Shawbrook Group to acquire SME lender ThinCats

Shawbrook Group has announced that it has agreed to acquire ThinCats, the alternative lender specialising in bespoke funding solutions for growth-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Under the terms of the deal, ThinCats will continue to operate as a separate brand with its independent teams and distinct proposition. The company’s focus on delivering tailored funding solutions will remain unchanged, while the acquisition will provide ThinCats with access to the significant technology, data, and capital resources of the wider Shawbrook Group.

Amany Attia, CEO of ThinCats, said: “Becoming part of Shawbrook represents an exciting step for ThinCats and a strong endorsement of our model, supporting established and growth-focused SMEs.

“Underpinned by the significant technology, data, and capital resources of the wider Shawbrook Group, ThinCats will continue to offer the high levels of coverage, innovation, service, and ongoing borrower relationships that business owners, professional advisers, and financial sponsors have come to expect.”

For ThinCats’ customers and advisers, contacts and service levels will remain the same. Over time, the integration is expected to unlock new lending opportunities, allowing both brands to offer an even broader range of finance facilities designed to meet event-driven needs.

Neil Rudge, Chief Banking Officer, Commercial at Shawbrook, commented: “The UK is home to 5.5 million SMEs, with one in ten now generating over £1m in annual revenue.

“Many of these businesses are powering the new economy — innovating and scaling across tech, professional services, healthcare, and life sciences.

“These are ambitious, well-managed businesses that need flexible funding to fuel their growth. ThinCats has built a compelling proposition that delivers the speed, certainty, and structuring expertise these businesses value. By bringing ThinCats into the Shawbrook Group, we’re combining our strengths – unlocking new opportunities to support even more SMEs with the funding they need to thrive.”

ThinCats has deployed over £2 billion in funding to date and has built a strong reputation for relationship-led lending and tailored solutions for mid-sized businesses. Shawbrook’s acquisition reflects its commitment to accelerating growth in the SME lending sector and creating greater choice for advisers and borrowers alike.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to complete later this year.