Regions Bank entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Ascentium Capital from Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm focused on growth investing.

Ascentium Capital, headquartered in Kingwood, TX, is an independent equipment finance lender in the U.S. with approximately $2 billion in loans and leases as of year-end and originations of $1.5 billion in 2019. Partnering with nearly 4,000 manufacturers, dealers and distributors to finance essential-use equipment for small business customers, Ascentium Capital offers comprehensive financing solutions through more than 460 employees.

“Ascentium Capital’s experienced management team has built a strong company known for providing America’s small businesses access to the capital they need to grow, and we are excited to welcome them to Regions,” said Ronnie Smith, senior executive vice president and head of the Regions Corporate Banking Group. “Leveraging the technology, speed and convenience that Ascentium Capital is known for in combination with Regions’ broad spectrum of banking solutions provides a meaningful opportunity to attract new customers and deepen relationships across our combined customer base.”

The addition of Ascentium Capital expands Regions’ current offerings for small business customers and complements the bank’s established equipment finance and commercial banking businesses serving middle market and large companies. The transaction provides Regions with a scalable, tech-enabled equipment finance organization with same-day credit decisions and funding for small business customers. Ascentium Capital’s seasoned management team combined with its proprietary underwriting technology platform has delivered strong performance throughout credit cycles since its inception.

“We are pleased to join Regions, a firm known for its commitment to the customer experience and a long history of providing comprehensive banking solutions to companies of all sizes,” said Tom Depping, chief executive officer of Ascentium Capital. “This combination will enable us to expand our reach and relevance in serving our vendors and small business customers while continuing to provide seamless service.”

The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2020, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Financial terms are not disclosed. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to Regions in connection with the transaction and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP served as its legal counsel. Piper Sandler & Co. served as financial advisor to Ascentium Capital and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Vinson & Elkins LLP served as legal counsel to Ascentium Capital and the sellers.