Crowdcube and Seedrs are the two largest equity crowdfunding platforms in the UK. These types of platforms connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to raise equity investment with investors willing to provide funding in return for a stake in the business.

The proposed deal would have resulted in the combined company having at least a 90% share of the crowdfunding market.

The CMA found that Crowdcube and Seedrs compete closely against each other to win the business of SMEs, with a significant number of businesses viewing equity crowdfunding as their only way to secure financial backing.

It said a deal between the two could result in UK SMEs and investors losing out as a result of higher fees and less innovation.

Kirstin Baker, chair of the CMA inquiry group, said: “Investment in small and growing businesses is vital to the UK economy as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, and we have given this deal careful consideration. These are the two largest equity crowdfunding platforms in the UK, with at least a 90% share of the market between them and we see them competing closely on price and innovation. This means the merger could lead to less choice and higher fees for SMEs and investors.

“We have therefore reached the view that blocking this merger is likely to be the best way to maintain competition. The decision to block any deal is not taken lightly and is only made if there is a real risk of customers losing out.”

The CMA has now launched a consultation on these provisional findings and views are invited by 14 April 2021.

Darren Westlake, CEO and co-founder of Crowdcube, said: “The CMA has now shared its provisional findings and disappointingly raised concerns about competition and concluded that blocking the transaction may be the only way of addressing these concerns.

“We’re obviously disappointed with the CMA’s decision. However, I’d like to reassure you that it’s business as usual at Crowdcube, and we continue to focus on delivering a great experience for businesses and investors alike.

“Crowdcube recorded outstanding levels of growth in the last 12 months and remains in a very strong financial position following record revenue in 2020 and two consecutive quarters of profitability. We continue to invest in our people and products, and we expect to be profitable again in the first half of 2021, with an unprecedented level of high profile European businesses set to fundraise with us in the coming weeks.”

Jeff Kelisky, CEO at Seedrs, said: “We fervently disagree with the CMA’s view, but given the low likelihood that they will change their mind at this point, we have concluded that it does not make sense to continue the battle.

“However, we had prepared for this possibility, and we’re pleased to announce that we have agreed a new funding round for the business. Given the strength of the business’s recent performance, we will be able to use this round to return to our pursuit of major growth initiatives. We will share full details of the round very shortly.”