17.09.2009
Western Union Signs Three Major New Agents in Europe: Largardère Services, Ortel Finance and PayUp
Significant step in the strategy to capitalize on the growth opportunities offered by EU Payment Services Directive
Potential retail expansion at over 15,000 additional locations in Europe
Agreements will strengthen brand, expand distribution network and enhance customer experience
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(Business Wire)--
The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) today announced the intention to sign long-term agreements with Lagardère Services, Ortel Finance (part of the Ortel group of companies which also comprises Ortel Telecom) and PayUp to provide Western Union global money transfer services in France, The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Romania and Poland.
The agreements significantly expand Western Union`s presence in Europe. With over 15,000 retail locations across the continent, these companies bring potentially important retail expansion opportunities to Western Union.
Signing up Lagardère Services, PayUp and Ortel Finance as Agents represents a major milestone in Western Union`s strategy to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the implementation of the EU`s Payment Services Directive ("PSD"). Coming into effect on 1 November 2009, the PSD seeks to increase pan-European competition, innovation and participation in the payments industry by creating a single market for payment services. It also enables retailers and other non-bank organizations to offer a portfolio of worldwide payment services, previously only offered by financial institutions in the EU.
"The strategically important agreements with Lagardère Services, Ortel Finance and PayUp will allow Western Union to take advantage of the excellent growth opportunities presented by EU`s new Payment Services Directive," said Hikmet Ersek, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA-APAC at Western Union. "The agreements will enable Western Union to strengthen its brand, expand its distribution network into retail and enhance further the convenience and premium service we offer to our customers."
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Luis Janeiro, CEO of Payup, said: "We acknowledge that signing this agreement is another great step for PayUp. Western Union is one of the best known companies worldwide and we appreciate that it recognizes the potential of the PayUp network. We are very proud of this partnership and we believe that Western Union customers will have the convenience of more locations and extended opening hours."
About Western Union: The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global money transfer services. Together with its Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded money transfer services, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders. It operates through a combined network of more than 385,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories. Famous for its pioneering telegraph services, the original Western Union dates back to 1851.
For more information, visit www.westernunion.com
02.10.2009
PayUp and paysafecard partner to bring internet payment alternative to Romanian and Polish consumers
PayUp, a multinational brand of convenient electronic services (mobile top-up, bill payments and other prepaid products), launches paysafecard’s internet payment solutions in Romania and Poland.
Starting today, PayUp will promote and make available to its partners in Central and Eastern Europe paysafecard’s services diversifying its portfolio of services in its ongoing quest to bring innovative payment solutions to its customers.
Through this partnership, PayUp and paysafecard aim to respond to a growing market need related to internet payments. It is a safe and easy-to-use alternative prepaid payment method for e-commerce and it is available in more than 20 countries worldwide. This smart payment solution is designed for those who don’t have a credit or debit card or who don’t want to use their credit card for online purchases and other micro payments on the Internet. Users simply authorize a payment by entering a PIN code, similar to the system used with prepaid phone cards. Going to a duly signed PayUp agent you can now ask for paysafecard e-vouchers available in different amounts 25 RON, 50 RON, 100 RON and 300 RON.
In Romania, PayUp will be the first company to make this service available for consumers.
Luís Janeiro, PayUp Group CEO, said “"The partnership with paysafecard was one of the first steps to increase the current portfolio of PayUp, giving extra margin to all of our retailers and contributing to differentiate from direct competitors. We are also delighted to be the first to make accessible to Romanian citizens this new way of payment for internet services, which is already available all over Europe for some time".
Michael Müller, CEO of paysafecard group, adds “We are delighted to enter the Romanian market with a strong partner are and looking forward to making everyone participate in the booming sector of E-Commerce by providing an easy and safe payment method.”
About paysafecard: Over the past nine years, paysafecard have established themselves as Europe’s favourite safe and easy-to-use alternative prepaid payment method for e-commerce. It is available in more than 20 countries worldwide. Thousands of e-businesses are benefiting from new customers by offering this safe and uncomplicated payment solution. paysafecard is available in €10, €25, €50 and €100 e-vouchers at more than 230,000 outlets across Europe and South America. In March 2009 the group was awarded ‘Best Prepaid Company outside the USA’ by the global prepaid industry publication Paybefore.
For more information, please visit www.paysafecard.com