Republic Finance announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investor group led by J.C. Flowers & Co., together with Nowlake Technology.
Funds advised by CVC Capital Partners, Republic’s majority owner, will exit their investment as part of the transaction. The Phillips family, which retained a significant shareholding under CVC’s ownership, will continue to hold an equity interest in the company.
Republic’s management team will continue to lead the company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Republic Finance is a consumer loan provider with more than 70 years of experience in the U.S. consumer finance market. The company specializes in personal loans and flexible lending options tailored to individual needs.
Republic serves customers across 17 states through 250 branches, its mobile app, phone channels, and online services. The company is headquartered in Plano, Texas.
J.C. Flowers said Republic’s customer-first approach, responsible lending model, regulatory compliance focus, and experienced management team make it a compelling platform for continued growth.
Nowlake is expected to bring technology, scale, and additional products from its group of companies to support Republic’s next phase of expansion. The Nowlake Group of Companies operates across automotive finance, consumer lending, real estate, insurance, technology, and other areas.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Wells Fargo served as exclusive financial advisor and Debevoise & Plimpton served as legal counsel to Republic Finance and CVC. BMO Capital Markets served as exclusive financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell served as legal counsel to the investor group led by J.C. Flowers.
J.C. Flowers is a private investment firm focused on the global financial services industry. Since its founding in 1998, the firm has invested more than $18 billion of capital, including co-investment, in 76 portfolio companies across 19 countries.
KEY QUOTES:
“Republic is committed to offering fair and transparent products with a focus on regulatory compliance. That discipline, combined with a deeply experienced management team and a loyal customer base, makes Republic a compelling platform. We look forward to partnering with the Company and Nowlake to build on its strong foundation and accelerate its growth.”
Thomas Harding, Managing Director at J.C. Flowers
“Over more than seven decades, our team has built Republic Finance into a trusted, well-run company serving hundreds of thousands of customers, and today’s announcement is a strong endorsement of that work. We are grateful to CVC for their partnership and support over the years, and we are excited to begin this next chapter with J.C. Flowers and the Nowlake Group of Companies. Their financial strength, deep financial services expertise, and shared commitment to responsible, customer-first lending position us to keep serving our customers and growing our business for years to come.”
Ian Rehmert, President and CEO of Republic Finance
“It’s been a privilege to partner with the Phillips family and Republic’s management team and we are very proud of what we have collectively accomplished. We wish Ian and his team all the best for this next phase of their growth journey.”
Daniel Brand, Partner at CVC
“We are excited to partner with JC Flowers to work with Republic Finance. Republic Finance has built a strong, respected platform with deep customer relationships and a great track record. We see opportunity to bring technology, scale, and additional products from the Nowlake Group of Companies to help accelerate Republic’s next phase of growth alongside J.C. Flowers.”
Ian Anderson, Group President of Nowlake
