PARIS, FRANCE: Crédit Agricole S.A., the leading French bank, announced today that it has acquired a 7% minority stake in Worldline S.A., the European leader in the payment and transactional services industry.
The investment is valued at approximately €1.4 billion, based on Worldline’s closing share price on Friday.
The acquisition is part of a strategic partnership that was signed in July 2023, aiming to create a major player in merchant payment services in France. The partnership will leverage Worldline’s expertise and technology to offer innovative and competitive solutions to Crédit Agricole’s customers, both merchants and consumers.
The operation also reflects Crédit Agricole’s support for Worldline’s development and strategy, as a leading European player in the payment market. Crédit Agricole expressed its confidence in Worldline’s solid franchise, leading-edge technologies and recognized innovation capabilities.
The preparatory work for the creation of a joint venture between Crédit Agricole and Worldline is proceeding according to the announced schedule, with an operational launch expected in 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.
Crédit Agricole S.A. intends to remain a long-term minority shareholder of Worldline, fully committed to its partner’s success.
The transaction is expected to have a negligible impact on Crédit Agricole S.A.’s CET1 ratio, which was 12.4% as of December 31, 2023.
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