Snapshot from Aug 24, 2026 at 07:00 UTC. For live data and tracking: View Live
Events / Business / Bentley Park acquires Time Finance
Business acquisition

Bentley Park acquires Time Finance

Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Sentiment
30
Attention
2
Articles
6
Market Impact
General
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the Ergen Dashboard
Market Impact

The acquisition is expected to boost Time Finance's share price, which rose as much as 10.5% on the announcement, reflecting the premium offered. The deal consolidates the UK SME lending market, potentially increasing competition and scale for the combined entity, while shareholders of Time Finance benefit from the cash premium.

Financial Services Alternative Lending
Event Summary

Time Finance PLC, an AIM-listed alternative finance provider, has agreed to a recommended £55.13 million cash takeover by Bentley Park (UK) Limited, the parent company of Ultimate Finance Group Limited. Under the terms, Time Finance shareholders will receive 59.1 pence per share, a 12.6% premium to the closing price on 14 August 2026. The deal will create a combined net loan book of nearly £650 million, combining Time Finance's £218 million book with Ultimate Finance's £430 million book. Bentley Park has secured irrevocable undertakings covering about 47.36% of Time Finance's shares, including from directors and major shareholders. The transaction is expected to be implemented via a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement and is subject to shareholder, court, and regulatory approvals, including FCA clearance. The acquisition is expected to complete in Q4 2026. Time Finance's board has unanimously recommended the offer, advised by Cavendish Capital Markets. The combined entity aims to create a larger, multi-product UK SME lending platform with broader capabilities and cross-selling opportunities.

Key Actions
80 Time Finance recommended acquisition
80 Bentley Park (UK) Limited planned to combine Ultimate Finance Group Limited
70 Bentley Park (UK) Limited agreed to acquire Time Finance
50 Time Finance recorded organic growth
Entities Involved
stock
Time Finance
Time Finance is the target of the acquisition, with shareholders receiving a 12.6% premium. The company will be combined with Ultimate Finance to create a larger lending platform, benefiting from increased scale and resources.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 40.0
priv
Bentley Park (UK) Limited
Bentley Park is the acquirer, making a cash offer for Time Finance. The acquisition expands its lending platform and is expected to create synergies and growth opportunities.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 30.0
priv
Ultimate Finance Group Limited
Ultimate Finance, a subsidiary of Bentley Park, will merge with Time Finance, creating a combined net loan book of nearly £650 million. This enhances its market position and product offerings.
Importance 90.0 Sentiment 30.0
per
Ed Rimmer
Ed Rimmer, CEO of Time Finance, endorsed the acquisition, citing strategic fit and growth opportunities. His leadership is key to the transition.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment 30.0
per
Josh Levi
Josh Levi, CEO of Bentley Park and Ultimate Finance, championed the acquisition, highlighting the combined platform's potential. He will lead the enlarged group.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment 30.0
priv
Arena Investors
Arena Investors, a major shareholder of Time Finance, has given irrevocable undertakings to support the acquisition, indicating confidence in the deal.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 30.0
priv
GPIM Limited
GPIM Limited, a major shareholder, has committed to the acquisition through irrevocable undertakings, supporting the transaction.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 30.0
per
Ron Russell
Ron Russell, a major shareholder, has provided irrevocable undertakings in favor of the acquisition, indicating support for the deal.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 30.0
govactor
United Kingdom — Financial Conduct Authority
The FCA must approve the acquisition as part of regulatory clearance. Its decision is critical to the deal's completion.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 0.0
priv
Cavendish Capital Markets
Cavendish Capital Markets acted as financial adviser to Time Finance, providing a fairness opinion on the offer. Its role is advisory and does not directly affect its own market position.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 0.0
priv
Tavistock Group
Tavistock Group, the private investment firm that owns Bentley Park, is the ultimate parent. The acquisition expands its portfolio in the lending sector.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 20.0
exch
Alternative Investment Market
Time Finance is listed on AIM, and the acquisition will result in its delisting. The deal reflects ongoing consolidation among AIM-listed financial firms.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 10.0
curr
United Kingdom — Pound sterling
The transaction is denominated in pound sterling, and the offer price is fixed in pence. Currency fluctuations are not a significant factor in this cash deal.
Importance 10.0 Sentiment 0.0
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