ATOS

Worldline to acquire the leading payment processor in the Baltics from First Data Corporation

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."