TORONTO, Oct 16, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- First Data Corp., a global leader in electronic commerce and payment services, today announced it has launched a new merchant acquiring business called POSNET(TM) to serve merchants of all sizes in Canada.

POSNET offers a complete range of innovative payment processing services, which allow Canadian merchants the ability to accept all forms of payment including credit cards, debit cards and gift cards. In addition, POSNET offers POS solutions; internet and emerging payments; authorization, settlement and reconciliation; chargeback administration; fraud prevention; reporting and equipment management and customer service.

"At POSNET, we have a solid strategy for success by offering a comprehensive suite of products and services that allow our merchant clients to easily and securely accept a wide range of payments," said Wayne Clarke, Senior Vice President, Latin America and Canada, First Data International. "POSNET distinguishes itself by providing enhanced functionality with an expanded point-of-sale product set that includes EMV/chip card acceptance. With Canada moving toward increased EMV/chip card usage, POSNET is prepared to ensure merchants experience a smooth and easy transition."

"POSNET has a deep understanding of the Canadian business processes and regulatory environment, and will build a foundation of trust with its merchants by delivering highly reliable and secure systems," said Peter Harrington, President, Latin America and Canada, First Data International. "With over 30 years of powering billions of transactions around the world, First Data is well positioned to grow POSNET into a market leader across this rapidly expanding payments market."

First Data also has a merchant acquiring business in Argentina and Uruguay named POSNET. It will continue to expand this business across the region and offer the local merchant community a competitive choice for reliable, secure and flexible electronic payment services.

Note to Editors: The EMV term derives from the initials of Europay, MasterCard and Visa and is a common technical security standard, which will make payments more secure and help to reduce card fraud at the point-of-sale (POS).

About First Data

First Data Corp. is a leading provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for businesses worldwide. With operations in 38 countries, First Data serves over 5 million merchant locations, 1,900 card issuers and their customers. It 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; receivables management 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.

FDC-1

SOURCE: First Data Corp. 

First Data Corp.
Julie Holan, +1-321-263-3838 (Canada)
julie.holan@firstdata.com
Cara Taylor, +1-303-967-6367 (United States)
cara.taylor@firstdata.com

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