CVC Capital Partners ("CVC") today announced that CVC Fund VI has led a recapitalization of Republic Finance ("Republic", or "the Company"), a consumer loan provider based in the South-Eastern United States. Republic was majority owned by the Phillips family, who alongside management, now retain a significant shareholding in the Company. Prudential Capital Group, a minority investor in Republic since 2012, has exited in full.
Founded in 1952 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Republic specialises in providing a variety of consumer loans and flexible lending options to customers in the South-Eastern U.S. With over 175 branches located within Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, Republic serves more than 280,000 customers throughout the United States.
Kamil Salame, Partner and Global Co-Head of the Financial Services team at CVC, said: "Republic Finance plays a critical role in providing credit for many Americans who are under-served by traditional banks and credit card companies."
Daniel Brand, Managing Director at CVC, added: "The Company has an outstanding financial, operational and reputational track record and we are very excited to partner with the Phillips family and Republic Finance's strong management team to accelerate growth opportunities in what is an attractive and dynamic industry."
Gary Phillips, Chairman of Republic, noted: "We are proud of our successes to date, having grown over the last 65 years from a local credit provider to a leading regional player. We are excited to partner with CVC given their sector expertise and experience working with family owned businesses to help take the Company to the next level."
Rex Ellison, CEO of Republic, added: "We believe the CVC Fund VI-led recapitalization positions the Company well for significant organic and acquisition-driven growth in the future."
CVC was advised on an exclusive basis by Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. The Company was advised by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods and Paul Hastings LLP. Wells Fargo served as sole lead arranger on the financing.