GoPay Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Worldline's acquisition of GoPay marks a significant step in the payments industry. By acquiring a 53% stake in the Czech-based online payment services provider, Worldline aims to bolster its online payment capabilities in Eastern Europe. This strategic move not only strengthens Worldline's market position but also enhances its service offerings to small and medium-sized businesses in the region.

What Is GoPay?

Founded around 2015, GoPay offers a robust payment gateway that supports 55 payment methods, including debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. It provides a localized experience with support for 8 currencies and 19 languages. Unique features include saving card details for quicker transactions, mobile payment optimization, and recurring payments. GoPay also offers flexible settlement options and easy refund functionalities, making it a versatile solution for merchants.

Who Acquired GoPay?

Worldline Global is a leading payment service provider, offering comprehensive solutions to merchants, financial institutions, and various industries. Key products include in-store and online payment solutions, card issuing services, and digital banking solutions. The company processes over 43 billion transactions annually, serving 1.4 million merchants across approximately 170 countries. Recognized as the 4th largest PSP globally, Worldline holds a significant influence in the payment services industry.

When Was GoPay Acquired?

Worldline completed its acquisition of GoPay on September 4, 2020. This acquisition occurred during a period of significant consolidation in the payments industry, driven by the need to enhance online payment capabilities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The timing aligns with Worldline's strategy to expand its market presence in Eastern Europe and strengthen its digital payment services, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses in the region.

Why Was GoPay Acquired?

• Market Expansion: Worldline's acquisition of GoPay allows it to develop its online collecting activity in the fast-growing Eastern European market. This move strengthens Worldline's market position in the Czech Republic and enhances its partnership with Komercni Banka. Additionally, it expands Worldline's presence in Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary, consolidating its footprint in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Technology Integration: GoPay’s high-quality payment collecting engine, tailored to the needs of small businesses, offers an extensive range of local payment methods. This technology integration will help Worldline enhance its digital go-to-market expertise and improve its online collecting capabilities, particularly in the Eastern European market.
• Competitive Advantage: The acquisition of GoPay, with its double-digit revenue growth and solid profitability, is expected to reinforce the financial profile of Worldline’s Merchant Services division. The involvement of GoPay's founder, Pavel Schwarz, in daily operations and product development will also contribute to achieving the ambitious business plan and synergies, providing a competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, the integration of GoPay's 45 payment experts and its established presence in Central Europe will bolster Worldline's merchant services business.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: The acquisition price for GoPay was not publicly disclosed.
• Payment Method: The payment method used for the acquisition was not specified.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • Worldline acquired a 53% majority stake in GoPay.
  • Worldline has the right to acquire the remaining 47% of GoPay's share capital in 2022.
  • The founder and current manager of GoPay, Pavel Schwarz, will continue to be fully involved in the daily operations and product development.
  • The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of the year.
  • 45 employees of GoPay, including its current owner Pavel Schwarz, will join the Worldline team.

Impact on GoPay

The acquisition of GoPay by Worldline has led to significant changes in operations and management. Pavel Schwarz, the founder and current manager of GoPay, continues to be actively involved in daily operations and product development, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in leadership. Additionally, 45 employees from GoPay have joined the Worldline team, integrating their expertise into the larger organization. This move is expected to enhance Worldline's local expertise and strengthen its market position in the Czech Republic and surrounding regions.

In terms of product offerings and services, the acquisition has allowed Worldline to integrate GoPay's high-quality payment collecting engine, which caters to small businesses and offers a wide range of local payment methods. This integration is expected to enhance Worldline's online collecting capabilities, particularly in the fast-growing Eastern European market. Customers are anticipated to benefit from improved products and services, as indicated by positive statements from GoPay's leadership. For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly and efficiently.