Mint Bridging & Mark Abrahams launch £100m lending business

By Bridging Loan Directory 27th April 2016

Mint Bridging, the UK’s fastest growing short term, family run bridging loan company announces it has entered into a joint venture with Mark Abrahams (ex founder of West One loans) to establish MB (Syndicates) Limited: MBS.

The new business will run alongside the existing Mint Bridging operation but focus on: higher value, lower LTV first charge loans ( £350k-£5mm), low risk development loans, 2nd charge loans & commercial property, all with a less London centric basis. They will be funded by experienced investors to the short term property lending market, on a syndicated basis.

The intention is to grow the loan book to over £100,000,000 with the emphasis on geographical diversification and areas of high liquidity. This will, no doubt, accentuate award winning Mint’s already rapidly scaling business.

The syndication partnership has been piloted since January 2016 and has already funded several million pounds of loans to date.

Mark was a co-founder & CEO of West One Loans Bridging Finance (acquired by Enterprise Finance in 2014 for an undisclosed amount), and was previously a corporate bond trader with Salomon Brothers and JP Morgan. Mark has sat on the ASTL executive committee board and has a wealth of experience. This includes corporate bond trading & credit derivatives, private equity finance, property investment and (over the last 8 years), bridging & mezzanine finance.

Mint’s Managing Director, Andrew Lazare, pictured, stated:

“For five years of building the business, we’re now seeing over 820% growth compared to prior year same quarters. This recent news announcement has generated outstanding media coverage, nudging Mint’s brand as a justified rising star. Partnering with Mark now firmly places Mint Bridging on the map.” He adds, “The syndication division enables us to increase funding lines, loan sizes and expand on our already rapidly growing Greater London presence. This opportunity is a sheer victory of extreme hard work and team dedication.”

“Since West One’s acquisition, many business opportunities have ventured my way,” Mark Abrahams confirms. “But what struck me is how fast Mint has grown and Andrew’s passion, determination and dedication. The company’s track record is astounding, and this is an ideal time to take Mint to the next stage as an industry power house.” He continues, “They have strong routes to market and together we have a solid platform of experienced funders wanting to invest in bridging finance with an experienced team. This partnership makes absolute sense. Andrew has created a strong infrastructure, impressive deal flow and has built a great team; these values greatly attracted me to the company.”

As a result of this agreement, the company will have the deserved financial weight behind it to continue its rapid expansion, attract more investors and build the wider Mint family vision.