Ant Financial in talks to buy WorldFirst

Alibaba's financial service brand Ant Financial is in advanced talks to buy UK currency transfer service WorldFirst, according to reports by Sky News.

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Ant Financial in talks to buy WorldFirst

Editorial

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The takeover deal is worth about $700m and is the result of several months of discussions between the two companies, says the report.

Founded by former Citi bankers Jonathan Quin and Nick Robinson in 2004, WorldFirst employs about 600 people worldwide. The company currently processes over $15 billion a year, with full licensing and a global presence through 8 regional offices.

The deal is seen as enabling Ant Financial to further its ambitions for the global roll out of mobile payments service Alipay.

It follows the Chinese behemoth's failed bid to buy US money transfer business MoneyGram last year.

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Comments: (2)

David Gyori

David Gyori CEO at BANKING REPORTS, LONDON

Why does Alibaba desperately want to have a western remittance leg? What is the STRATEGIC objective here?

Duane Tough

Duane Tough pres at PBATM

Think Settlement-- all those merchants and consumers that need to have their funds settled, the pure play on 'remittance' is not the goal. Compliance and speed to market is....

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