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

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 CEO 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.

About Worldline

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

About First 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.