Who Owns Equals Group Company?

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Who Owns Equals Group?

Understanding the ownership of Equals Group is key for investors. A major shift occurred in April 2025 when Alakazam Holdings BidCo Limited acquired the company, moving it to private ownership.

This acquisition marked a significant transition for the fintech firm, which was previously publicly traded. The new ownership structure is a critical factor for stakeholders assessing the company's future direction and governance.

The ownership of Equals Group is now vested in Alakazam Holdings BidCo Limited, following its successful acquisition in April 2025. This consortium of investors now holds the controlling interest in the company.

Equals Group, formerly FairFX Group PLC, was established in 2007. While detailed initial ownership percentages are not publicly disclosed, Ian Strafford-Taylor has been a significant figure, holding the CEO position since November 2014 and serving as a director since March 2014.

Founding Year

The company commenced operations in 2007, marking its entry into the financial services sector.

Key Leadership

Ian Strafford-Taylor has been instrumental, serving as CEO since late 2014.

Initial Public Offering

The company successfully listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in 2014.

IPO Fundraising

The IPO raised £2.577 million by offering 5,726,667 ordinary shares at £0.45 each.

IPO Objectives

The capital raised was intended to boost the company's profile and fuel business expansion.

Early Agreements

Specific details on early shareholder agreements, such as vesting schedules, are not publicly detailed.

The company's transition to a publicly traded entity in 2014 through its AIM listing was a significant step in its evolution. This move provided greater access to capital and increased transparency regarding its ownership structure, although granular details of the initial founder equity splits remain private. Understanding the early ownership is key to grasping the foundational structure of Equals Group plc.

Founders and Early Ownership Overview

The initial ownership of Equals Group is rooted in its founding in 2007. While specific founder stakes are not detailed, the company's trajectory includes a significant public offering.

• Founded as FairFX Group PLC in 2007.
• Ian Strafford-Taylor is a key figure, serving as CEO since November 2014.
• The company went public on the AIM market in 2014.
• The IPO raised £2.577 million.
• This article provides more context on the Brief History of Equals Group.

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The ownership of Equals Group has seen a significant shift, moving from a publicly traded entity to private ownership following its acquisition in April 2025. This transition involved key institutional investors and ultimately led to a new controlling consortium.

Equals Group plc, formerly a public company listed on AIM since 2014, experienced a pivotal change in its ownership structure. This evolution culminated in its acquisition by Alakazam Holdings BidCo Limited in April 2025, marking a significant transition to private ownership. Before this acquisition, institutional investors held substantial stakes in the company. For instance, as of December 2024, major Equals Group shareholders included Threadneedle Asset Management with 12% and Schroders with 10.1%. JP Morgan also played a role, initially holding 4.79% and later increasing its total voting rights to 6.333984% in January 2025, though its stake later fell below the reporting threshold in February 2025. The acquisition by Alakazam Holdings BidCo Limited, a consortium backed by TowerBrook Capital Partners UK LLP, J.C. Flowers & Co UK LLP, and shareholders of Railsr, valued Equals at approximately £283 million on a fully diluted basis. This deal offered shareholders 140 pence per share, comprising 135 pence in cash and a 5 pence special dividend. The move to private ownership was supported by a substantial majority of shareholders, with 84.68% voting in favor at a court meeting and 89.05% at a general meeting in January 2025. The Equals Group board concluded that private ownership by well-resourced partners would best position the group to navigate the competitive payments market and meet the significant investment demands required for sustained innovation.

Key Aspects of the Equals Group Ownership Change

The acquisition of Equals Group by Alakazam Holdings BidCo Limited in April 2025 marked a significant shift in its ownership landscape.

• The deal valued Equals Group at approximately £283 million.
• Shareholders received 140 pence per share, including a special dividend.
• The transition to private ownership was overwhelmingly approved by shareholders.
• This move was driven by the need for substantial investment in a competitive market.
• Understanding the Mission, Vision & Core Values of Equals Group provides context for strategic decisions.

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As of April 2024, the Board of Directors for Equals Group included Ian Strafford-Taylor as CEO and Richard Cooper as Director of Finance/CFO. Other directors at that time were Alan Hughes and Christopher Bones, with Richard Cooper also serving on key committees like Compensation and Audit.

Following the acquisition by Alakazam Holdings BidCo Limited, which concluded in April 2025, the board composition underwent significant changes. Effective April 14, 2025, Christopher John Bones, Alan Renatus Frederick Hughes, and Richard Quentin Mortimer Cooper stepped down as directors. Simultaneously, Tughan Alioglu, Nikolay Skibnevskiy, and Joseph Knoll were appointed as new directors. This transition reflects the shift to private ownership, with Alakazam Holdings BidCo Limited, indirectly owned by TowerBrook Funds, J.C. Flowers Funds, and Railsr Shareholders, now holding the entirety of Equals Group's share capital. This change from a public to a private entity means that public shareholder voting rights have been superseded by the control of the consortium, fundamentally altering the Competitors Landscape of Equals Group.

Board Restructuring Post-Acquisition

The acquisition by Alakazam Holdings BidCo Limited in April 2025 led to a complete overhaul of the Equals Group board. New directors were appointed to align with the private ownership structure.

• Christopher John Bones, Alan Renatus Frederick Hughes, and Richard Quentin Mortimer Cooper ceased to be directors.
• Tughan Alioglu, Nikolay Skibnevskiy, and Joseph Knoll were appointed as new directors.
• The changes took effect on April 14, 2025.
• This restructuring signifies the transition to private ownership controlled by a consortium.

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Equals Group has recently transitioned from public to private ownership following its acquisition by Alakazam Holdings BidCo Limited. This significant change, approved by shareholders in January 2025 and effective April 14, 2025, involved a consortium including TowerBrook Capital Partners, J.C. Flowers & Co., and Railsr shareholders. The company was subsequently delisted from the AIM exchange.

The board's decision to move to private ownership was based on the belief that private funding would better support the company's growth and investment needs within the competitive payments market, free from the constraints of public listing pressures. This strategic shift aims to integrate Equals Group with Railsr, fostering the creation of a leading European payments business.

Financial Performance Highlights (FY2024)

In the fiscal year 2024, Equals Group reported a substantial 38% increase in revenue, reaching £131.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA also saw a significant rise of 37%, totaling £28.3 million.

Key Growth Drivers

Transaction flow grew by 47% to £18.2 billion, with particular strength in the 'Solutions' enterprise platform, which experienced an 80% revenue increase to £55.8 million. Interest income doubled to £21.9 million, supported by customer balances growing to £625 million by the end of 2024.

Industry Context

This acquisition aligns with a broader trend of consolidation within the fintech sector. Companies are increasingly seeking well-capitalized partners to navigate intense competition and fund essential technological advancements and regulatory compliance.

Future Outlook

The transition to private ownership signifies a strategic move for Equals Group, enabling a more focused growth strategy. The company aims to leverage this new structure to integrate with Railsr and establish a leading position in the European payments market. All services and information will be consolidated under the Equals Money brand.

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