UK-based bank Shawbrook, acquired by BC Partners and Pollen Street Capital in 2017, is planning an initial public offering (IPO) for a potential valuation of around GBP 2 billion. This IPO is expected to take place in the latter half of 2025.

Preparations and Advisors

Shawbrook’s plans for an IPO were somewhat delayed due to market instability earlier this year. To bolster its preparation, the bank has added more investment banks to its advisory team in line with its decision to float shares earlier in 2025.

UK’s IPO Landscape

The planned IPO of Shawbrook could be a significant boost for the UK’s capital markets. In the first half of 2025, London experienced a notable decrease in initial public offerings (IPOs), with only five listings on UK markets that raised a total of GBP 160 million.

When the IPO plans were first announced in January 2025, BC Partners and Pollen Street Capital were close to appointing Goldman Sachs for the listing. They had initially pursued a dual-track exit strategy from their investment. However, sources suggest that Barclays could also have been considered as an advisor. Nonetheless, the IPO’s success was contingent upon favorable market conditions.

In addition to Shawbrook, Guaranty Trust, the parent company of a Nigerian bank with a high market value, has also announced its plans for a secondary listing in London after raising approximately GBP 110 million from investors. Valued at nearly GBP 1.3 billion, Guaranty Trust aims to be the first Nigerian financial services firm to obtain a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange.