AP&S Guides Paris-Based Multinational Through Complex Acquisition

Paris-based multinational Ingenico Group [Euronext: ING] is the global leader in the payments industry. Offering merchants smart, trusted and secure solutions to empower commerce across all channels (in-store, online and mobile), Ingenico sells its products and services in 170 countries, has more than 5,500 employees worldwide, and generates annual revenues in excess of US$ 3 billion.

The Challenge:

When Ingenico determined to acquire Boston-based Roam Data, Inc., a pioneer in the mobile payments space, it turned to AP&S to help structure and complete this strategically important transaction. In a unique example of foreign direct investment in the US, the deal was executed in three steps, over a period of five years, beginning in 2009 with Ingenico’s purchase of a minority stake in Roam, followed in 2012 by Ingenico’s purchase of majority control of Roam, and culminating at year-end 2014 with Ingenico’s purchase of all remaining minority shares.

The Solution:

Teaming with Ingenico’s Paris-based General Counsel and other senior management, AP&S provided planning, structuring, regulatory, corporate, securities, tax, IP, and employment law advice which helped Ingenico complete the deal efficiently and cost-effectively. Between the second and third steps of the transaction, AP&S also defended Ingenico in high-stakes litigation brought by Roam’s founder and helped Ingenico negotiate a settlement which avoided a costly trial.

The Result:

With Roam now 100% owned, Ingenico is poised to accelerate the deployment of a global and integrated mobile offering, enabling merchants to increasingly engage with their customers.