(Oslo, 28 April 2026) Axactor ASA (Axactor, OSE:ACR) today announces a landmark
transaction to further strengthen its leading position in the European debt
purchasing and servicing market, leveraging the balance sheet strengthening to
capitalize on the investment opportunities and to support Axactor's next phase
of growth.
Transaction overview:
o NOK equivalent of EUR 200 million private placement at NOK 4.70 per share,
where Geveran Trading Company Ltd. ("Geveran"), a long-term shareholder of
Axactor, and funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group
("Fortress"), a global investment manager with a 25+ year track record of
investing in European NPL portfolios and servicing platforms, have, on a several
basis, on certain terms and conditions, pre-committed to subscribe for shares
and underwritten amounts totaling EUR 175 million. In addition, subject to
completion of the private placement and prevailing market conditions, Axactor
intends to raise up to the NOK equivalent of EUR 20 million in a subsequent
offering towards eligible existing shareholders.
o Fortress will have a shareholding in Axactor of approximately 31% following,
and subject to, completion of the private placement on the full deal size of EUR
200 million.
o Fortress has obtained approval under the Norwegian financial institutions act
for its shareholding (a "qualified shareholding" under that act).
o Geveran will have a shareholding in Axactor of minimum 33.4% following, and
subject to, completion of the private placement and any subsequent offering.
o EUR 100 million in net proceeds from a seed portfolio sale to special purpose
vehicle owned by Axactor, Geveran and Fortress.
o Five-year co-investment agreement with Fortress to accelerate Axactor's
growth.
o The nomination committee plans to propose two representatives from Fortress
Investment Group as new board members of Axactor.
Transaction highlights:
o Strong backing from leading, highly experienced industry investors, Fortress
and Geveran, demonstrating clear commitment to Axactor's long-term strategy and
growth ambitions.
o Significantly deleveraging the business, resulting in a lower cost of funding.
o Enhancing the company's investment capacity with flexibility for potential
M&A.
o Strengthening Axactor's underwriting capabilities and further driving
capital-light revenue growth.
o Highly efficient platform with industry-leading cost-to-collect to support
further growth.
Financial targets for 2027 and onwards:
o Investments of EUR 200-400 million annually.
o Average 3PC revenue growth of 10% annually.
o Annual ROE exceeding 15%.
o Focus on moderate leverage to create an optimal capital structure (2.25-2.75x
net debt / cash EBITDA*).
o Minimum 50% of adj. net income, distributed through cash dividends and/or
share buybacks**