Worldline and Cassa Centrale Group Forge Partnership in Italian Payment Market

Cassa Centrale Group (CCG) has announced exclusive negotiations with Worldline, a leading payment solutions provider, to establish a long-term partnership. The collaboration aims to revolutionize services along the value chain of digital payment acceptance and international acquiring for the 66 Group's Bank Affiliates, boasting 1,480 branches across Italy.

At the heart of the partnership lies CCG's ambitious project to enhance its service offerings by leveraging Worldline's expertise in the provision and management of Point of Sale (POS) terminals. This initiative encompasses exclusive acquiring for international circuits, catering to over 90,000 POS terminals and facilitating transactions exceeding €9 billion in volume in 2023 alone.

The deal marks a milestone for both parties, with Worldline poised to bolster its presence in the Italian market. By nearly doubling the number of merchants and POS terminals under its umbrella, Worldline aims to solidify its foothold in Italy's thriving payment ecosystem.

Moreover, the partnership promises mutual benefits, including advancements in innovation and product evolution. Customers within the Group's Banks network stand to gain from enhanced solutions, paving the way for an elevated customer experience.

Stefano Calderano, CEO of Worldline Merchant Services Italy, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are particularly pleased and honoured to have been selected by a major group like Cassa Centrale. This partnership allows us to combine our international experience with our Italian know-how and attention to the territory."

However, Worldline's journey to this lucrative partnership hasn't been without its challenges. Last month, the company faced setbacks, reporting a net loss primarily attributed to a €1.15 billion impairment in merchant services. In response, a rigorous cost-cutting program was initiated, resulting in the loss of 1,400 jobs.