YUST

YUST has only been around since 2019, but the success of the concept quickly became clear. Occupancy rates of 80 to 90% in Antwerp and Liège, on average 10% above the market, show the chain not only appeals to twenty- and thirty-somethings, but has real potential to reshape the hospitality sector as a whole. Building on that strong Belgian base, YUST is now taking the step abroad, with new locations opening in Cologne and Utrecht.

Our CFO checks in

Growth, especially across borders, comes with added complexity. When YUST's CFO announced his departure right in the middle of this transition, the company needed a senior finance profile who could step in fast and grow flexibly with the organisation's needs. Enter: CFO-as-a-service from Unikoo. From an earlier collaboration on financial controlling, the team already knew that Unikoo's flexibility and expertise is yust what they need.

Several projects were on the table:

• Finance support for the new capital round, from financial preparation through to guidance during the funding process.
• Finance support for the acquisition of two hotels in Utrecht and Cologne, including financial follow-up all the way to closing and signing.
• Project reporting for the existing hotel developments in Brussels and Antwerp, and setting up similar reporting for the new project in Cologne.
• Improving financial insight at holding level, giving management a clearer view of the group's performance and financial position.

From short stay to longterm guest

What started as a three-month assignment turned into a ten-month collaboration. Throughout that time, our CFO acted as a flexible financial partner for management: they were available whenever needed, had the seniority to take on complex issues and have a seat at the table for key decisions, yet were pragmatic enough to deliver results fast.

And those results speak for themselves:

• The capital round closed at five million euros, funding the expansion into Cologne and Utrecht and further strengthening YUST's position in Belgium.
• The deal to acquire two new hotels in Utrecht and Cologne was closed, with support from finance along the way.
• YUST now has consistent project reporting across its hotel developments in Brussels, Antwerp and Cologne, allowing management to track every project the same way.
• Management gained more insight at holding level, with a clearer view of the group's financial performance.

Looking for financial expertise, short or long term? Our Finance & performance team is always on call.

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