CAN Capital has acquired the equipment finance portfolio and platform of Republic Bank Finance, a division of Republic Bancorp, broadening its product lineup and accelerating its long-term growth strategy.
The acquisition adds an established equipment finance portfolio and operating platform to CAN Capital’s existing working capital offerings. The company said the transaction strengthens its position as a diversified specialty finance provider and allows it to better serve small and medium-sized businesses nationwide.
CAN Capital, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Atlanta, has provided access to more than $8 billion in financing to over 80,000 small businesses. Until now, the company has been best known for its high-velocity, data-driven working capital solutions.
Chief Executive Officer Ed Siciliano said the deal is a natural next step: “This acquisition is a natural extension of CAN Capital’s long-term growth strategy,” Siciliano said. “We have built CAN Capital to be a scaled, durable platform that can grow both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Adding an equipment finance portfolio and platform enhances our product breadth, strengthens our market position, and allows us to serve more businesses with the right capital at the right time. This transaction reflects the momentum of our business and our continued confidence in the growth trajectory of CAN Capital.”
“Friction Free Financing”
“Our leadership team spent decades in the equipment finance space prior to joining CAN Capital,” Siciliano, who joined CAN Capital from Marlin Business Services in 2019, said. “We understand the expectations and requirements of our ISOs, equipment manufacturers and resellers, and small businesses.”
Siciliano said the company intends to bring the same speed and simplicity that defined its working capital business to equipment finance.
“From a service level standpoint, we intend to match these two offerings in terms of speed, simplicity and convenience in what we call ‘friction free financing,’” he said. “We believe CAN’s nimble, customer-centric approach will be felt by our new equipment finance customers and will lead to long-standing and deeper relationships.”
That could mean faster approvals and a more streamlined experience than traditional bank-affiliated equipment finance companies typically offer.
Broader Capital Solutions for Small Businesses
For small businesses, equipment needs are constant and varied, ranging from signage and software to furniture and heavy, essential use industrial machinery.
“The addition of an equipment finance offering gives CAN Capital the opportunity to provide tailored financing solutions as a ‘one stop shop’ in terms of supporting our valued customers’ borrowing needs,” Siciliano said.
The company sees a clear opportunity to deepen relationships within its existing customer base while also attracting new borrowers seeking equipment-backed financing.
At the same time, Siciliano emphasized that CAN Capital will continue to grow both its equipment finance and working capital portfolios.
“In terms of portfolio size, we’re ready and able to grow both product portfolios in ways that best support customer demand,” he said. “Said differently, we are neutral on customer product choice. Our focus is on supporting all small business financial needs with tailored and convenient products and experiences.”
Scaling the Platform
CAN Capital plans to leverage its national footprint, underwriting capabilities, partner network and technology infrastructure to scale the acquired equipment finance platform.
The company said the transaction reflects the momentum of its broader business and its confidence in future growth.
For small businesses navigating expansion, cash flow pressures, or capital investments, the combined platform aims to offer a wider range of options under one roof — delivered with the speed and flexibility that have defined CAN Capital’s model for more than two decades.
