The Rs 200-crore VLCC Group is all set to expand its healthcare chain through the franchisee route.
According to Mr Yogesh Sethi, COO, VLCC Healthcare Ltd, the company is now focusing on smaller towns with a population between 100 million and 500 million. "The franchisee model outlets are likely to come up in towns such as Rohtak, Karnal, Phagwara, Moga, Udaipur, Meerut," he said.
The company plans to have 55 outlets in the first phase and another 145 by the end of 2009. It currently has 100 company-owned centres across the country.
The proposed franchisee model will involve an investment of Rs 30-40 lakh depending upon the city and the size of the outlet. The company will invest in training the staff, technology and R&D support.
Focus on small cities
Explaining the rationale behind the company's decision to focus on small cities, Mr Sethi said, "Now, the market is more mature. The awareness among people to be fit and look good is more in tier II and tier III cities in comparison with what it was a few years ago. Even the personal care spend in those areas is going up. People are willing to spend more on healthcare services."
Explaining the rationale behind the company's decision to focus on small cities, Mr Sethi said, "Now, the market is more mature. The awareness among people to be fit and look good is more in tier II and tier III cities in comparison with what it was a few years ago. Even the personal care spend in those areas is going up. People are willing to spend more on healthcare services." 
