Empresas y finanzas

The Western Union Company Completes Acquisition of Servicio Electronico De Pago S.A. (SEPSA)



    The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a global leader in money
    transfer services, today announced that it has completed the
    acquisition of Servicio Electronico De Pago S.A. (SEPSA). Under the
    brand name Pago Facil, SEPSA is the largest collector and processor of
    public services cash payments in Argentina.

    Through a network of more than 3,300 payment locations, Pago Facil
    (SEPSA) allows consumers to make cash payments for public services and
    taxes as well as pre-payment for services such as Internet access and
    mobile phone top-up. Western Union purchased Pago Facil (SEPSA) from
    its parent company, Sideco Americana, which in turn was founded by
    Groupo Macri. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    "Western Union has long provided consumers with convenience,
    speed, choice and value for their money transfer and bill payment
    needs," said Christina Gold, President and Chief Executive Officer,
    The Western Union Company. "The addition of Pago Facil extends Western
    Union's bill payment capabilities throughout Argentina, adding a
    well-recognized brand name that stands for trust and value. Western
    Union is proud to welcome Pago Facil (SEPSA) and its employees to the
    Western Union family."

    The acquisition of Pago Facil (SEPSA) by Western Union represents
    the culmination of a strong and lengthy relationship between the two
    companies. Since Pago Facil's founding in 1993, Western Union has been
    a shareholder, holding a 25 percent interest in the company. Although
    Pago Facil now becomes a wholly owned division of Western Union, the
    company will continue to operate under the Pago Facil name and under
    the leadership of its existing management team.

    "Today marks an important step in the future of Pago Facil
    (SEPSA)," said Franco Macri, President, SOCMA Group. "Western Union's
    global presence and experience in both the bill payment and money
    transfer markets will allow Pago Facil (SEPSA) to continue to expand
    its horizons. I know that Western Union is committed to building on
    the existing experience and success of Pago Facil and to expanding its
    presence within Argentina."

    Violy & Company, served as the strategic and financial advisor to
    Western Union for the transaction.

    About Western Union

    The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) is a leader in global money
    transfer services. Together with its affiliates, Orlandi Valuta and
    Vigo, 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 network
    of approximately 285,000 Agent locations in over 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.

    About Sideco Americana

    Sideco is a diversified holding, mainly composed by local capital
    and with regional and international projection, which contributed to
    the development of Argentina and Latin American countries in general.
    Sideco was founded and established in 1951.

    As part of its exemplary track record, the Group has developed
    initiatives related to industrial engineering, civil infrastructure,
    mining exploration, real estate development, energy freight and
    generation, industrial trash processing and environmental care,
    concession of routes and highways, the automobile industry and
    services in general, in various countries of South America, Europe,
    U.S. and most recently China.

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