.

The Central European program will initially be available to customers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia in co-operation with AGCO's partners Deutsche Leasing, IKB Leasing and SocGen Equipment Finance; in Romania with IKB Leasing and Deutsche Leasing; and in Bulgaria with Deutsche Leasing and Raiffeisen Leasing. AGCO will work closely with these partners to find the best financial solutions for our customers. Eventually, AGCO plans to offer retail financing programs in additional Central European, Baltic and Balkan countries, allowing further growth of its distribution and market share in these areas.