Investment Bank, DAI Magister have advised on the proposed acquisition of Freetrade, a leading self-directed investment platform, by IG Group for GBP £160m.
LONDON, Jan. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- DAI Magister, an investment bank advising international technology and climate companies is delighted to have advised on the proposed acquisition of Freetrade, a leading self-directed investment platform, by IG Group for GBP £160m. The transaction highlights the growing popularity of self-directed investing in the UK market.
Freetrade has emerged as a leading digital newcomer in the UK financial market since 2018, growing its customer base to 720k+. The company demonstrated robust expansion in 2024, with net inflows representing 22% of its starting assets under administration (AUA). This helped drive total AUA to £2.5 billion, more than doubling from £1.2 billion at 2022's close. The platform has successfully attracted higher-value customers, with the number of clients holding over £10,000 in assets rising significantly to 41,000 by December 2024.
Its acquisition by IG Group Holdings plc, a global financial technology leader based out of London, will strengthen IG's UK trading and investments offering and provide access to new customer segments and capabilities.
Divij Ruparelia, Co-Head of DAI Magister, commented "DAI Magister is privileged to have been the exclusive financial advisor to the Freetrade team in this landmark deal. The acquisition allows Freetrade to continue to scale as one of the UK's most exciting investment platforms and a leader in the self-directed investing market."
Breon Corcoran, CEO of IG commented: "This is a rare opportunity to strengthen IG's UK trading and investments offering and broaden our target addressable market. Freetrade is one of the most successful emerging players in the UK direct-to-customer investment market, with a strong brand, highly scalable technology and delivering rapid growth. I am delighted that Viktor and his team will join IG and continue to lead Freetrade".
Viktor Nebehaj, CEO and co-founder of Freetrade said: "This is an exciting opportunity to accelerate our growth and delivery of new products and features on our award-winning platform. IG's vision for Freetrade is closely aligned with our own and its backing will be of huge benefit as we continue to scale the business."
IG will acquire 100% of Freetrade for an enterprise value of £160 million which will be funded in cash from existing capital resources. Completion is subject to customary conditions including regulatory approvals but currently expected in mid-2025. IG will operate Freetrade as a commercially standalone business with its own brand, existing management team and operational platform to support the successful execution of the strategy. Viktor Nebehaj, CEO and co-founder, and the leadership team, will remain with Freetrade and continue to scale the business.
Media Contact
Rayana Choudhary, DAI Magister, 44 7923 841977, [email protected], www.daimagister.com
SOURCE DAI Magister
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