Fintel (FNTL) has completed the acquisition of Pearson Ham Group’s insurance market pricing business, aiming to accelerate the growth of its software and data brand Defaqto.
The total cash consideration is £11 million, comprising an initial cash consideration of £7.5 million and a deferred payment of £3.5 million.
Importantly, Fintel noted that the deal will be earnings accretive for the year ending 31 December 2026.
Defaqto plans to combine the acquired pricing data with its existing product datasets to broaden coverage across UK personal lines insurance, including motor, home, travel, and pet. Fintel said the integration of pricing data will accelerate innovation across Defaqto's technology portfolio, including its recently launched Matrix360 platform, which already serves 22 major insurers.
Proprietary data assets will underpin new capabilities such as "value for money" ratings and advanced benchmarking tools, supporting the industry's transition to an AI-driven economy.
Fintel expects the acquisition to generate FY26 revenue of £2.6 million and EBITDA of £0.9 million, and to be net earnings accretive after interest and tax.
Fintel funded the transaction from existing resources, supported by the debt terms announced in July 2025 as part of its £120 million revolving credit facility (RCF). The company plans to introduce a Growth Share Plan to retain and incentivise key management in the acquired business, linked to growth and profitability targets.
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This looks like a tidy bolt-on that strengthens Defaqto’s data proposition in a large end-market. If Fintel can translate richer pricing insight into higher-value products, the deal could help deepen insurer relationships and support software-led growth.