Bristol-based invoice finance provider Optimum Finance has been acquired by a larger competitor in a move its CEO said would unlock new possibilities for its “clients, introducers and team members”.
Optimum was set up in 2017 by Richard Pepler, a notable figure in the invoice finance sector as the former chief executive and co-founder of Bristol-based factoring group Ultimate Finance. 
It has since grown strongly, achieving revenue growth of 35% last year by providing a range of payment services to small and medium-sized enterprises across a range of sectors.
It has also been at the forefront of harnessing the latest technology to assist firms in optimising operational efficiencies and effectiveness in areas such as working capital, growth and costs.
It is now part of Reading-headquartered eCapital Commercial Finance, which said its acquisition would accelerate its expansion into a leading player in the highly competitive UK invoice finance market.
Optimum CEO Ant Persse, who joined the firm shortly after Mr Pepler’s death in 2020, said: “eCapital’s impressive scale, combined with the robust delivery platform we’ve built at Optimum, will allow us to extend even greater liquidity support to UK SMEs.
“Importantly, it is business as usual here at Optimum. We remain open, actively supporting clients, and are as committed as ever to helping as many UK SMEs as possible thrive in today’s economy.”
He acknowledged the contribution of previous owners JRJ Group, saying: “Their commitment has been instrumental in fostering our growth and innovation, laying a strong foundation for this exciting new chapter with eCapital.”
eCapital Commercial Finance CEO David Tilling added: “We are delighted to have acquired Optimum’s clients and team as it supports our ambitious growth plans and enables us to expand our national coverage to now include a Bristol regional presence, whilst reinforcing our commitment to becoming the premier, fully integrated financial partner for SMEs across the UK.
“Acquiring the Optimum portfolio and aligning its clients within the eCapital brand provides us with a tremendous opportunity to appeal to a wider audience of businesses looking for financial support.”
eCapital Commercial Finance, which also has offices in Manchester, Newport, Birmingham and Glasgow, has achieved a continuous period of growth over the past few years and is now currently providing more than £160m of funding support to UK businesses that are seeking flexible and competitive finance for their businesses.
Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
