Pepper Group, which operates as a residential mortgage and consumer lender, acquired Optimum Credit, which offers a range of variable, fixed and discounted second charge mortgages to homeowners in England, Wales and Scotland, from Patron Capital, a private equity firm. Laurence Morey, Chief Executive Officer of Pepper Money, commented: “Earlier this month, we announced that Pepper Money was starting the journey of seeking a banking licence and that we would be considering targeted acquisitions to complement our organic growth plans for the business. We are delighted to have been able to agree the purchase of Optimum Credit, subject to receipt of regulatory approval.