Augmentum Fintech Plc (LSE:AUGM) shares shot up 24% in Wednesday morning's trade, jumping to 108.76p, on news of a recommended all-cash takeover deal by Verdane, via a bidco vehicle.
Verdane is offering shareholders 111p a share, valuing the London-listed fintech investment company at about £185.7 million.
Completion is targeted for Q2 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Augmentum’s board framed the deal as a route to liquidity after years of the shares trading at a steep discount to NAV and limited trading volumes.
Chairman William Reeve said the portfolio’s potential “has not been reflected” in the market valuation, adding that low liquidity and a persistent discount have made it harder to raise capital.
Verdane, meanwhile, said private ownership should allow greater flexibility to execute and accelerate Augmentum’s investment strategy, and it intends to delist the company following completion.