Advent International: Acquisition of Southeast Europe's Leading Challenger Bank tbi
Deal News | Apr 22, 2025 | Advent International
Advent International, a renowned global private equity investor, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire tbi bank, a prominent tech-driven challenger bank in Southeast Europe. Tbi bank, which operates in Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, has built a robust ecosystem by integrating financing and shopping solutions through over 32,000 merchant partner points and has a notable customer base of over 2.4 million. With nearly one million loans issued in 2024, tbi is one of the fastest-growing banks in the region. This acquisition marks a significant step for Advent in supporting tbi's growth trajectory, aiming to provide innovative financial solutions in the CEE region. Advent's involvement has been endorsed by tbi's CEO, Petr Baron, who aligns with Advent's vision for accessible banking. The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is a testament to Advent's established expertise in investing in consumer banks and its commitment to expanding in Central and Southeast Europe.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Banking
- Financial Technology
Geography
- Southeast Europe – tbi bank operates in Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, making Southeast Europe the primary geographic focus of this acquisition.
- Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) – Advent's commitment to the CEE region is emphasized, highlighting its strategic investment expansion in this area.
Industry
- Private Equity – Advent International, a private equity investor, is acquiring tbi bank, highlighting the active role private equity plays in financial services acquisitions.
- Banking – tbi bank is an innovative challenger bank in Southeast Europe, signifying the importance of contemporary digital banking solutions in this acquisition.
- Financial Technology – As a tech-led bank, tbi incorporates fintech solutions to offer innovative banking services, relevant in the context of its acquisition.
Financials
- EUR 88 billion – Assets under management by Advent International as of December 31, 2024, illustrating its strong financial standing.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advent International | Acquirer | Company | A leading global private equity investor with significant investments in the financial services sector. |
| tbi bank | Target | Company | A leading tech-driven challenger bank in Southeast Europe, focusing on financing and digital banking solutions. |
| Ranjan Sen | Representative of Acquirer | Person | Managing Partner at Advent International, involved in the strategic acquisition of tbi bank. |
| Petr Baron | CEO of Target | Person | Chief Executive Officer of tbi bank, supporting Advent International's acquisition and shared strategic vision. |