FirstCash Holdings Acquires H&T Group for £297 Million.

FirstCash Holdings has completed the acquisition of H&T Group for approximately £297 million, with a cash consideration of £6.61 per share and a final dividend of 11 pence. The acquisition was approved by both boards and is subject to regulatory approval, competition, and markets authority, and court approval. The expected completion date is between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

FirstCash Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCFS), the leading international operator of pawn stores, has completed its acquisition of H&T Group plc (H&T) for approximately £297 million. The acquisition, which was approved by both boards, involves a cash consideration of £6.61 per share and a final dividend of 11 pence. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, competition, and markets authority, and court approval, with an expected completion date between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025 [1].

The strategic combination with H&T marks a significant milestone for FirstCash, entering the European market for the first time. The acquisition enhances FirstCash's position as a global leader in the pawn industry, with the combined entity now operating over 3,300 retail pawn locations across the U.S., Latin America, and the U.K. [1].

"We are extremely excited to welcome H&T to the FirstCash family," said Rick Wessel, CEO of FirstCash. "This transaction aligns perfectly with our mission to further expand FirstCash’s pawn operations and deliver exceptional value to our customers and shareholders. H&T's strong brand reputation, commitment to customer service, and growth potential make it an ideal fit with our culture and strategy." [1]

From a financial perspective, the acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings. H&T's market-leading position in the U.K. provides FirstCash with premier access to an attractive market. The combined companies are expected to benefit from operating synergies, including H&T’s public company costs and advantages of increased scale [1].

Expected earnings per share accretion for FirstCash from H&T for the balance of 2025 is anticipated to be in a range of $0.20 to $0.25 per share, net of FirstCash’s incremental borrowing costs to fund the transaction [1].

The acquisition was funded utilizing ample availability under FirstCash's long-term revolving bank credit facility. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, competition, and markets authority, and court approval, with an expected completion date between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025 [1].

References:
[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/14/3133370/0/en/FirstCash-Completes-Acquisition-of-H-T-Group-Combination-Establishes-FirstCash-as-U-K-s-Leading-Pawnbroker-Now-Operates-over-3-300-Retail-Pawn-Locations-in-the-U-S-Latin-America-an.html