Portugal’s Sibs to buy Polish payments firm ITCard

Portuguese payments processor Sibs has acquired Polish payment services operator ITCard. This move marks a significant expansion into Central Europe for the company. Although the companies did not disclose financial terms, the deal demonstrates Sibs’ long-term strategy to grow its international presence. Furthermore, it strengthens the company’s payments infrastructure across the region.

Expanding European Footprint

ITCard operates under the well-known Planet Cash brand for ATMs. The company also provides electronic payment services through its Planet Pay terminal network. Additionally, ITCard issues and maintains Visa and Mastercard cards, giving it a diverse payments portfolio. With more than 181,000 POS units and 5,500 ATMs, this acquisition significantly expands Sibs’ European reach.

Under the binding agreement, ITCard’s 470 employees will transition to Sibs. They will continue working alongside the current management team to ensure smooth operations. This move should accelerate the integration of ITCard’s established infrastructure with Sibs’ technology-driven payment solutions.

Strategic Growth in Central Europe

Sibs has operated in Poland since 2008. The company previously acquired the Romanian operations of Wirecard after the German company’s collapse in 2020. The ITCard acquisition builds on this track record and positions Sibs as a stronger competitor in Eastern and Central Europe’s payments sector.

Rui Lima, chief international officer at Sibs, commented on the strategic importance of the deal. “Sibs’ acquisition of ITCard represents a key step in consolidating our European presence,” Lima stated. “This move helps us deliver long-term value for our clients and partners through technology-driven innovation.”

Future Implications and Industry Impact

This acquisition reinforces Sibs’ vision of driving digital transformation in European payments. The company aims to remain a trusted partner for banks, retailers, and consumers in evolving markets. Additionally, the expansion into Poland represents a strategic move to capture growth opportunities in Central Europe’s developing payments landscape.

The integration of ITCard’s extensive ATM and POS network with Sibs’ technological capabilities creates a powerful combination. This partnership can better serve the evolving needs of European consumers and businesses. Consequently, this transaction demonstrates the ongoing consolidation in the payments industry as companies seek scale and technological advantage in our increasingly digital economy. The move positions Sibs more competitively against other international payment processors while expanding their service capabilities across multiple European markets.