Herbert Smith Freehills advises Worldline on the closing of the acquisition of Eurobank Merchant Acquiring activities

International leading law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has advised Worldline, European leader in the payments and transactional services industry, on the closing of the acquisition of Eurobank Merchant Acquiring activities (EBMA).

This acquisition represents an opportunity for Worldline to strongly expand its Merchant Services activities in this dynamic Southern European market, still driven by the shift from cash to card with a significant electronic payments adoption rate and online and e-commerce development. In parallel, the exposure to the Greek economy fueled by the travel & hospitality industry offers added growth opportunities.

As part of the transaction, Worldline enters a long-term commercial partnership with Eurobank aiming to leverage its strong banking network as a key commercial channel in order to distribute Worldline’s and EBMA best-in-class payment product and services to physical and online merchants.

Herbert Smith Freehills has advised Worldline with a team in Paris composed of partner Christopher Theris and associate Merwan Becharef on corporate aspects, as well as partner Rebecca Major and associate Jeremy Griffin on English law aspects.

Worldline was also advised internally by Charles-Henri de Taffin, Group General Counsel, Benjamin Thorez, M&A and Governance General Counsel, Doris Cayon, M&A legal counsel, and Chiel Deschilder, Head of Strategic Projects.