- MessageBird’s Acquisition Interest:
- Dutch cloud communication platform MessageBird expresses interest in acquiring licensed payment service providers.
- CEO Robert Vis announces the company’s focus on EMI/PI license holders for its next acquisition.
- Acquisition Criteria:
- MessageBird aims to acquire companies with revenues of up to $5 million.
- Specifically targeting entities with an electronic money institution (EMI) or payment institution (PI) license.
- Platform Overview:
- Founded in 2011 and based in Amsterdam, MessageBird facilitates enterprise communication through API-driven omnichannel solutions.
- Services cover popular communication channels such as WhatsApp, SMS, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat.
- Financial Services Exploration:
- MessageBird, known for communication enhancements, seeks to define its role in the financial services industry.
- Acquisition of EMI or PI license holders may pave the way for entry into payment services like digital wallets and prepaid cards.
- Acquisition Strategy Shift:
- While past acquisitions focused on communication capabilities, the interest in financial services suggests a strategic shift.
- CEO Vis indicates the move as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for target companies.
- Enquiries and Focus:
- Following the announcement, CEO Vis claims to have received inquiries from around 30 companies.
- MessageBird emphasizes interest in acquiring teams, licenses, and potential customers, rather than solely focusing on technology.
- Strategic Moves in Industry:
- The comparison drawn to Advent International’s acquisition of UK paytech myPOS in November, indicates a broader trend in the industry.
