HPS Plans Fintech Acquisition in Growth Strategy
Deal News | Apr 15, 2025 | Zawya
HPS, a Moroccan payment solutions firm listed on the Casablanca exchange, is planning to acquire a fintech company by 2027 to enhance its growth strategy, according to CEO Abdeslam Alaoui Smaili. The company, which reported a 2024 revenue of 1.267 billion dirhams ($140 million), aims to acquire a technology-driven firm that can enhance its capabilities, especially in artificial intelligence. HPS, which operates in 95 countries, recently expanded to Australia and Canada and has a significant presence in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, accounting for nearly half of its revenue. Building on last year's acquisition of CR2, a digital banking and payment software developer in Dublin, HPS plans to leverage central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in Africa as an opportunity to boost digital payments while reducing cash circulation.
Sectors
- Financial Technology
- Payment Solutions
- Central Bank Digital Currencies
Geography
- Morocco – HPS is a Moroccan firm listed on the Casablanca stock exchange, focusing on growth in Morocco and other regions.
- Africa – Significant revenue for HPS comes from Africa, and the company is keen on expanding its digital payment solutions there.
- Europe – HPS is active in Europe, reflected in its revenue sources and strategic markets.
- Middle East – The Middle East is another region where HPS has substantial operations contributing to its revenue.
- Australia – Recent expansion into Australia signals HPS's growth strategy in new markets.
- Canada – Canada is among the recent markets HPS has entered, indicating its global expansion plan.
Industry
- Financial Technology – The article discusses HPS's strategy to acquire a fintech company to advance its technological capabilities, particularly in AI.
- Payment Solutions – HPS is a payment solutions firm working to expand its influence and operations across several global markets.
- Central Bank Digital Currencies – HPS aims to integrate CBDCs into their systems as part of a broader digital payment strategy, presenting both a challenge and opportunity in the financial sector.
Financials
- 1.267 billion dirhams – HPS's 2024 revenue, equivalent to $140 million.
- 1.1 billion dirhams – Total contract value concluded by HPS in 2024, up 386%.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPS | Target Company | Company | Moroccan payment solutions firm seeking to acquire a fintech company to enhance its technology and growth. |
| CR2 | Acquired Company | Company | A digital banking and payment software developer based in Dublin that was acquired by HPS. |
| Abdeslam Alaoui Smaili | CEO of HPS | People | CEO of HPS, leading the company’s strategic growth through acquisitions and expansions. |
| Ahmed Eljechtimi | Reporter | People | Journalist who reported the story. |