ThinkSmart will continue to look for a wider international reach for its business of financing small office and home office purchases of computers and related equipment. The firm had started a trial in France through the retailer Media-Saturn, is looking at its options in Italy, and plans to build upon its foothold in Spain.In Spain, as in Britain, ThinkSmart is promoting its form of finance as an appealing option for businesses seeking to reduce cash outgoings while still updating basic business equipment. In Britain ThinkSmart reported growth in applications of 15 per cent. In Australia volumes increased 10 per cent.Approval rates fell over the course of the last half year even as application numbers climbed, - a reflection of the sobering economic outlook.The financier opted to shut down its tentative foray into the United States market in the second half of last year, taking losses of $2.9 million.In Australia, ThinkSmart reported strongest growth in sales through JB HiFi (which is otherwise the standout retailer in any segment over the last year) and also through Dick Smith.ThinkSmart said its EBITDA increased to $11.3 million in the year to December 2008 half from $8.3 million in 2007. Net profit increased to $3.2 million from $700,000. The financier expects to achieve "significant margin growth", measured as EBITDA, this year.ThinkSmart identified its main funders: Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, an unnamed international bank operating in Australia; HBOS in Britain; and Santander in Spain. ThinkSmart said the early-stage business in New Zealand was self funding at this stage.There were 75,000 contracts as at December 2008 that the firm said should produce $60 million in revenue from inertia and insurance over four years.