LONDON: Augmentum Fintech Plc said on Wednesday it had agreed to be acquired by Frontier Bidco Limited, a newly formed company controlled by Verdane Fund Manager AB, in a cash deal valuing the London-listed fintech investor at about £185.7 million.
Under the terms of the deal, Augmentum shareholders will receive 111 pence per share, representing a 27% premium to the closing price of 87.4 pence on Feb. 24 and a 29.6% premium to the three-month average price.
The acquisition will be carried out through a court-approved scheme of arrangement under the UK Companies Act. Augmentum’s board unanimously recommended the offer, saying it provides immediate liquidity and fair value for shareholders.
Chairman William Reeve said Augmentum had faced a persistent discount to net asset value and limited liquidity since its 2018 IPO. “This offer provides an immediate solution: it offers full liquidity at a 27% premium … while ensuring our portfolio companies gain access to Verdane’s deep capital and expertise,” he said.
Verdane, a Nordic private equity firm focused on technology and sustainability, said Augmentum’s portfolio of fintech businesses would benefit from private ownership and greater flexibility to accelerate growth. “We look forward to working with Augmentum’s portfolio businesses to help them continue their growth journey,” said Verdane partner Moez Gharbi.
The deal is subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, and is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2026.