Aferian Secures Debt Extension as 78 Percent Share Price Surge Follows Banking Facility Rollover

Aferian PLC has secured a further extension to its $16.5 million secured banking facilities, prompting a dramatic 78 percent surge in the company’s share price to 0.8p. The technology group has negotiated with its banking consortium, comprising Barclays Bank, Bank of Ireland and HSBC, to extend the repayment deadline to 20 March.

The facilities were initially scheduled to expire on 30 September 2025 and have undergone multiple extensions since then, with the most recent deadline set for 13 February 2026. The latest reprieve provides the company with additional time to pursue the sale of its Amino and 24i business units, whilst simultaneously exploring a potential disposal of the entire group.

Whilst the possibility exists for a further extension beyond 20 March subject to senior lender approval, Aferian has cautioned shareholders that no guarantee can be provided regarding such an outcome. The company also maintains a separate loan facility arranged by its principal shareholder, Kestrel Partners LLP, which currently stands at approximately £1.593 million including capitalised interest accrued to date, with a maturity date of 15 April 2026.

The company is currently operating a formal sale process under the provisions of the Takeover Code. Management is concurrently evaluating whether the disposal of individual subsidiaries, their underlying businesses and assets, or alternative funding arrangements might deliver superior outcomes for stakeholders. Advanced discussions are reportedly underway with several credible parties regarding various strategic options designed to preserve the group’s trading operations.

However, Aferian has indicated that certain options under consideration may yield proceeds substantially below the outstanding value of the banking facilities. The situation is further complicated by substantial exceptional advisory costs and imminent working capital requirements, prompting the group to investigate additional funding sources.

The company has issued comprehensive cautionary statements, noting the absence of certainty regarding the progression of any alternative option, the completion of any disposal transaction, or the availability of sufficient working capital when required. Management has emphasised that no assurance exists regarding the emergence of offers from the formal sale process or the terms of any potential proposals.