Introduction
Albemarle & Bond Holdings plc comprises a portfolio of the UK’s leading pawnbroking, financial services and jewellery brands. Founded in Bristol in 1983 with a single shop, the company is now based in Reading and was admitted to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in 1995 (TICKER: ‘ABM’). EZCorp, the second largest pawnbroker in the US and the company’s largest shareholder has been a supportive long term investor since 1998. In 2007 the Group grew with the purchase of Herbert Brown who were established in Leeds in 1840.
The Group has grown to be one of the largest operators in the country with over 200 stores and 1,000 employees. Operating under the two well known brands, Albemarle Bond and Herbert Brown, we provide our customers with a wide range of services including jewellery retailing, pawnbroking loans, gold purchasing and a range of unsecured loan products.
The business has grown substantially both organically and through acquisition and currently we are expanding at the rate of circa 25 new stores per year. Reflecting the increased demand for the services we provide, particularly as high street banks have reduced lending levels and it has therefore become harder for individuals and small businesses to access loans. As a consequence more customers are experiencing the ease and simplicity of accessing short term, flexible loans via our stores.
Each of our stores is open, light and friendly and run by welcoming and professional staff. We offer a valuable and trusted service to local communities, and are reliant on repeated custom.