Intro — who this is for

Your presses and finishing lines are often the largest physical assets on your balance sheet, but that value is illiquid. Asset refinancing lets printing companies convert equipment value into working capital without (necessarily) replacing kit. This page explains practical options for commercial printers and trade houses, shows the steps involved and highlights what finance providers will check. UK Business Loans does not lend directly — we connect you with specialist lenders and brokers so you can compare real offers. If you want a quick eligibility check, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

What is asset refinancing for printers?

Asset refinancing means replacing or restructuring existing finance secured on equipment, or converting ownership into another funding arrangement so equity is released. For printers this covers:

• Web and sheetfed presses
• Bindery, folders, stitching and finishing machines
• Plate setters, RIP servers and ancillary production kit

Two common approaches are refinancing (taking a new loan against the equipment to pay an old loan and release cash) and sale & leaseback (selling the asset to a funder and leasing it back to keep using it). The structure you choose depends on age, condition, tax treatment and cash needs.

Why printers refinance machinery (use cases & benefits)

Printers refinance equipment to:

• Free cash tied up in machinery for working capital or to take on bigger contracts.
• Upgrade to digital or higher‑speed presses without large upfront capital.
• Smooth seasonal fluctuations — better than overdrafts for predictable costs.
• Consolidate expensive short‑term debt into longer, lower payments.

Example scenarios: you win a multi‑stage contract that needs extra consumables and staffing; or you want to replace an ageing litho press with a more versatile digital press and need immediate capital while keeping production running.

Common refinance options for printing machinery

Sale & leaseback

How it works: you sell the machine to a specialist funder and lease it back under agreed terms. You get a lump sum equal to a percentage of the asset market value and continue to use the equipment.

Pros: immediate large cash inflow, minimal disruption to operations, often quick to complete. Cons: ongoing lease cost (lifetime cost often higher), lease terms may include repossession clauses and indexation. Best for high‑value presses in good working order.

Asset refinance loan (secured refinance)

How it works: a lender advances funds secured on the equipment (or a portfolio of assets) and uses proceeds to pay out existing finance, releasing any remaining equity to you.

Pros: can consolidate debt, potentially reduce monthly payments; you may retain ownership. Cons: LTV (loan-to-value) is strongly affected by asset age and condition — older presses attract lower LTVs.

Chattel mortgage / hire purchase restructure

How it works: you reorganise finance under different contractual terms (for example switching from a high‑rate hire purchase to a chattel mortgage or vice versa). This is effectively refinancing but keeps the asset as security.

When used: when ownership timing or tax treatment matters. It may deliver tax or cash flow advantages depending on your accounts.

Asset‑backed lending and blended facilities

How it works: lenders combine asset finance with other facilities — invoice finance, stock or debtor funding — to create a blended package that addresses multiple liquidity needs.

Good for: printers with significant invoiced work or stock of paper and substrates who need both working capital and equipment funding in one package.

How the process works — step by step

1. Preparation: compile an asset register (make/model/serial), photos, purchase invoices, service records and any current finance agreements. Note the outstanding balances.
2. Valuation: funders perform a valuation — independent or in‑house — comparing market value and operational condition. Market value and age are key; many funders reduce LTV for equipment over certain age thresholds.
3. Receive offers: lenders and brokers will propose terms detailing LTV, rates (fixed/variable), fees, term length and covenants. Indicative LTVs for printing equipment commonly range from 20%–60% depending on age and demand; this is indicative only.
4. Due diligence & documentation: legal checks, proof of ownership, searches and provider paperwork. For sale & leaseback expect lease schedules and warranties on condition.
5. Completion & funds release: funds are released once documents are signed. Timelines vary — an initial enquiry can generate offers within hours; completion typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on complexity.
6. Aftercare: maintain service logs, inform insurers of change in finance, and monitor covenants. Exchanges with your accountant will ensure correct accounting treatment.

Want a quick check on possible offers? Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Eligibility — what lenders and brokers look for (printers specific)

Lenders will assess:

• Business trading history and recent management accounts (profitability and cashflow).
• Ownership and clear title to the equipment.
• Condition, service history and age of machines — well maintained presses score higher.
• Usage evidence (production volumes, contracts or purchase orders) showing machines are revenue‑generating.
• Existing finance arrangements and any outstanding liens.

Tip: highlight long service contracts, maintenance agreements and ongoing customer contracts — these reduce perceived risk and may improve terms.

Costs, tax & accounting impacts (high‑level)

Expected costs may include arrangement fees, valuation fees, legal fees and potential early repayment charges on existing finance. Sale & leaseback changes your balance sheet presentation compared with a secured loan — it may move assets off balance sheet in some structures but always check with your accountant.

Tax treatment varies by structure: hire purchase and chattel mortgage often allow capital allowances, lease rentals may be treated as operating expenses — discuss specifics with your accountant. This is general information and not tax advice.

Risks — pros & cons

Pros

• Immediate access to cash without pausing production.
• Ability to invest in growth, replace consumables or take large jobs.
• Possible consolidation of higher‑cost debt into manageable terms.

Cons / Risks

• Higher lifetime cost for sale & leaseback compared with outright ownership.
• Loss of some control or additional covenants (e.g. maintenance obligations, insurance requirements).
• Lower LTV for older kit means less equity released.

Mitigation: obtain independent valuations, read lease terms for indexation clauses and ensure insurance and maintenance records are up to date.

Practical checklist — documents & prep for printers

• Asset register: make, model, serial number, year of purchase.
• Photos of equipment in operation.
• Purchase invoices or proof of ownership.
• Service and maintenance logs, warranty or service contracts.
• Current finance agreements and balances.
• Latest management accounts and VAT records.
• Copies of major supply or customer contracts if relevant.

Ready to get matched to lenders who understand printing equipment? Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check (two‑minute form).

How UK Business Loans helps

We’re a specialist introducer that connects printing businesses with lenders and brokers experienced in equipment and asset finance. You complete a short enquiry and we match your request to providers who understand presses, finishing kit and the printing sector. Matches help you compare likely terms, speeds and suitability so you can choose the best route.

Our service is free and no obligation. Typical turnaround for initial responses is quick — often within hours during business days. For a focused overview of finance available to printers, see our printing business loans information on printing business loans.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

FAQs

What is the difference between asset refinancing and sale & leaseback?

Asset refinancing usually means replacing or restructuring existing finance secured against the equipment. Sale & leaseback is selling the machine to a funder and leasing it back — you get cash immediately but pay rent to continue using the asset.

How much equity can I release from a printing press?

Amounts vary by age and condition. Indicative LTVs for printing equipment often range from 20%–60% of market value; older machines sit at the lower end. Exact amounts depend on valuation and lender appetite.

Will refinancing affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry with UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may run credit checks later in the process if you progress with an application.

How long does asset refinancing take?

Initial matching and indicative offers can arrive within hours. Completion timing ranges from a few days (simple re‑structures) to 2–4 weeks for sale & leaseback or complex blended facilities.

Can I refinance older presses?

Yes, but older equipment typically attracts lower LTVs and some lenders limit financing to machines under a certain age. Other options (e.g. part portfolio refinance or blending with invoice finance) can improve outcomes.

Do I lose ownership in a sale & leaseback?

Yes — you sell the asset, so legal ownership transfers to the funder. You retain use under the lease but consider the long‑term cost and clauses carefully.

Want to check eligibility? Get a free quote.

Next steps

If you want to know how much equity you could release and which structure suits your printing business, complete our short enquiry. It’s free, fast and puts you in contact with specialist lenders and brokers who can provide firm offers. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Legal & compliance note: UK Business Loans is an introducer and not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is free and will not affect your credit score. This page is general information only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice — please consult a qualified adviser for specific guidance.