QuickFee Sells US Pay Now Business to Aiwyn for A$40m, Withdraws FY26 Earnings Guidance

QuickFee (ASX: QFE) has completed the sale of its United States Pay Now division for US$26.35 million (A$40m) to Aiwyn, a KKR and Bessemer Ventures-backed US technology company focused on accounting-related payments and practice management solutions.

Priced at a multiple of 5 times FY25 revenue of US$5.3m, the divestment covers QuickFee’s US ACH, card and Connect operations and most US-based QuickFee staff will transfer to Aiwyn, while QuickFee will retain its US finance loan book and continue to operate its lending business independently.

Following the transaction, QuickFee has withdrawn its previously issued FY26 earnings guidance, citing uncertainty over tax impacts, transaction costs and its post-sale liquidity position, although it said the overall outlook for its lending business remains positive.

Sale Details and Strategic Rationale

The sale to Aiwyn delivered QuickFee US$26.35m in proceeds, with around US$1.32m held in escrow for 12 months to cover customary post-transaction obligations.

QuickFee said the divestment allows it to sharpen its focus on core financing activities, while providing Aiwyn’s accounting firm clients with integrated payment and practice management offerings.

Aiwyn will also embed QuickFee’s finance product within its own platform, creating a new distribution channel in the US market.

QuickFee is considering its options for deploying the proceeds, including a potential capital return, dividends, debt reduction or funding for working capital.

Retention of Finance Business

Despite the sale, QuickFee will continue to operate its US finance business, which had a loan book of US$7.5m as at 30 June 2025.

An operations team will remain in the US to support growth in this division, which management sees as having significant upside through the new Aiwyn partnership.

The company also reported that its Australian lending business continues to perform strongly.

Supported by both markets, management expects overall group lending activities in FY26 to exceed those of FY25.

Strong Shareholder Outcome

QuickFee chair Dale Smorgon said the transaction was a strong outcome for shareholders and staff.

“We are delighted to deliver a great outcome for QuickFee shareholders and staff through the sale of our payments business to Aiwyn – a well backed, highly reputable industry leader,” he said.

He added that the deal validates QuickFee’s investment in accounts receivable automation and payment solutions for professional firms.

“Both parties are committed to an ongoing meaningful, strategic partnership and QuickFee will benefit from a significant new growth channel for our US Finance product.”

Mr Smorgon also emphasised that customers and employees moving to Aiwyn would join “an organisation that values their relationships and experience,” while QuickFee retains a strengthened balance sheet and sees continuing growth in its core lending activities.

Positive Earnings Outlook

QuickFee reiterated its positive view on future performance but cautioned that US finance transaction volumes in the September 2025 quarter would be lower than the prior corresponding period.

Management said liquidity benefits from the sale, reduced product development spend and a singular focus on lending would support results in FY26.

The company has withdrawn its specific EBITDA guidance for FY26 until it can confirm the final impact of the sale on tax liabilities and liquidity.

It expects to provide further clarity in the lead-up to its annual general meeting later this year.