Credit Clear (ASX:CCR) share price tumbles 9% on acquisition news

Here's why the Credit Clear share price is in the red on Thursday.

| More on:
share price dropping

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Credit Clear Ltd (ASX: CCR) share price is plummeting after it announced that it's undergoing an acquisition worth upwards of $46 million.

To fund the transaction, the company is conducting a $29.5 million capital raise.

At the time of writing, the Credit Clear share price is 49 cents, 9.26% lower than its previous close.

Let's take a closer look at the news that's driving the financial services technology company's stock downwards.

Credit Clear share price flops on new acquisition

It's not a good day for the Credit Clear share price despite the company announcing that its acquiring debt recovery solution provider, ARMA Group Holdings.

Over financial year 2021, ARMA reported $15.5 million of revenue and $6.4 million of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA).

According to Credit Clear, the acquisition will provide more than 400 new active clients and a 140% boost to its revenue.

That's expected to see Credit Clear bringing in $26.5 million in normalised, unaudited, pro-forma revenue on a financial year 2021 basis. The company also expects that its normalised, unaudited, pro-form EBITDA will increase to $3.9 million.

Finally, purchasing ARMA will help Credit Clear's technology reach further into the Australian market. It will also speed up its adoption in the receivables management industry.

Credit Clear will be paying $46 million for the acquisition, plus earnout payments.

Of that $46 million, 40% will be paid in scrip and the other 60% in cash.

To fund the cash component, the company has undergone a $25.5 million placement. Within the placement, new shares were offered for 40 cents apiece.

A share purchase plan is expected to see another $4 million raised at the same offer price.

The scrip consideration is contingent on shareholder approval, which the company hopes to get in January.

Following the acquisition, ARMA founders, Andrew Smith and Shane Ashton will continue to manage the business. Andrew Smith will also be welcomed to the Credit Clear board.

What did management say?

Credit Clear CEO, David Hentschke commented on the news driving the company's share price lower today, saying:

Credit Clear is at the forefront of a major global transformation in the way businesses interact with their customers. The ARMA acquisition provides us an opportunity to deploy this leading digital technology across ARMA's significant existing client base and to win considerable new business together.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Mergers & Acquisitions

Multiple ASX share investors take on one another in a tug of war in a high rise building.
Mergers & Acquisitions

ASX 200 stock slips after joining takeover contest with $250 million bid

Are we about to see a bidding war unfold as an ASX 200 company joins the contest?

Read more »

A fit man sits and prepares to dive into a hole made in frozen ice.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Perpetual shares freeze and thaw as corporate suitor circles

Something rather odd happened with Perpetual shares this morning...

Read more »

A young woman smiling and looking happy, indicating a positive share price movement on the ASX market
Mergers & Acquisitions

Why this ASX All Ords stock is sparkling 15% brighter today

Shareholders of this stock are smiling widely today.

Read more »

A woman crosses her hands in front of her body in a defensive stance indicating a trading halt.
Materials Shares

BHP shares fall again after Anglo American rejects takeover offer

The Big Australian's offer 'significantly undervalues' the miner.

Read more »

supermarket asx shares represented by shopping trolley in supermarket aisle
Mergers & Acquisitions

Metcash shares down despite corporate watchdog approval

Metcash is about to diversify and become a bigger business.

Read more »

Three miners stand together at a mine site studying documents with equipment in the background
Materials Shares

BHP shares sink on $60b Anglo American takeover news

The Big Australian could be on the verge of a major acquisition.

Read more »

a man in a british union jack T shirt hurdles high into the air with london bridge visible in the background.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Nick Scali shares halted amid $60m capital raising and UK expansion news

This furniture retailer has its eyes on the UK furniture market.

Read more »

A female broker in a red jacket whispers in the ear of a man who has a surprised look on his face as she explains which two ASX 200 shares should do well in today's volatile climate
Mergers & Acquisitions

Wesfarmers shares baulk on fresh acquisition gossip

A healthcare company gone nowhere in a decade might be on Wesfarmers' radar.

Read more »