
Mercia Asset Management has a strong presence in the UK, with a significant proportion of its investments focused on the North of England and Wales.
The company has a diverse investment portfolio, with a focus on growth-stage businesses and innovation.
Mercia Asset Management's funds have achieved strong returns, with some funds delivering returns of over 20% in a single year.
The company has a strong track record of supporting its portfolio companies, providing access to its network of contacts and expertise.
About Mercia
Mercia is a UK-based asset manager that focuses on investing in and supporting the growth of innovative businesses.
The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Birmingham.
Mercia has a strong track record of delivering strong returns to its investors, with a focus on supporting the growth of its portfolio companies.
Company Overview
Mercia is a leading regional investment manager, with a strong presence in the UK's Midlands region. They have a team of experienced investment managers who provide support to entrepreneurs and businesses across various sectors.
Their investment strategy is focused on backing ambitious businesses in the Midlands, with a particular emphasis on the technology and life sciences sectors. Mercia has a proven track record of supporting businesses that are looking to scale and grow.
With a strong network of contacts and partnerships, Mercia is well-positioned to provide access to a wide range of resources and expertise to its portfolio companies.
History
Mercia has a rich and varied history that spans thousands of years. The region has been inhabited since the Mesolithic era, with archaeological evidence showing human presence dating back to around 8000 BC.
Mercia's early history was shaped by the Romans, who conquered the region in the 1st century AD and established the city of Lichfield as a major urban center. Lichfield remained an important city throughout the Roman period.
The Anglo-Saxons arrived in Mercia in the 5th century AD and established their own kingdoms, with the Kingdom of Mercia emerging as a major power in the region. Mercia's capital, Tamworth, was an important center of trade and commerce.
The Kingdom of Mercia reached its peak in the 8th century AD, with King Offa building a series of fortifications along the Welsh border, including the famous Offa's Dyke. This impressive earthwork still exists today and is a testament to the engineering skills of the Mercians.
Mercia's history is also marked by its significant role in the English Civil War, with the region being a key battleground between the Royalists and Parliamentarians.
News and Updates
Mercia Asset Management has been quite active in the funding scene lately. They announced a £7.5 million investment in HowNow Ltd.
Mercia Asset Management has invested in several companies, including Everyday Adventures Ltd, which received £2.4 million in funding. They've also invested in Netacea, a defensive AI firm, with a follow-on investment in December.
In just one month, Mercia Asset Management has invested in multiple companies, including Everyday Adventures Ltd, BidScript Ltd, and Netacea Group Ltd. This suggests they're looking to support a variety of businesses.
Here's a list of some of the companies that have received funding from Mercia Asset Management:
These investments demonstrate Mercia Asset Management's commitment to supporting businesses in various stages of growth.
Investments and Portfolio
Mercia Asset Management has made 311 investments, with their latest investment being in Xentra as part of their Loan on October 15, 2024.
Mercia Asset Management has also provided funding to several companies, including HowNow Ltd, which received £7.5 million in funding from Mercia Asset Management PLC, Fuel Ventures Limited, and Pearson Ventures.
Mercia Asset Management has a diverse portfolio, with a market capitalization of $151 million.
Investment & Fund Operators
Investment & Fund Operators play a crucial role in managing investments and portfolios. They are responsible for making informed decisions about where to invest and how to manage risk.
Mercia Asset Management PLC is one of the key players in this space, having made 311 investments to date, including a recent loan to Xentra in October 2024.
Investment managers like Mercia Asset Management PLC are constantly monitoring market trends and making adjustments to their portfolios accordingly. For example, Mercia Asset Management PLC's stock price has fluctuated in recent days, with a 5-day change of -0.07% and a 1-year change of -4.51%.
Here are some key statistics about Mercia Asset Management PLC's performance:
Recent funding announcements have also highlighted the importance of investment managers in providing crucial funding to businesses. For example, HowNow Ltd received £7.5 million in funding from Fuel Ventures Limited, Mercia Asset Management PLC, and Pearson Ventures in February 2025, while Applied Monitoring Ltd received £0.5 million in funding from Mercia Asset Management PLC on the same day.
These funding announcements demonstrate the significant role that investment managers play in supporting businesses and driving economic growth.
Portfolio Exits
Portfolio exits can be a complex and nuanced process.
A successful exit strategy is crucial for investors, as it can significantly impact their returns.
According to a study, 70% of investors prioritize liquidity over returns when considering an exit.
Investors can choose from various exit options, including public listings, mergers and acquisitions, and trade sales.
A well-planned exit strategy can help investors achieve their goals and minimize losses.
Fund Information
Mercia Asset Management is a leading venture capital investor in the UK, with a focus on supporting innovative businesses. They have a strong track record of investing in companies that have the potential to drive growth and create jobs.
Their investment approach is centered around the needs of their investors, which include universities, research institutions, and local authorities. Mercia Asset Management has a team of experienced investment professionals who work closely with entrepreneurs and business leaders to identify and support promising companies.
The firm has a significant presence in the UK, with offices in Birmingham, London, and Manchester. This allows them to tap into local networks and expertise, and to support businesses across a range of sectors and regions.
Mercia Asset Management has a diverse portfolio of investments, including companies in the life sciences, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Their investments are typically made through a combination of equity and debt, and they work closely with their portfolio companies to provide strategic support and guidance.
Their investment team has a strong understanding of the UK's innovation ecosystem, which enables them to identify and support companies that are best placed to succeed. Mercia Asset Management's investment approach is focused on creating value for their investors, while also supporting the growth and development of innovative businesses.
Broaden your view: Managed Team
Management and Partners
Mercia Asset Management has strategic partnerships and investments that support its mission. One notable partnership is with Banco Santander, which they partnered with on April 4, 2016.
This collaboration allows Mercia Asset Management to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Northern Powerhouse with their growth plans. Banco Santander's Divisional Managing Director, Damian McGann, emphasized the importance of SMEs having access to multiple sources of finance.
Mercia Asset Management has also invested in various companies, including HowNow Ltd and Applied Monitoring Ltd. HowNow Ltd received £7.5 million in funding from Mercia Asset Management PLC, alongside Fuel Ventures Limited and Pearson Ventures. Applied Monitoring Ltd received £0.5 million in funding from Mercia Asset Management PLC.
Here is a list of some of the notable investments and partnerships made by Mercia Asset Management:
- Banco Santander (partnered on April 4, 2016)
- HowNow Ltd (received £7.5 million in funding)
- Applied Monitoring Ltd (received £0.5 million in funding)
Partners & Customers
Mercia Asset Management has a strategic partnership with Banco Santander, a Spanish bank, which they announced in April 2016. This partnership aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Northern Powerhouse with their growth plans.
In 2019, INTEGRAL Venture Partners was founded in London, England, with a focus on private equity and growth capital investments in the Evolving Europe region. They primarily serve sectors such as technology, media, telecommunications, healthcare, consumer goods, business services, and niche industrials.
Mercia Asset Management has invested in various companies, including Applied Monitoring Ltd, which received £0.5 million in funding from the company in February 2019. This investment highlights Mercia's commitment to supporting innovative businesses.
Here is a list of some of Mercia Asset Management's notable partnerships and investments:
Mercia Asset Management has also invested in HowNow Ltd, which received £7.5 million in funding from the company, along with Fuel Ventures Limited and Pearson Ventures, in February 2019.
Managers and Directors
Meet the team behind Mercia Asset Management PLC. The company has a strong leadership team, with Mark Payton serving as the Chief Executive Officer since 2014. At 58 years old, he's been leading the team for over eight years.
For your interest: Is a Team Lead a Manager
Mark Payton also holds the title of Director/Board Member, a position he's held since 2014. This highlights the importance of having a diverse skill set within the leadership team.
Martin Glanfield is the Director of Finance/CFO, responsible for overseeing the company's financial operations. With 66 years of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. He's been in this position since 2014, alongside Mark Payton.
The company's Chairman is Ian Metcalfe, who took on this role in 2019. At 67 years old, he's been leading the board of directors for over three years.
Performance and Comparison
Over the past 1 week, Mercia Asset Management has seen a significant increase in performance, with a gain of +1.75%. This is a notable improvement, especially when compared to its performance over the same period last year.
In the current month, Mercia Asset Management has achieved a notable gain of +5.58%, outperforming its performance over the past 1 week.
Here's a quick rundown of Mercia Asset Management's performance over different time periods:
Quotes and Performance

Mercia Asset Management has seen some significant fluctuations in its performance over the past few months.
In the last 1 day, the company's performance was down by 0.07%. On the other hand, its 1-week performance was a positive 1.75%.
The current month has been a strong one for Mercia, with a 5.58% increase. However, its 1-month performance was a negative 1.13%.
Looking at the bigger picture, the company's 3-month and 6-month performances were down by 9.74% and 19.60%, respectively.
In terms of annual performance, Mercia's current year was down by 1.82%.
Here's a summary of Mercia's performance over the past few months:
Compare to Competitors
MVM Partners and Salica Investments are two investment firms operating in the UK. MVM Partners was founded in 1997 and focuses on high growth healthcare businesses, while Salica Investments was founded in 2017 and focuses on private technology investing.
MVM Partners has a longer history than Salica Investments, with a 24-year head start. This experience may give MVM Partners an edge in terms of navigating the healthcare and technology industries.
Here's an interesting read: Healthcare Asset Management Companies
Salica Investments offers a broader range of investment options than MVM Partners, including growth debt financing. This flexibility may make Salica Investments a more attractive option for companies seeking funding.
Both MVM Partners and Salica Investments are based in London, UK, which may indicate a strong connection to the European market.
What's Next
Mercia is shifting its focus from direct investing to third-party fund-management, a move that's subject to shareholder approval.
The firm aims to grow its Assets Under Management (AUM) to £3 billion and double its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) in three years.
This goal doesn't seem too far-fetched, given the state and investors' backing of initiatives like the British Business Bank and VCTs.
Mercia reported sales of £30.4 million and Ebitda of £5.5 million for the year to 31 March, but an operating loss of £12.4 million due to an impairment on a direct investment was a setback.

Analysts at Canaccord Genuity think Mercia can liquidate its direct investment portfolio worth £120 million within three years, providing scope for acquisitions to drive growth.
The analysts have pegged the group's net asset value (NAV) per share at 42.6p, which could make the stock an undervalued growth play, especially with Labour's investment plans in place.
Financials and Breakdown
The financials of Mercia Asset Management PLC are a crucial aspect to consider. The company is listed on the Stock Market under the ticker symbol MERC Stock.
Here are the key areas to focus on: Equity, which is the primary source of funding for the company. This is where shareholders have a claim on the company's assets.
Mercia Asset Management PLC is a company that is involved in Equities.
Income Statement and Estimates
The income statement and estimates are a crucial part of understanding a company's financial health. In the case of Mercia Asset Management PLC, we can see that their income statement is closely tied to the stock market and equities.
MERC Stock is a key indicator of the company's performance, and it's listed as one of the main points in their income statement.
Let's take a closer look at the company's financials. Here are the main points from their income statement:
- Stock Market
- Equities
- MERC Stock
- Company Mercia Asset Management PLC
These points give us a sense of what's driving the company's income and performance. By examining these factors, we can get a better understanding of the company's financial health and make more informed decisions.
Sales Geographical Breakdown
Mercia Asset Management PLC's sales have been steadily increasing over the years, with a notable geographical focus.
The company's sales in the United Kingdom have been a significant portion of their overall revenue. In 2020, they reported £12.75 million in sales.
Here's a breakdown of their sales in the UK over the years:
The UK market has been a consistent source of revenue for Mercia Asset Management PLC, with sales increasing by over 138% from 2020 to 2024.
Valuation and Performance
Mercia Asset Management's performance has been quite volatile over the past year. The company's stock price has fluctuated significantly, with a 1-day drop of -0.07% and a 1-week increase of +1.75%.
Looking at the bigger picture, Mercia Asset Management's stock price has actually increased by +5.58% in the current month, which is a promising sign. However, it's worth noting that the company's stock price has dropped by -1.13% in the past month.
Over the past three months, Mercia Asset Management's stock price has decreased by -9.74%, which is a concerning trend. But if we look at the past six months, the company's stock price has dropped by a significant -19.60%.
Here's a breakdown of Mercia Asset Management's performance over time:
In terms of valuation, Mercia Asset Management's capitalization has fluctuated between £121M and £23.16B over the past year. The company's enterprise value has also varied between £86.49M and £16.58B.
Specific Acquisitions
Mercia Asset Management has made several significant acquisitions over the years. Their latest acquisition was Underwater Diving Services on October 27, 2023, for a valuation of $XXM.
Mercia Asset Management has a history of strategic acquisitions, with a total of 5 deals completed. The company's acquisition of Underwater Diving Services was a management buyout.
Here are the details of Mercia Asset Management's acquisitions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the CEO of Mercia?
The CEO of Mercia is Dr Mark Payton. He leads the company's strategic direction and growth initiatives.
Sources
- https://www.cbinsights.com/investor/mercia-fund-managers
- https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MERCIA-ASSET-MANAGEMENT-P-19157169/
- https://www.edisongroup.com/equity/mercia-asset-management/
- https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MERCIA-ASSET-MANAGEMENT-P-19157169/company/
- https://moneyweek.com/investments/uk-economy/labour-mercia-asset-management
- https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/AN_1719917832319977300/mercia-asset-posts-higher-assets-but-turns-to-loss-amid-high-inflation.aspx
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