The Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) share price is in focus today after the company announced the acquisition of a majority interest in Interfi and improvements to its gross debt position.
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What did Perpetual report?
- Agreement to acquire 70% of Interfi Systems Pty Ltd, an asset servicing technology business.
- Interfi has around $55 billion in assets under administration as at 30 April 2026.
- Perpetual expects its gross debt to decrease by approximately 15% for the period to 30 June 2026, from $742 million at 31 December 2025.
- The acquisition will be funded from internally generated cashflows.
- Option to acquire the remaining 30% of Interfi shares by FY31.
What else do investors need to know?
The acquisition is set to strengthen Perpetual's Corporate Trust and expand its capabilities in digital and market services. By integrating Interfi's technology with Perpetual's own platforms, the company aims to create a more integrated and digital end-to-end client solution.
Completion of the Interfi transaction is expected by the end of June, dependent on certain conditions being met. Michael Dilworth, Interfi's founder and managing director, will stay on to help guide the business post-acquisition.
The company also emphasised its recent progress in reducing gross debt, which includes recent repayments and the impact of the Interfi deal.
What did Perpetual management say?
Perpetual's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Bernard Reilly, said:
This transaction is in line with our strategy to invest in new capabilities in Corporate Trust to support long-term growth and retain its strong market leadership. The acquisition is expected to contribute to growth in Corporate Trust's Digital and Markets division in FY27 and beyond.
What's next for Perpetual?
Looking ahead, Perpetual intends to continue investing in new digital capabilities and pursuing opportunities that will support sustainable growth. Management expects the Interfi acquisition to accelerate innovation and bolster Perpetual's market leadership in corporate trust and digital services.
The company is also focused on further strengthening its financial position, with the targeted reduction in gross debt expected to provide additional balance sheet flexibility.
Perpetual share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have declined 15%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has rise 2% over the same period.
