Green Dot and Flywire poised for potential sale amid industry consolidation

Deal News | Mar 13, 2025 | EIN

Green Dot and Flywire poised for potential sale amid industry consolidation

Embedded payments and software payments companies, such as Green Dot and Flywire, have announced strategic reviews, indicating they may be up for sale amidst increasing merger and acquisition activities in the payments sector. These reviews reflect a possible consolidation strategy as market volatility and decreased valuations have pressured these firms. According to reports, vending payments software firm Cantaloupe is also considering a sale. In contrast, major players like Shift4 Payments and American Express are actively acquiring businesses, boosting their geographical footprint and service offerings. The market’s shift is rooted in declining public valuations and a growing need for companies to demonstrate profitable growth. Several executives, including those from Mastercard and Payoneer, have expressed intentions to pursue acquisitions, emphasizing a strategic approach toward expanding capabilities and market presence. Despite challenges, the sector shows a slight uptick in global deals, with an expected continued increase through the year.

Sectors

  • Financial Technology (Fintech)
  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

Geography

  • United States – Several companies mentioned, including Green Dot, Flywire, and American Express, are based in the United States, and the article discusses the U.S. stock market's impact on these companies.
  • Global – The article discusses international acquisitions and expansion, such as Marqeta acquiring a European company, indicating the global nature of these M&A activities in the payments sector.

Industry

  • Financial Technology (Fintech) – The article focuses on the fintech industry, specifically on payments companies and how they are involved in mergers and acquisitions for strategic growth and consolidation.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) – The major theme of the article is the increase in M&A activities within the payments sector, where companies are either exploring potential sales or actively acquiring others.

Financials

  • $330 million – Flywire's acquisition of hospitality payments firm Sertifi.
  • $47 million – Marqeta's acquisition of European electronic payments provider TransactPay.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Green DotPotential SellerCompanyA US-based embedded payments and card company potentially up for sale.
FlywirePotential SellerCompanyA software payments firm indicating the possibility of a sale.
CantaloupePotential SellerCompanyA vending payments software firm considering undergoing a strategic review for sale.
Shift4 PaymentsAcquirerCompanyA payments processor acquiring Swiss travel fintech Global Blue.
American ExpressAcquirerCompanyAnnounced acquisition of expense management firm Center.
MarqetaAcquirerCompanyAn embedded payments and digital card company acquiring European provider TransactPay.
Bilt RewardsAcquirerCompanyBuying merchant data firm Banyan.
NuveiAcquirerCompanyA Canadian fintech acquiring Paywiser Japan.
SertifiTargetCompanyA hospitality payments firm being acquired by Flywire.
The Strawhecker GroupIndustry ConsultantCompanyProviding advisory services with insight into industry M&A activity.