Alpha Group International plc (LON: ALPH) announced on Tuesday the launch of Alpha Match, a digital debt intermediary service providing a more transparent and efficient process for private capital funds to secure financing.
Alpha Group Launches Digital Debt Intermediary Platform
The platform features an impartial database of more than 290 lender profiles, enabling borrowers to instantly screen their fund finance requirements and find the most appropriate lender and terms.
This comes during increased regulatory pressure and consolidation in the fund finance space, which has led to a liquidity gap, particularly affecting small and mid-cap private capital funds.
"Alpha Match is a technological solution that instantly validates criteria across a vast range of data points," said Sam Marsh, the Chief Executive Officer of institutional at Alpha Group. "We are making debt intermediation efficient, cost-effective, and inclusive to all."
The launch also coincides with growing LP scrutiny of NAV facilities, with the Institute of Limited Partnership Association (ILPA) expected to publish specific NAV guidance in May.
Clients can utilize the platform in various ways, from merely confirming existing lender terms to completely outsourcing the debt origination process. Additionally, borrowers have the opportunity to initially screen their requirements on the company's website to determine how many lenders match their essential criteria. The platform's modular design enhances its flexibility and utility.
Alpha’s Dividends And Results
In March, a London-listed company released its annual audited financials for 2023, closing the year with basic earnings per share (EPS) of 206.2 pence, a year-over-year increase of 124 percent, while the underlying EPS remained flat at 76.7 pence. These results confirmed the preliminary figures reported in January.
The company announced a final dividend of 12.3 pence per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to 16 pence per share, compared to 14.4 pence per share in 2022. Additionally, the company launched a £20 million share buyback program, which was initially announced in January. The shares will be purchased at 0.2 pence a piece, representing a 35.5 percent premium.
Towards the end of the previous year, the company officially completed the acquisition of Transaction Services B.V., commonly known as Cobase, following the initial announcement on 12 September 2023 and the subsequent approval from the Dutch Central Bank.
