PCF Group plc to Acquire Azule

In line with the Company's strategy to grow both organically and by acquisition, PCF is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, PCF Bank Limited, has agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of Azule Limited ("Azule") for a total consideration of up to £5.6 million (the "Acquisition").

Azule is a UK market leader in providing specialist funding and leasing services to individuals and businesses in the broadcast and media industry. Azule also operates in the audio visual and photography markets and offers its services across Europe, as well as in the UK. Azule has been providing finance in broadcasting, media, audio visual and other related industries for more than 20 years and it has built a strong market presence, with a sales capability to place asset finance to a wide range of banks and lending institutions, as well as originating asset finance for their own portfolio.

The Acquisition offers revenue synergies with the Company's existing asset finance operations, given Azule's focus on a niche class of business-critical assets with strong collateral characteristics and lending to prime credit grade customers. For the year ended 30 June 2018, Azule originated £54.3 million of asset finance, reported revenues of £3.1 million, a profit before tax of £0.8 million and the gross assets were £17.9 million. The Acquisition will immediately enhance Group earnings.

The Acquisition provides for an initial consideration of c.£4.1 million, of which c.£3.3 million will be settled in cash. The balance of the initial consideration will be satisfied by PCF issuing 1,923,076 new ordinary shares of 5 pence each ("Consideration Shares") at 39 pence per share, representing an aggregate value of approximately £0.8 million, to the Azule management team. The Consideration Shares are subject to a lock-up period of two years, with orderly market conditions attached after this period. An additional earn-out is payable in the form of two deferred cash consideration payments totalling up to £1.5m over a period of two years. The earn-out provisions are dependent on pre-agreed performance criteria. In addition, the directors of Azule have entered into service agreements with the Company for fixed periods of up to 42 months.

The initial cash consideration will be funded by the Company's existing cash and capital resources and the issue of the Consideration Shares is within the authorities granted to the Company at the Annual General Meeting held on 2 March 2018.

The Acquisition is subject to FCA approval for change of control, which is expected shortly. The Company will apply for admission of 1,923,076 Consideration Shares to trading on AIM following FCA approval for change of control. Following admission of the Consideration Shares, the Company's issued share capital will consist of 214,152,601 ordinary shares.

Acquisition highlights

·     Strong vendor relationships with leading broadcast and media equipment manufacturers

·     A team of 17 sales and finance professionals

·     A capability to originate over £50 million of asset finance per annum, with excellent growth potential

·     A history of strong profitability with most recent annual profits being £0.8 million and a return on equity of 27%

·     A £16 million portfolio of receivables, with an exceptionally low impairment charge

·     Immediate funding synergies with PCF Bank's access to lower cost retail deposits

·     Leasehold offices located in Datchet, Berkshire

·     The effective date of the Acquisition will be 30 September 2018

Strategic fit

·     A new asset class within PCF's existing asset finance market

·     A new route to market through direct vendor channels

·     Potential of a European distribution channel for vendor relationships

·     Synergies with existing infrastructure, expertise and finance products

·     Experienced team in-situ

·     Meaningful contribution to the Company's target £750 million portfolio by September 2022

·     Meets target key performance criteria for return on equity and profitability

·     Management and business are a good cultural fit

The Company will announce a full year trading update on the earlier of the FCA approval of the Acquisition or 22 October 2018.

Scott Maybury, Chief Executive of PCF, commented: 

"Our acquisition strategy is focused on the diversification of both our asset classes and routes to market. Azule ticks both boxes and is immediately earnings enhancing.

"The acquisition of Azule is a clear demonstration of the mutual advantages offered by the acquisition of an established asset finance business by PCF. As part of PCF Bank, Azule will be able to access a lower cost of funds enhancing profitability, enabling faster growth and accelerating PCF's achievement of portfolio growth targets.

"We are very pleased to welcome Azule to the Group - they are an impressive team and will contribute significantly to PCF."

Peter Savage, Chief Executive of Azule Limited, commented: 

"We are delighted to become a part of PCF. Azule has been a very successful business to date and the advantages we gain as part of a larger group will propel the business into its next phase of growth."