First Data Acquires Datawire Communication Networks

First Data Corp., a global leader in electronic commerce and payment services, today announced it has acquired the assets of Datawire Communication Networks Inc., a leader in Internet-based transaction delivery. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Datawire Communication Networks Inc. offers the Datawire VXN®, a globally deployed Transaction Delivery Network. The VXN is a fast and secure network built for moving transactions over the Internet, and fully managed by Datawire. The VXN network is designed to globally transport any real-time data, such as financial transactions, with optimum security and reliability.

"The acquisition of Datawire helps First Data further its global lead and commitment to Internet Protocol-based transactions," said Barry McCarthy, president of Product Innovation at First Data Commercial Services. "The Datawire VXN technology is an important and strategic complement to other recently announced proprietary products including the FD-100 terminal and the First Data POS Value Exchange."

Established in 1999, Datawire has proven the benefits of the VXN through successful connectivity to industry-leading payment processors and integration with many point-of-sale applications and devices to provide fast and secure transaction transport. The successful adoption of the Datawire network by the financial transaction processing services industry has led to cost savings, flexibility, increased revenue and increased ease of use for its customers.

"We’re committed to continuing the same great service for our current customers, which are some of the world’s largest payment processors and merchant acquirers," said Patrick Cummiskey, chief executive officer at Datawire Communication Networks. "Additionally, we look forward to supporting the international expansion efforts of First Data by offering Datawire’s solutions to its clients and merchant customers around the globe."