Pulse Finance completes MBO with backing from Arena Investors

Alejandro Gonzalez

Tue, Apr 15, 2025, 9:26 AM 2 min read

The leadership team at Pulse Finance has completed a management buyout (MBO), returning the Hampshire-based working capital provider to independent ownership.

Managing Director Toni Dare and Sales and Marketing Director Martin Bennison led the transaction, acquiring the business from its previous parent with financial backing from Arena Investors LP.

The buyout includes a brand refresh and a renewed focus on expanding Pulse Finance’s suite of funding solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK.

Pulse was founded in 2008 by Dare, who remained in post after the business was sold to a third party in 2019. The new MBO sees Dare regain ownership alongside Bennison, with both executives aiming to build on the company’s recent growth in invoice discounting and trade finance.

Commenting on the transaction, Dare said the business is entering a new phase with the support of a committed funding partner and a strategy to invest in talent and services. “From our clients’ and introducers’ perspective, it’s business as usual,” she said.

Advisers to the deal included Noel Ruddy and Dawn Shadwell of Cripps, and Mark Lucas and Calvin Bond of Quantuma.

Pulse Finance said it has seen increased demand for flexible funding solutions amid continued macroeconomic uncertainty, with rising interest rates, inflation, and employment costs placing pressure on SMEs. The company intends to use its new ownership structure to scale operations and increase market reach.

Bennison said the business is well positioned to support SME clients with tailored financing packages. “We’ve earned a reputation for helping where others can’t, focusing on the quality of the debt to deliver solutions that meet businesses’ working capital needs,” he said. “Our aim is to enable more businesses to access funding to support growth in a challenging economic climate.”

"Pulse Finance completes MBO with backing from Arena Investors" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand.

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