First Data International to Acquire Check Forte in Brazil

First Data International, a global leader in electronic transactions and payment services, and Check Forte Processamento de Dados Ltda., a payment transaction processing company, announced today that they have signed an agreement for the acquisition of Check Forte by First Data. The acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant authorities and is expected to close in the third quarter of this year.

First Data International is a unit of leading electronic payments provider First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC).

Founded in 1997, Check Forte provides data capture, switching and POS terminal management as well as network processing services to banks for bill payment transactions initiated at off-premises merchant locations. It also provides check verification services directly to merchants.

"The acquisition of Check Forte is a continuation of our strategy to grow our business in Brazil. Check Forte will allow us to further expand our existing presence in Brazil and provide a robust product and service offering to our clients in the country," said Peter Harrington, President, Latin America and Canada, First Data International. "We remain committed to leveraging the tremendous growth opportunities in Brazil’s electronic payments industry."

"We are glad that First Data has selected Check Forte as a local partner in Brazil. First Data has a strong reputation for delivering value to its clients through its global reach, scope of solutions and focus on service excellence," said Joao Argon, CEO, Check Forte. "We look forward to working closely with First Data to ensure a successful transaction."

"The combination of our global payments expertise with local market presence and knowledge differentiates First Data from its competitors. It has allowed us to expand our electronic payment processing capabilities across this fast growing region and has enabled our clients to experience the benefits of partnering with a global leader," said Pam Patsley, President, First Data International.

Since 2002, First Data’s office in Sao Paulo, Brazil has provided local support to banks, retailers and financial institutions using the VisionPLUS transaction processing solution. In addition to Brazil, First Data has an extensive reach across the region with offices in Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Miami, Panama, Puerto Rico and Uruguay.