Direct Lending
We provide senior secured loans of £5 to £25 million to UK lower mid-market companies with EBITDA of £1 to £5 million. We back ambitious management teams in a range of transactions in which ownership sits with the team that will drive the next phase of growth. Our aim is to deliver transformational capital with disciplined underwriting, strong downside protection and the potential for equity-like returns for senior risk.
How Direct Lending Works
Every facility is structured to fit the business and its plan. We have no standard terms, every facility is structured around the specific needs of each borrower. We back a range of strategies and events:
Management buy outs and ins
Backing management to take control, align incentives and accelerate delivery against a clear plan.
Acquisitions & Bolt
Funding strategic expansion and sector consolidation to achieve rapid
Recapitalisations Refinancings & Shareholder Reorganisations
Reshaping capital structures, simplifying debt and releasing value for the next stage.
Growth Capital
Financing investment in new products, capacity, technology or markets.
How Direct Lending Works
Every facility is structured to fit the business and its plan. We have no standard terms, every facility is structured around the specific needs of each borrower. We back a range of strategies and events:
Management Buy Outs
Backing management to take control, align incentives and accelerate delivery against a clear plan.
Acquisitions & Bolt-Ons
Funding strategic expansion and sector consolidation to achieve rapid scale and unlock synergies.
Recapitalisations Refinancing’s & Shareholder Reorganisations
Reshaping capital structures, simplifying debt and releasing value for the next stage.
Growth Capital
Financing investment in new products, capacity, technology or markets.
Hands-on support
Acting as sole lender gives us the influence and flexibility to work closely with management from day one. We focus on the first 100 days, help professionalise reporting, support leadership changes where needed and unlock gains in pricing and procurement.
We also support in the planning, structuring and financing of add-on acquisitions so progress continues through to exit. The goal is change that endures long after our capital is repaid.
Cases Studies
Informations
Initial Investment: May 2018
HQ: Richmond, Surrey, England
Transaction Type: Buy & Build, Growth Financing
Sector: Accountancy
Financing Structure: Multi-tranche committed acquisition financing line, upsized twice during its life
Status: Exited
Transaction Summary
Shard Credit Partners provided growth financing to SKS, a leading provider in the business services sector. The transaction enabled SKS to accelerate its expansion through [15] add-on acquisitions across the UK, and to invest significantly in new technology platforms.
Value Creation
Shard Credit worked closely with SKS management to optimise capital structure, supporting strategic investments and operational improvements that enhanced both revenue growth and efficiency. Thorugh the use of a multi-tranche committed acquisition credit line provided by Shard Credit Partners, the business quadrupled EBITDA.
Informations
Initial Investment: May 2018
HQ: Richmond, Surrey, England
Transaction Type: Buy & Build, Growth Financing
Sector: Accountancy
Financing Structure: Multi-tranche committed acquisition financing line, upsized twice during its life
Status: Exited
Transaction Summary
Shard Credit Partners supported a management buyout (MBO) of GadCap, a manufacturer of highly advanced materials supplying the UK’s nuclear energy producers. The funding allowed the management team to acquire a controlling stake in the business from its corporate parent.
Value Creation
Shard Credit Partners structured a flexible financing solution, provided strategic guidance during the MBO, enabling the senior management team to take control of a business they had previously not been shareholders of.
Informations
Initial Investment: December 2020
HQ: Ayr, South Ayrshire, Scotland
Transaction Type: BIMBO, Transformational Acquisition
Sector: Ports and Rail Logistics
Financing Structure: All-bullet 100% drawdown MBO facility, upsized to fund growth
Status: In Portfolio
Transaction Summary
Shard Credit Partners supported an incoming team in acquiring the business it’s retiring founder. The transaction provided JST with the capital necessary to operate independently and invest in capital equipment.
Value Creation
Shard Credit Partners facilitated a smooth transition, enabling JST to establish its own corporate infrastructure and governance, while also supporting initiatives to drive organic growth. In December 2023, JST doubled in size by acquiring RFS Works, a logistics operator in the rail industry.
Informations
Initial Investment: December 2020
HQ: Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, England
Transaction Types: MBO, Buy & Build
Sector: Assistive technology to empower individuals by removing barriers to education and work
Financing Structure: All-bullet 100% drawdown MBO facility
Status: In Portfolio
Transaction Summary
eQS is one of the largest providers of assistive technology equipment and training. Shard Credit Partners provided growth financing to eQS to support the company’s MBO and buy & build strategy.
Value Creation
Shard Credit Partners helped eQS access new markets and strengthen its competitive position, through both organic and acquisition-led growth. The Company is currently one of the leaders in its segment.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you are an institutional investor or a business leader seeking growth capital, we are ready to speak with you. Please get in touch to see how Shard Credit Partners could support you.
