TORONTO, Jun 06, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- First Data International, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment services, today announced it has extended its agreement with Laurentian Bank of Canada. Under terms of the agreement, First Data will continue to provide payment processing services for the bank's credit card portfolios.
"We are pleased to expand our partnership with Laurentian Bank," said Peter Harrington, President, Latin America and Canada, First Data International. "They have been our client since 2000, and this contract extension is proof of Laurentian's trust in our ability to continually meet their evolving needs."
Laurentian Bank is a Quebec banking institution operating across Canada and drives the third largest branch network in Quebec. The bank has more than 3,200 employees, 158 bank branches, 29 commercial banking centers and 14 brokerage offices, and is dedicated to meeting the financial needs of its clients through the excellence of its service, simplicity and proximity.
"Over the years, Laurentian Bank has developed a very effective working relationship with First Data," said Sylvain Malo, Vice President, Direct Financial Services. "We chose to continue to use First Data's services because of the flexibility of their payment processing solutions. Moreover, their expertise is a very important element to help us grow and continue to be highly competitive in our market."
First Data has provided card processing services in Canada since 2000 and currently processes accounts on behalf of leading card issuers in the region. The company is also a leading merchant acquirer of MasterCard(R) transactions in Canada working with a wide range of merchants.
About First Data International
First Data International, part of First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC), is a leading provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for businesses worldwide. The company serves a diverse range of markets, leveraging global scale through a local presence and maintaining focus on individual client needs. First Data International has approximately 7,900 employees and operates across Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, Canada, Australia and Asia-Pacific.
Serving over 5 million merchant locations, 1,900 card issuers and their customers, First Data powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. The company's portfolio of services and solutions includes merchant transaction processing services; credit, debit, private-label, gift, payroll and other prepaid card offerings; fraud protection and authentication solutions; electronic check acceptance services through TeleCheck; as well as Internet commerce and mobile payment solutions. The company's STAR Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at 2 million ATM and retail locations. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com.
About Laurentian Bank of Canada
Laurentian Bank of Canada is a Quebec banking institution operating across Canada dedicated to meeting the financial needs of its clients through the excellence of its service, its simplicity and its proximity. The Bank serves individual consumers, small and medium-sized businesses as well as, through B2B Trust, independent financial advisors. It also provides full-service brokerage solutions through the Laurentian Bank Securities subsidiary. Laurentian Bank is well established in the Province of Quebec, operating the third largest retail branch network and is a performing vplayer in specific market segments elsewhere in the country. Laurentian Bank of Canada has over $17 billion in balance sheet assets and close to $15 billion in assets under administration. Founded in 1846, the Bank employs more than 3,200 people. Its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: LB). For more information, please visit www.laurentianbank.ca.
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SOURCE: First Data International
First Data International
Julie Holan, +1-321-263-3838
julie.holan@firstdata.com
Copyright Business Wire 2007
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