Source: First Data
First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC), a global leader in electronic commerce and payment services, and International Card Services (ICS), a leading Dutch card issuer and acquirer, have signed an agreement to launch an alliance for merchant and ATM acquiring in the Dutch market.
ICS currently has relationships with over 90,000 merchants in the Netherlands for the acceptance of Visa cards. The joint venture will further develop these relationships and also offer services to new merchants, taking advantage of First Data's proven technological and intellectual expertise in the area of merchant acquiring.
ICS has been operating a card issuing and acquiring business in The Netherlands since 1975. Arthur Smolders, general manager of ICS, commented: "In First Data, ICS has found an experienced, global partner with whom we can grow our acquiring business in The Netherlands. First Data has an attractive service offering and proven competence in merchant acquiring - together we will be able to offer merchants a compelling service and price proposition."
Pam Patsley, president of First Data International, commented: "This alliance is an important element in our strategy to build our acquiring presence across Europe. ICS is a strong partner for our entry into the Dutch market and we look forward to building a dynamic and competitive business with them, delivering real benefits to merchants of all sizes. The alliance also provides us with an important opportunity to create synergies with other First Data businesses in the region."