Auchan Group, ACI Worldwide Launch SEPA-Compliant Card Payments Platform
Auchan Group, one of the world’s largest food retailers, has selected ACI Worldwide to deliver its new SEPA-compliant European card payments platform, the first of its kind in Europe.
ACI’s retailer solution, Postilion, will be the foundation of this new platform to manage all electronic transactions, through all channels (in-store, online and mobile) across Europe. The platform supports the new European standard EPAS (Electronic Protocols Application Software) protocol, which addresses the region’s numerous local standards and increasing regulations that have previously stymied growth for retailers.
“Based on our successful pilot testing in France and Portugal, we knew that a centralised European card payments platform would soon become not only a reality, but a necessity,” said Arnaud Crouzet, head of group global payments development, Auchan Group. “This new platform, which complies with SEPA standards, is a continuation of our corporate electronic payments strategy for safer, more open and more accessible European centralised acquiring. Working with ACI, an international company that fully understands and promotes European standards, will allow us to grow and innovate as we build on this broad initiative.”
Added Paul Thomalla, senior vice president and general manager, EMEA, ACI Worldwide: “We believe that many other major retailers will follow Auchan Group’s lead in helping to shape European payments.”
The platform will be jointly operated by ACI and OneyBanque Accord, the banking subsidiary of Auchan Group. It will run in ACI’s data center, which hosts banking and payment solutions for more than 4,000 financial institutions, retailers, and billers.