Upbound Group Inc Dossier
Qualitative Analysis
Business overview
Upbound Group, Inc. (formerly Rent-A-Center, Inc. until its rebranding in February 2023) is a leading technology and data-driven provider of inclusive, flexible financial and access-to-ownership solutions. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, the company operates through four primary segments: Acima, Rent-A-Center Business, Brigit, and Mexico. Acima offers virtual lease-to-own (LTO) solutions integrated directly into third-party retail websites and physical locations. The Rent-A-Center Business operates traditional brick-and-mortar lease-to-own stores. Brigit, acquired in early 2025, is a digital financial-wellness subscription app. The Mexico segment operates lease-to-own stores in Mexico. Upbound's strategic focus centers on serving non-prime and credit-constrained consumers who may not qualify for traditional retail financing.
Research as of 19 Jun 2026
Strategic Initiatives
Growth programs, investments, and their expected impact
An agreement enabling Amazon customers to pick up orders and drop off label-free, box-free returns at more than 1,700 Rent-A-Center corporate-owned stores in the continental U.S.
Expected impact: Repositions the store base as a multi-service hub, increases foot traffic, drives brand awareness, and lowers customer acquisition costs.
Leveraging the newly acquired Brigit digital financial wellness platform to offer subscription-based tools (Instant Cash, Credit Builder, and Identity Theft Protection) and integrating its AI/ML underwriting models into legacy segments.
Expected impact: Expands direct-to-consumer digital channels, diversifies the financial profile, and enhances risk management across Acima and Rent-A-Center.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships
Recent deals and strategic collaborations
Recent Acquisitions
To accelerate Upbound's strategy of providing technology-driven financial solutions to underserved consumers, adding a profitable subscription-based platform with nearly two million monthly active customers and advanced AI/ML cashflow-based underwriting capabilities.
Financial impact: Contributed $206 million of revenue in 2025 with a 22.4% Adjusted EBITDA margin. Expected to be accretive to Adjusted EBITDA by $70 million to $80 million in 2026.
Strategic Partnerships
High. Repositions Rent-A-Center's physical footprint, driving brand relevance and new customer acquisition by offering convenient pickup and return services to Amazon's massive customer base.
Terms: Specific financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.