Highlights:
- IPO Discussions Begin: Ebury is in talks for a potential IPO in London, with Goldman Sachs and Bank of America advising on the process.
- Financial Strength: Ebury reported £25.5 billion in transaction volumes and £204 million in revenue for the year ending April 2023.
- Santander Involvement: Santander, which acquired a majority stake in Ebury in 2020, has increased its stake and offered to buy out the company’s founders.
Ebury, a payments firm backed by Santander, has reportedly begun discussions with potential investors for an initial public offering (IPO) in London, according to a report by Bloomberg. The company, known for facilitating foreign exchange conversions, forex trades, and payment services, is exploring the possibility of going public, though no final decision has been made.
Goldman Sachs and Bank of America have been enlisted to assist in the IPO preparations, which are tentatively aimed for 2025. However, an official float is not guaranteed, as the discussions are still in the early stages. An IPO for Ebury has been speculated since March, with analysts suggesting a potential valuation of around £2 billion.
Ebury’s Strong Financial Performance
In its latest financial results, Ebury reported significant growth in its business. According to documents filed with Companies House, the company handled £25.5 billion in transaction volumes for the financial year ending April 2023, with revenues reaching £204 million. The firm's robust financial performance underpins its attractiveness as a potential candidate for a public listing.
Santander’s Stake and Increased Involvement
Spanish banking giant Santander acquired a majority stake in Ebury for £350 million in 2020, signaling confidence in the company's growth potential. Since then, Santander has deepened its involvement with Ebury, increasing its stake in 2022. Additionally, it was reported that the bank made an offer to buy out Ebury’s founders last year, further consolidating its position in the company. Santander’s backing adds significant weight to Ebury’s ambitions for a public listing.
Future Growth Prospects
If Ebury proceeds with an IPO, it would be one of the largest fintech listings in London, contributing to the city’s push to attract more tech and financial companies to its stock exchange. With its established track record and growing presence in the payments sector, Ebury is positioning itself as a strong candidate for investors looking to tap into the burgeoning fintech market.