Zmarta Eyes Nordic Expansion Through Axo Integration
Deal News | Jan 08, 2025 | Corsair Capital
Corsair Capital, a specialist investment firm, has announced the acquisition of Zmarta Group and its integration into the Axo Group. The acquisition aims to consolidate all personal finance comparison services of Zmarta into Axo, alongside the integration of energy price comparisons under the Elskling brand and insurance distribution previously managed by Insplanet. Axo, founded in 2008, will leverage this acquisition to enhance its core competencies, extend its service offerings, and solidify its position as a leading digital platform in the Nordic region. Bauer Media Group, former owner of Zmarta Group, will remain as a minority shareholder, while Corsair Capital continues as the controlling shareholder. Axo Group is expected to serve a larger Nordic market with an expanded product portfolio and more than double its partners, reinforcing its leadership in personal finance distribution. The transaction is pending customary closing conditions, and financial details remain undisclosed.
Sectors
- Financial Services
- Energy
- Media
Geography
- Nordic Region – The focus is on the Nordic market, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, where Axo Group and Zmarta operate.
- Europe – Bauer Media Group operates extensively across Europe, as highlighted by its media presence in countries like Germany, UK, Poland, and France.
Industry
- Financial Services – Relates to companies providing personal financial management, loan brokering, and comparison services across banking, credit, insurance sectors.
- Energy – Involves the comparison of energy prices, as mentioned with the Elskling brand's integration into Axo’s services.
- Media – Bauer Media Group's involvement highlights its presence in the media industry, providing content and investments across print and audio sectors.
Financials
- Undisclosed – Financial terms of the acquisition transaction were not made public.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corsair Capital | Controlling Shareholder | Company | A specialist investment firm focused on financial services and infrastructure investments. |
| Axo Group | Acquiring Company | Company | A leading Nordic financial services provider, offering personal finance management solutions across multiple countries. |
| Zmarta Group | Target Company | Company | Provides financial comparison services across the Nordics, previously owned by Bauer Media. |
| Bauer Media Group | Vendor; Minority Shareholder | Company | A major European media company with diverse media assets, formerly the owner of Zmarta Group. |
| Investcorp Corsair | Strategic Partner | Company | Corsair's strategic partner, focusing on core infrastructure opportunities. |