Freetrade Exit and Share Repurchase Programme16 Jan 2025 10:19
Molten Ventures (LSE: GROW, Euronext Dublin: GRW), a leading venture capital firm investing in and developing high-growth digital technology businesses, today announces that Freetrade, the fast-growing, commission free self-directed investment platform, has agreed terms to be acquired by the FTSE 250 company IG Group (LSE: IGG) which provides online trading platforms and educational resources around the globe.
Molten first invested in Freetrade in the Series A in 2019. This deal values Molten's stake 30% above the 30 September 2024 holding value of £17 million and will deliver a 1.6x multiple on invested capital. Completion is subject to regulatory approvals, with proceeds currently expected in mid-2025.
Including the anticipated proceeds from this transaction, the Group's realisations during the current financial year now stand at over £150 million, subject to regulatory approval, exceeding the original guidance given of £100 million. These realisations have delivered on average a 2.5x multiple on invested capital providing further validation for Molten's valuation process, investment approach and active portfolio management. Molten will continue to deploy proceeds from realisations into exceptional primary and secondary investments.
In line with our previously stated intentions to allocate a minimum of 10% of realisation proceeds towards share buybacks, Molten Ventures intends to commence a further £5 million share repurchase programme (the “Programme”). The Company will continue to keep its capital allocation policy under review, balancing the pipeline of new investment opportunities against the ability to drive returns to shareholders through the Programme whilst maintaining sufficient reserves.
Ben Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Molten Ventures, commented:
"As part of our approach to active portfolio management, we have worked closely with Freetrade over the years to support their growth and success. This exit is a strong start to 2025 for Molten and our ability to back and scale leading digital businesses. The additional capital resources will enable us to commence a further share repurchase programme, recognising the prevailing discounted levels of our shares.”