Calling dibs on the portion of Hypercom that Verifone intends to divest once the merger is complete, contactless card reader manufacturer ViVOtech has stated that it is courting Verifone in an attempt to acquire Hypercom’s rather significant U.S. business. The press release points out that ViVOtech “has shipped more than 800,000 contactless NFC readers. Through its direct and OEM channels VIVOtech has 80% share of U.S. deployments, including nearly 100% of VeriFone’s current U.S. contactless NFC reader deployments.” Hypercom shipped nearly 400,000 terminals to North America in 2009 according to The Nilson Report.
“NFC mobile commerce is on the cusp of becoming reality,” said Michael (Mick) Mullagh, ViVOtech CEO. “VIVOtech’s acquisition of the Hypercom U.S. assets would allow us to accelerate the adoption of this revolutionary new technology and ensure that a vigorous and competitive market emerges to drive innovation and choice.”
ViVOtech’s NFC software and systems are the broadest, most tested and deployed worldwide. VIVOtech provides the key building blocks of the NFC ecosystem: smart applications, wallet and provisioning software, and point of sale systems.
“We see this as a strategic and transformative opportunity for ViVOtech to enhance our next-generation NFC platform, and accelerate the adoption of in-store mobile payment, loyalty, marketing and merchandising solutions in the U.S.,” said Mullagh. “ViVOtech is the only U.S.-based company in a position to support and provide continuity to Hypercom’s customer base and become a strong, viable third competitor in the highly competitive U.S. market.”
