ANYTIME Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Orange Bank's acquisition of Anytime marks a significant step in the banking industry, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By integrating Anytime's established neobank services, Orange Bank aims to enhance its offerings for independent professionals and small businesses, leveraging the strength of the Orange brand to scale operations and expand its market reach.

What Is ANYTIME?

Founded in 2013, Anytime is a digital banking and financial services provider catering to startups, independent professionals, associations, and medico-social establishments. Its core products include professional accounts, Mastercard business cards, expense management tools, automated accounting services, and capital deposit assistance. Anytime differentiates itself with customized financial solutions, transparent pricing, and a comprehensive service platform that emphasizes security and efficiency, while also offering personalized advice and support.

Who Acquired ANYTIME?

Orange Bank was a digital banking service provider in France, offering a range of financial products including online banking accounts, savings accounts, and personal loans. As part of the larger Orange Group, a major player in the telecommunications industry, Orange Bank leveraged its parent company's extensive resources and market presence. Despite its potential influence, the bank has exited the online banking market in France, reflecting a strategic shift in its approach to financial services.

When Was ANYTIME Acquired?

Orange Bank acquired Anytime on January 6, 2021. This acquisition aligns with Orange Bank's strategy to expand its services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and independent professionals. The timing reflects a broader industry trend where traditional banks are increasingly acquiring fintech companies to enhance their digital capabilities and cater to niche markets. This move also underscores the growing demand for comprehensive digital financial management tools among small businesses.

Why Was ANYTIME Acquired?

• Market Expansion: Orange Bank's acquisition of Anytime is a strategic move to enter the professional and small business market, expanding its customer base beyond retail customers. This acquisition allows Orange Bank to offer enhanced financial management services to SMBs and SOHOs, leveraging Anytime's existing platform and customer base. The services will initially be available online and will gradually be extended to Orange's other channels, including stores and business salesforce, starting in France and eventually rolling out to other European countries.
• Technology Integration: Anytime's digital and mobile-compatible business accounts, payment solutions, and expense management tools will be integrated with Orange Bank's offerings, enhancing the range of solutions available to business customers. This integration aims to create a more comprehensive financial management infrastructure for corporate clients, enabling them to handle tasks such as creating invoices, managing unpaid invoices, and optimizing cash flow.
• Competitive Advantage: The acquisition leverages the strength of the Orange brand to scale Anytime's commercial reach. Anytime's established profitability and market position as one of the top three neobanks for small businesses in France provide a competitive edge. The combined resources and expertise of Orange and Anytime will create a comprehensive financial management platform for business customers, allowing Orange Bank to offer a broader range of business services, including loans, insurance, and expert advice.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: The acquisition terms have not been disclosed.
• Payment Method: The payment method is not specified in the available sources.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • Anytime will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orange Bank.
  • The current management team, including co-founders Damien Dupouy and Thierry Peyre, will continue to lead Anytime.
  • Anytime's services will initially remain available online and will be gradually extended to other Orange channels, including its network of stores and business salesforce.
  • The services will start in France and will be rolled out across Orange Bank’s other European countries.

Impact on ANYTIME

The acquisition of Anytime by Orange Bank has led to significant changes in operations and management. Anytime will continue to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary, with its current management team, including co-founders Damien Dupouy and Thierry Peyre, remaining at the helm. This continuity ensures that the company's strategic direction and operational efficiency are maintained. Orange Bank plans to work closely with Anytime's leadership to accelerate the development of its services, leveraging the extensive resources and market presence of the Orange brand to scale operations and enhance service delivery.

In terms of product offerings, the acquisition has broadened Anytime's range of services. The neobank will now offer a more comprehensive suite of business solutions, including loans, insurance, and expert financial advice, in addition to its existing services like business accounts, payment solutions, and expense management tools. These enhancements are expected to benefit professional customers by providing more robust financial management tools. While specific employee and customer reactions are not detailed, the overall sentiment suggests optimism about the expanded capabilities and resources available to Anytime under Orange Bank's ownership.

For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.