Beka Finance has taken a key step in its growth strategy by entering the Portuguese market, driven by a recent capital increase that brought in new partners. This move not only strengthens its ambition to become a leading player in alternative financing for SMEs and M&A transactions but also marks the beginning of its international expansion.
Following the capital increase, Beka Finance’s ownership structure now consists of GVC Gaesco (45%), Antracita (30%), and the management team (25%). Antracita is a vehicle 66% owned by shareholders linked to Gala Capital and 33% by Portuguese banker Paulo Santa Marta. The firm now holds two seats on Beka’s board: Santa Marta himself and Carlos Tejera, chairman of Gala Capital.
Santa Marta’s extensive financial sector experience — including roles at Finantia, Caja Madrid, and Bankia — is seen as a strategic asset to facilitate market entry in Portugal. “Portugal is a high-potential, low-competition market that’s difficult to penetrate without a local presence,” said Carlos Stilianopoulos, CEO of Beka Finance.
The firm has already completed two transactions in Portugal and is currently working on four more, aiming to increase its average number of deals from eight to ten annually to around twelve.
In the medium term, Beka Finance plans to open an office in Lisbon, solidifying its direct presence in the country. “Portugal was neglected after the financial crisis. As was the case in Spain, now is the time to capitalize on its reopening to investment,” added Stilianopoulos.
In addition to geographic expansion, the company plans to strengthen its team with up to five new hires, focusing on enhancing its M&A advisory capabilities and boosting its role in the international distribution of debt deals.
