Post Office looking to buy Payzone’s bill payments business

The Post Office has announced its intention to acquire Payzone’s bill payments transaction business.

In a statement sent to Post&Parcel today (27 June), the Post Office said: “Bill payments are a core part of the Post Office’s retail offer; they provide a valuable over-the-counter service to customers, generating footfall across its 11,500 branches. The move means Post Office will acquire an additional network of around 13,000 payment outlets, along with their bill payment technology.

“With over 500 million bill payment transactions across the UK last year, it is a market which presents a strong growth opportunity for both the Post Office and Payzone networks. This acquisition will allow the Post Office to be a more attractive partner to a wide range of organisations, providing even greater convenience to their customers, who will be able to access a total of nearly 25,000 bill payment points across the UK.”

Post Office argued that the deal would be “great news” for all concerned: more convenience and access for customers; more footfall for Post Office branches and Payzone retailers; and more revenue for the Post Office itself.

The acquisition is subject to approval by the Competition and Markets Authority and is expected to be completed during 2018.

Debbie Smith, Post Office Retail Chief Executive, commented: “This is an exciting move for the Post Office. Bill payments has always been a core part of our business, allowing customers to pay a wide range of bills, including phone, gas and electricity in their local Post Office. We operate in fast-paced, commercial markets and this acquisition will give us the opportunity and improved ability to compete for more, and bigger, bill payments contracts.

“Over 500 million bill payment transactions are undertaken across the UK each year. We intend to grow our business and drive footfall to both Post Office branches and Payzone outlets by offering current and potential clients a network of nearly 25,000 outlets where customers can pay their bills.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer even greater convenience to people, especially those customers who rely on over-the-counter services to pay for a wide range of essential services.”

Clive Kahn, CEO of Payzone, added: “Payzone is delighted that the Post Office will be the new owner of our bill payments business. Our Payzone outlets will complement and strengthen the Post Office’s existing branch network meaning customers will have more access to a wider range of over-the-counter bill payment services.

“For our employees this is also good news, as it places the business at the heart of the Post Office’s strategy for reaching further into local communities. I’m certain that the Payzone bill payments network will develop and flourish in the Post Office’s capable hands.”