Shawbrook, the UK alternative lender backed by BC Partners and Pollen Street Capital, is attracting strong investor interest ahead of its planned London IPO, which could value the bank at up to £2bn ($2.68bn), according to a report by Reuters.
The listing represents a major exit opportunity for the private equity owners, who acquired Shawbrook in 2017 through their vehicle Marlin Bidco.
Marlin Bidco is expected to sell between 79.9 million and 81.1 million shares, with the IPO also raising £50m via new issuance and a potential 14.1 million shares under an over-allotment option.
The IPO price range has been set at 350–390 pence per share, and Shawbrook’s shares are expected to begin trading on 4 November, pending regulatory approval.
The offering underscores a renewed willingness of private equity firms to monetise their investments via public markets, particularly in the UK, where IPO activity has lagged despite regulatory reforms aimed at making London listings more attractive.
Shawbrook’s PE owners had previously explored consolidation deals with other UK lenders, including Metro Bank and Co-op Bank, as part of broader strategies to optimise value before exit. The forthcoming IPO marks a significant liquidity event for BC Partners and Pollen Street, potentially one of the city’s largest listings in recent years.
