Merger of Spark Finance Plc ("Spark") and JD Capital Finance Ltd (“JD Capital”) - May 2023

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Spark Group, is pleased to announce (subject to FCA consent) it has merged its corporate finance broking activities with JD Capital Finance, an FCA regulated credit broker.

The merger is expected to create value for both parties by leveraging:

• Spark’s proficiency in generating debt opportunities.
• JD Capital Finance’s deep experience in placing debt business, wider lending panel and connections in the industry.
• Both parties long term goal of automating the placement and execution of SME debt in the UK.
• Spark’s expert development team and technology partnered with JD Capital Finance’s lender relationships and market knowledge.

As part of the merger, Jamie Davies will become head of Spark's Broking activities and join their senior management team.

About Spark and JD Capital Finance

Spark was formed in 2021 and has two key components of its go-to-market strategy. A data centric technology platform, that offers business development tools and business intelligence via a SaaS portal and a disrupter in the SME lending market, by generating major market share in credit broking and via ‘Intelligent Lending’.

JD Capital Finance was established in 2016 and is a highly regarded corporate financier within the SME sector. It’s founder and managing director, Jamie Davies has spent much of his career in the industry and has created a team of product specialists who are experts at working closely with SMEs to offer a market-leading service.

Julian Dobbin, Chief Executive Officer of Spark, commented: "I am really pleased to announce this merger. We are keen to increase our scale in the credit broking market, and by partnering with Jamie and his team, we will increase our knowledge base, allowing us to leverage the data and business outreach tools at our disposal. JD Capital Finance have been using our software for the last few months and have seen the potential in our ability to efficiently match borrowers and lenders.

Jamie Davies, Managing Director, JD Capital Finance, commented: "After building the business for nearly 7 years, I am delighted that our amazing team and clients are now joining the Spark family. We share a common culture and attitude that’s rooted in our values and beliefs: collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. With increased resources behind us, the sky is the limit."

Spark and JD Capital Finance have a shared vision for the future of SME debt placement and execution in the UK. The long-term goal of ‘Intelligent Lending’ involves leveraging the strengths and expertise of the respective parties to develop an automated system that streamlines the process of connecting borrowers with lenders. By automating the placement and execution of SME debt, they hope to create a more efficient and effective system that benefits all parties involved.

Completion of the merger is contingent upon receiving the necessary approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)