ATLANTA & PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Data Corporation and Oberthur Technologies today announced a strategic partnership to manage and promote EMV1 in the United States. First Data is a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing. Oberthur Technologies is one of the world’s largest providers of security and identification solutions and services based on smart card technologies.
The partnership will leverage Oberthur Technologies' expertise, smart cards, and Common Personalization System (CPS), along with both companies' card personalization capabilities, to deliver a robust, secure and comprehensive EMV solution. As part of the partnership, Oberthur Technologies has also become First Data’s preferred provider of EMV smart cards.
“With this agreement, First Data extends its market leadership with an outstanding solution that provides card issuers with flexibility, security and control,” said Frank Bisignano, CEO, First Data. “Oberthur Technologies’ industry-leading EMV technology and chips further strengthen our offering. The partnership reflects First Data’s determination to lead the industry in preparing for the U.S. EMV migration and provide its customers a world-class solution.”
“This agreement solidifies our leadership position in the U.S. EMV market,” said Didier Lamouche, CEO, Oberthur Technologies. “First Data’s presence and relationships in the U.S. market make them a great partner for Oberthur Technologies to bring EMV solutions to U.S. card issuers. Furthermore, the selection of our technology by the leading card processor in a partnership of such scale is further proof of how Oberthur Technologies is transforming itself to accelerate its development and capture new market opportunities.”
First Data has supported EMV for more than a decade. Globally, the company has been an approved EMV transaction processor since 1999. First Data has also successfully personalized and fulfilled a number of U.S. issuers’ EMV chip card portfolios since the move to EMV in the U.S. began. The company also recently announced that it has completed MasterCard testing requirements to process Maestro EMV ATM transactions.
Oberthur Technologies has continuously invested for more than 10 years in the U.S., where it has two personalization centers and a manufacturing site, in preparation for the EMV migration. This effort has accelerated in 2013 with significant investments in manufacturing and personalization resources.
Oberthur Technologies currently provides First Data with full outsourcing of personalization services in the U.K.
About Oberthur Technologies
Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure technologies: systems development, solutions and services for smart cards (payment cards, SIM cards, access cards, NFC…) and for secure identity documents, traditional and electronic (identity card, passport, health care card). Created in 1984, Oberthur Technologies employs over 6 000 employees. With 50 sales offices across 5 continents, Oberthur Technologies’ international network serves clients in 140 countries.
For more information: www.oberthur.com.
About First Data
Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive client revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction. More information about the company is available on FirstData.com as well as on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
1 EMV™ is a trademark owned by EMVCo LLC
