Unique leading position in the fast-growing Baltic countries,
Significant development perspectives in the Baltics (n°1 in Latvia & Lithuania, n°2 in Estonia) for further electronic payments penetration
Numerous synergy levers with Worldline portfolio
to accelerate both revenue and profitability
Closing expected during Q3 2017
Bezons, July 25, 2017 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announces that its subsidiary Worldline [Euronext: WLN], European leader in the payments and transactional services industry, has entered into a definitive agreement with First Data Corporation (NYSE: FDC) for the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of First Data's fully owned subsidiaries in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia (together "First Data Baltics" or "FDB") for c.€ 73 million, financed by available cash.
Having generated revenue of c. € 23 million in 2016, FDB currently employs c.200 employees and is the leading financial processor in the Baltics, providing to the main Baltic banking groups and also to some banks in the wider Nordic region, a large range of outsourcing services such as:
- Interbank clearing & switching;
- Issuing processing and associated value added services;
- ATM management;
- Merchant services for acquiring banks through acquiring processing, including e-commerce capabilities;
- Lease and maintenance of payment terminals.
FDB presents a strong and resilient financial profile, with an EBITDA margin materially above Worldline's EBITDA.
Gilles Grapinet, Worldline General Manager said: "The acquisition of First Data Baltics is a significant development for our Group to accelerate the execution of our Pan-European consolidation strategy in Financial Processing services. In one transaction, we gain a leading position in the fast-developing countries of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, we reinforce our group capabilities in the north of Europe and will establish new relationships with numerous prestigious Baltic and Nordic banks. We are extremely happy to welcome in the Worldline Group circa 200 new colleagues and payment experts, led by Zanda Brivule Jansone,a very talented CEO, and her management team. Together, leveraging FDB proven expertise with the strengths of the portfolio and capabilities of equensWorldline, we are in a unique position to deliver the next generation of payment services for the Baltic banking community, and more widely for the customers of the Nordic region."
Transaction benefits for Worldline and value creation
With this acquisition, Worldline anticipates to accelerate the revenue growth of its Financial Processing division from 2018 onwards, thanks to:
- The combination of FDB local market relations with Worldline's extended financial processing product portfolio, strong market offers for PSD2 and instant payments solutions, as well as issuing processing value added services (3DSecure, payment modulator, Select PIN, etc.)
- The significant enrichment of FDB's existing merchant services portfolio for the local acquiring banks with the much broader Worldline portfolio, particularly merchant mobile wallet, e-commerce PSP services, private label cards, loyalty services and data analytics.
- The significant acceleration of Worldline's own expansion in the Nordics, through the leverage of FDB recent and successful penetration in the region beyond the Baltics, as well as through its cost-competitive platform.
Strong value creation is expected thanks to a comprehensive synergy plan, leveraging Worldline's platforms and FDB's local skills and competencies.
Timing of the transaction
The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2017.
Worldline Contacts
Worldline Investors Contact
David Pierre-Kahn
Email: David.pierre-kahn@worldline.com (mailto:David.pierre-kahn@worldline.com)
Worldline Press Contact
Sandrine van der Ghinst
Email: sandrine.vanderghinst@worldline.com (mailto:sandrine.vanderghinst@worldline.com)
About Atos
Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with approximately 100,000 employees in 72 countries and annual revenue of around € 12 billion. The European number one in Big Data, Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing and Digital Workplace, The Group provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across various business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Energy & Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications and Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index.
AboutWorldline
Worldline [Euronext: WLN] is the European leader in the payments and transactional services industry. Worldline delivers new-generation services, enabling its customers to offer smooth and innovative solutions to the end consumer. Key actor for B2B2C industries, with over 40 years of experience, Worldline supports and contributes to the success of all businesses and administrative services in a perpetually evolving market. Worldline offers a unique and flexible business model built around a global and growing portfolio, thus enabling end-to-end support. Worldline activities are organized around three axes: Merchant Services, Mobility & e-Transactional Services, Financial Services including equensWorldline. Worldline employs more than 8,700 people worldwide, with estimated pro forma revenue of more than € 1.5 billion on a yearly basis. Worldline is an Atos company. worldline.com
AboutFirst Data Corporation
First Data (NYSE: FDC) is a global leader in commerce-enabling technology and solutions, serving approximately six million business locations and 4,000 financial institutions in more than 100 countries around the world. The company's 24,000 owner-associates are dedicated to helping companies, from start-ups to the world's largest corporations, conduct commerce every day by securing and processing more than 2,800 transactions per second and $2.2 trillion per year.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: ATOS via Globenewswire
