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Global Payments buys payments gateway Realex

The deal will help Global Payments leverage its multinational footprint and accelerate growth in Europe, CEO says.

March 25, 2015

Global Payments Inc., an Atlanta, Georgia-based payment processor and technology services provider, has acquired Dublin, Ireland-based Realex Payments. According to a press release, Realex is one of Europe's largest and fastest-growing e-commerce payment gateways, processing more than 28 billion euros ($30.7 billion) annually on behalf of 12,500 clients.

Realex Payments founder and CEO, Colm Lyon remarked on the sale:

For Realex Payments' existing 12,500 merchants, this deal means they can avail of Global Payments unmatched international presence, entering new markets and driving their global e-commerce business like never before. And for Realex Payments' staff, the diversity of opportunity that comes with the deal is enormous. Global Payments conducts business in 28 countries with 4,200 employees across the globe.

Lastly, this is another great news story for Ireland. Going forward, the company will be at the heart of e-commerce for a Fortune 1000 company that services over 1.5 million merchants.

In a statement, Global Payments CEO Jeff Sloan explained how the acquisition serves the company's objectives for growth:

Realex Payments represents a strategic investment to expand our international omnichannel technology offerings, enhancing our go-to-market strategy in one of our largest regions with industry leading value-added products and services. We are excited to further invest in our European businesses, continue to leverage our multinational footprint and accelerate our growth opportunities at a favorable time in Europe.

The transaction is valued at 115 million euros ($126 million).