Ascent is a market‑leading provider of litigation, collections and recoveries, enforcement, field services, trace services and loan‑servicing solutions. The firm is widely recognised for delivering high‑quality, ethically led services and maintaining strong regulatory standards across its SRA and FCA‑regulated activities.

Upon completion, Ascent will operate as an independent sister company within the Lantern Group structure. The business will retain its people, strategy, technology, operations, and Manchester headquarters. As part of the transition, Hayley Owen, currently Ascent’s Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of Managing Director.

The acquisition represents a significant step in Lantern Group’s strategy to build a scalable, diversified and specialist suite of credit, recoveries and litigation solutions for UK financial services clients.

The combined strengths of Ascent, Lantern and Sonex will provide clients with enhanced expertise across the credit lifecycle, underpinned by shared commitment to regulatory excellence, customer‑focused outcomes and ethical operations.

Through the addition of Ascent, Lantern Group will broaden its capabilities and create opportunities to expand client offerings across consumer credit, banking, financial services, and other regulated sectors.

Ascent’s operations, client delivery and regulatory permissions will remain unchanged. The business will continue to operate with full independence, supported by its existing leadership team.

Clients and partners of Ascent, Lantern and Sonex will experience no disruption to services, engagement models, or regulatory processes. The acquisition provides an expanded platform for collaboration, innovation and future diversification of capabilities.

Hayley Owen, Incoming Managing Director for Ascent, said;

“Joining the Lantern Group marks an exciting new chapter for Ascent. Their sector‑deep experience, long‑term investment philosophy and track record of supporting specialist financial services companies provide a strong platform for our continued growth. We will maintain our independent identity and unwavering focus on ethical, customer‑first operations, while benefiting from the broader expertise, scale and strategic insight available across the group.”