GP Bullhound advises Zuto on its majority investment from Bridgepoint

GP Bullhound has acted as exclusive financial adviser to Zuto, the UK’s leading online car finance marketplace, on its majority investment from Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors.

Founded in 2006 by James Wilkinson and Ryan Dignan, Zuto is on a mission to transform the car finance industry by providing a seamless and transparent experience for customers looking to purchase a second-hand car. Zuto’s proprietary technology platform connects lenders, dealers and wider industry partners to provide a seamless and transparent experience for customers looking to purchase a second-hand car.

The transaction sees Bridgepoint’s Small Cap Growth fund become a majority shareholder in the business. This partnership will accelerate the development of Zuto’s technology platform and broaden the company’s product range, drawing on Bridgepoint’s deep sector expertise in scaling high-integrity fintech businesses.

Furthermore, the transaction continues a long-term relationship between GP Bullhound and Zuto spanning over a decade. GP Bullhound originally advised Zuto in 2013 when Scottish Equity Partners and Bullhound Capital invested in the business, providing strategic advice to the Founders and the Board along the way.

Reflecting on the relationship, Hugh Campbell, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at GP Bullhound, said: “James, Ryan and I met back in 2011 when I opened up the Manchester office for GP Bullhound. It’s been a pleasure to see how their vision to improve the used car buying experience has become a profitable reality. We wish them the very best as they continue their journey with Bridgepoint.”

James Wilkinson, Co-Founder & CEO of Zuto, said: “This is an important milestone for Zuto, as we continue to scale and bring greater transparency to the car finance market. Bridgepoint’s investment will help us accelerate our growth and continue to improve the experience for our customers. It also brings to an end our long-term relationship with GP Bullhound, who have provided us with invaluable support for over a decade.”

About Zuto
Zuto is on a mission to transform the car finance industry. With more than 300 products available through its panel of trusted lenders, Zuto provides end-to-end market coverage, and has helped over 450,000 people in the UK find the right vehicle and finance for their needs. Through market-wide, data-driven knowledge sharing, bespoke integrations and AI investment, its proprietary technology connects lenders, dealers and wider industry partners to provide a seamless and transparent experience for customers looking to purchase a second-hand car. www.zuto.com

About Bridgepoint
Bridgepoint Group is one of the world’s leading quoted private asset growth investors, specialising in private equity, infrastructure and private credit. With over $86 billion of assets under management and a strong local presence in Europe, North America and Asia, we combine global scale with local market insight and sector expertise, consistently delivering strong returns through cycles. www.bridgepointgroup.com

About GP Bullhound
GP Bullhound is a leading technology advisory and investment firm, providing transaction advice and capital to the world’s best entrepreneurs. Founded in 1999, the firm has 11 offices across Europe, the US, and Asia. www.gpbullhound.com

Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact:
Hugh Campbell, Managing Partner: hugh.campbell@gpbullhound.com
Javed Huq, Managing Director: javed.huq@gpbullhound.com