We have advised private credit platform, iO Finance Partners (iO) on its market launch, investment from two leading institutional investors and three strategic acquisitions including Seneca Trade Partners and Provira.
iO enters the market to unite a diverse network of alternative lenders, fostering the growth of the UK economy and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The platform supports alternative lenders facing scalability challenges within traditional capital markets while offering institutional and retail investment opportunities designed to deliver defined, low-volatility, income-generating returns.
As part of its expansion strategy, iO has acquired Seneca Trade Partners, the UK’s leading SME stock funder, and, subject to FCA approval, Provira, a specialist in bridge financing for beneficiaries and executors of estates. These acquisitions form the first part of iO Partners’ strategy to become a transformative player in the alternative finance space.
Our corporate team was led by partner and London head of corporate Zum Mohammed, supported by senior associate Enes Ilgun, and solicitors Olivia Isbister, Paige Richardson, Kim Strachan and Nick Holder. The team was further supported by finance senior associate Niall Mahon and solicitor Ginny Tan, and tax partner Bernhard Gilbey and solicitor Steven Spisto-Luces.