After the acquisition of a long-standing client by an international transport group, Ultimate Finance worked to consolidate two UK funding arrangements into a single £7.5m Invoice Finance facility. The new structure was designed to provide working capital flexibility and operational continuity during integration and future growth.

When an established UK transport operator was acquired by an international transport services group, the new ownership sought to bring all UK receivables funding under one arrangement. Having supported the original business since 2017, Ultimate Finance was well placed to assist in the transition.

The group operates millions of passenger journeys each year across multiple markets, providing shuttle and school transport programmes supported by live tracking and 24-hour operational oversight.

A partnership built on understanding

Ultimate Finance had supported the original transport business since 2017, providing an Invoice Finance facility that helped underpin steady growth. That long-term relationship meant Regional Director Matthew Speed and Relationship Manager Matthew Richards knew the business inside out, from its debtor profile and systems to the operational nuances of managing high-volume, contract-based transport work.

“When the acquisition happened, the new directors recognised that we already had a deep understanding of the business and its sector,” says Speed. “That gave them real confidence that we could move quickly and structure a facility that aligned with their group objectives.”

The wider group operates millions of passenger journeys annually around the world, specialising in efficient shuttle and school bus programmes with vetted operators, live tracking, and round-the-clock support.

One group, one facility

Following the acquisition, the group’s financial leadership wanted to simplify its UK funding structure by consolidating receivables under one provider. Although another UK lender was in place, a single, scalable funding partner capable of supporting both entities was critical to maintaining momentum as contracts migrated.

“The group is scaling rapidly,” explains Speed. “They needed a funding partner that could match their pace. Our track record, combined with our service-led approach, meant we could deliver a competitive, flexible group solution, and give the team certainty to keep moving forward.”

The £7.5m structure

Ultimate Finance combined a new £6m Invoice Finance facility with the existing £1.5m arrangement, bringing the total funding line to £7.5m. The structure was built for both immediate support and future scalability, giving the group room to grow its UK operations while managing the smooth transfer of contracts between entities.

Key features of the facility include:

• Flexible working capital against receivables to fund daily operations and new contracts
• A scalable framework to migrate contracts seamlessly within the group
• Dedicated relationship management to maintain momentum and oversight

Richards, who has supported the business for nearly a decade, says the familiarity with its operations was crucial:

“We knew the debtor book, the systems and the contract cycle. That insight allowed us to tailor eligibility and design a migration plan that worked with the group’s timeline rather than against it. The process was seamless, and that’s the benefit of a long-standing partnership.”

Built for scale

From the earliest conversations, the Ultimate Finance team worked closely with the Group Financial Director to align on growth plans, cashflow cycles and the schedule for contract migrations.

“This was a competitive process,” says Speed. “Ultimately, it came down to our experience in the sector and our commitment to service. We focused on a smooth onboarding, a clear migration pathway, and ongoing relationship support from a team the client already trusted.”

The resulting facility not only provides the liquidity needed to maintain operations but also gives the group the headroom to scale its UK footprint while continuing to invest in technology and sustainability, including progress toward its 2030 net zero goal.

Partnership in motion

For Richards, the deal is about more than numbers; it’s about continuity and confidence.

“We’ll continue to work closely with the finance team to optimise the facility as the UK business grows,” he says. “Our role is to keep cash flowing, remove friction, and back our client’s plans every step of the way.”

Speed agrees.

“This was a great example of what can happen when experience, understanding and collaboration come together. It’s about providing the structure for today and the headroom for tomorrow, and ensuring our clients have the freedom to keep growing.”