LONDON: Fintech firm Supply@ME (SYME) said on Tuesday it has entered into non-binding heads of terms to acquire the inventory ownership business of Société Financière Européenne S.A. (SFE), marking a strategic move to expand beyond its platform-services model.
The proposed acquisition would see SYME take direct control of the independent stock companies and related infrastructure that currently use SYME’s own Inventory Monetisation platform to facilitate transactions for client companies.
SYME said the deal aligns with its strategy to evolve towards direct inventory ownership and capital deployment. Management outlined expected benefits including enhanced alignment with funding partners, the creation of an operational track record, and improved control over risk management and economics.
“Direct control of the IOB would allow the Group to commit its own equity capital to IM transactions, placing the Group’s capital directly at risk alongside that of funding partners,” the company stated in its announcement.
The purchase price will be determined following an independent valuation and due diligence. SYME anticipates the consideration will include an initial cash and share component, plus a deferred element settled in shares or warrants. The company noted it may need to raise additional equity to fund the cash portion and bolster its balance sheet.
The transaction carries related-party considerations as SYME’s Chief Executive, Alessandro Zamboni, holds an indirect stake in SFE through a wholly-owned company. Any definitive agreement would require approval from the company’s independent directors.
The heads of terms are non-binding, and SYME cautioned there is no certainty the deal will proceed to completion. If it advances, the company currently targets completion by the end of March 2026.
SFE has been developing the inventory ownership business since 2023, using it as a balance-sheet vehicle for inventory monetisation transactions originated through SYME’s platform.