Datatrans

Transaction Summary

London – Paris – Zurich, 11th November 2021 – The shareholders of Datatrans AG (“Datatrans” or “the Company”) sold their 100% stake in the Company to Advent International (“Advent”) and Eurazeo, who will now co-control the Company as part of their co-operation and co-investment in Planet, a leading provider of integrated payments

Datatrans is a highly innovative, digital payment solutions provider for more than 5,000 online merchants, including sophisticated multi-national firms. With more than 20 years’ experience across a wide range of industry sectors, Datatrans has become a trusted partner for online businesses, providing them with a single payment gateway for secure payment processing and fraud prevention

The Company also helps online businesses secure Payment Card Industry compliance more easily by using PCI Proxy, an innovative modern platform which converts sensitive card data into a token before it reaches an online merchant’s system

Datatrans has built a strong reputation for giving its customers access to the most profitable payment methods and allowing them to fully exploit their sales potential. By offering configurable, rather than off-the-shelf solutions, it can adapt to the individual needs of online merchants. Combining the Datatrans online and digital capabilities with the in-person, global payment processing of Planet, creates an innovative new “one stop shop” that will deliver Merchants’ payments needs through a single payment partner

The new investment will support the Company’s position as the market leader in secure online payments and enable Datatrans to expand into new European markets and deliver new innovative uses for its PCI Proxy platform across Retail, Gaming and Digital services throughout North America and Europe

Overview of Datatrans

With 5,000 customers and 125 million transactions, Datatrans is today one of the leading payment service providers. Our specialty: custom-fit payment solutions for web and native apps, free choice of financial partners and innovative technologies. Using the Datatrans Payment Gateway, our customers can switch to the most profitable payment methods and service providers at any time and easily adapt their payment processes to their needs. For easy and fast PCI compliance, our division PCI Proxy provides top-tier, international customers with cutting-edge tokenisation technology and secure data vaults in Switzerland.

Overview of Planet

Planet is a revenue generating payments service and technology provider. Planet provides integrated digital payment services on a unique single platform that offers acquiring, processing, digital wallets, VAT refund and currency conversion services. Planet helps businesses meet their customers’ needs by simplifying payments, helping people spend freely. Planet serves 600,000 Merchants and 100 partner banks across more than 70 markets on five continents. Planet is co-owned by Advent International and Eurazeo.

Overview of Advent International

Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 380 private equity investments across 42 countries, and as of June 30, 2021, had €68 billion in assets under management. With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 245 private equity investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. After 35 years dedicated to international investing, Advent remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies.

Overview of Eurazeo

Eurazeo is a leading global investment group, with a diversified portfolio of €27.0 billion in Assets Under Management, including €19.2 billion from third parties, invested in over 450 companies. With its considerable private equity, real estate and private debt expertise, Eurazeo accompanies companies of all sizes, supporting their development through the commitment of its 350 professionals and by offering deep sector expertise, a gateway to global markets, and a responsible and stable foothold for transformational growth. Its solid institutional and family shareholder base, robust financial structure free of structural debt, and flexible investment horizon enable Eurazeo to support its companies over the long term. Eurazeo has offices in Paris, New York, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, London, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Berlin, Milan and Madrid. Eurazeo is listed on Euronext Paris.

Corestar Partners’ Role

Corestar Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Datatrans. It designed and executed a bespoke and highly competitive process to ensure the best possible outcome for Datatrans’ founders, shareholders and the entire team.

This transaction underlines Corestar Partners’ #1 position as Europe’s undisputed M&A advisory market leader in the payment service sector and furthermore highlights Corestar Partners’ leading position in European Fintech M&A.

The sale of Datatrans represent Corestar Partners’ 34th transaction in the European Fintech sector. The long list includes advisory mandates to Clearhaus, QuickPay, 3DSecure, Paysafe Group, Tillhub, Borgun, Sipay, Heidelpay, Vibbek, mPAY24, PCS, Simplepay, HiPay, Concardis, Sofort, and Klarna, among others.