Time Finance reports 16% lending book growth ahead of acquisition

Time Finance plc has reported growth in revenue, profitability and lending volumes for the year ended 31 May 2026, as the AIM-listed specialist finance provider moves towards its proposed acquisition by Bentley Park (UK) Limited, the parent company of Ultimate Finance Group.

The company’s audited full-year results show revenue increased by 4% to £38.5m, compared with £37.1m in the previous financial year, while profit before tax rose 6% to £8.4m, up from £7.9m.

Fully diluted earnings per share increased by 8% to 6.8p, compared with 6.3p in FY2024/25.

Time Finance recorded a 29% increase in own-book deal origination to £124.1m, compared with £96.6m in the previous year, reflecting continued growth in its lending activities.

The company’s lending book reached £251.0m at 31 May 2026, an increase of 16% from £216.7m a year earlier.

Consolidated net assets rose 9% to £78.0m, while net tangible assets increased 14% to £50.2m. Deferred income also grew by 17% to £31.2m, compared with £26.6m in FY2024/25.

Despite the expansion in lending, credit performance remained relatively stable.

Net arrears represented 4.8% of the gross lending book at year-end, compared with 4.6% in May 2025, while net bad debt write-offs declined slightly to 0.9% of the average lending book, down from 1.0% in the previous year.

Acquisition by Ultimate Finance parent progresses

The results come as Time Finance progresses towards its proposed cash acquisition by Bentley Park (UK) Limited, the parent company of Ultimate Finance Group Limited.

The recommended acquisition was first announced on 17 August 2026 and subsequently approved by Time Finance shareholders on 1 October 2026.

The transaction is being implemented through a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006.

Completion remains subject to outstanding conditions, including regulatory approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Court sanction of the scheme.

Time Finance confirmed that the expected timetable for completing the acquisition remains unchanged, with any updates to be announced through a Regulatory Information Service.