Jul. 2020 | News | Acquisition, Fraud, News, Risk

1 July 2020 – Today Experian completed its acquisition of  a majority stake in German’s second largest credit agency, Arvato Financial Solutions Risk Management division. Experian has acquired 60 per cent stake; the remaining 40 per cent will be retained by Arvato Financial Solutions, a subsidiary of media, services and education company Bertelsmann Group.

The investment now enables Experian to rapidly expand its range of risk, fraud and identity management services right across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The new business unit combines Arvato Financial Solutions Risk Management Division’s existing and substantial portfolio with Experian’s innovative analytical and decisioning platforms, digital technologies and industry expertise.

The combination will allow both companies’ strategic clients to accelerate their digital transformation projects and help drive consumer choice in the market. The new entity is now branded as an Experian business unit and is led by CEO, Kai Kalchthaler.

Experian Chief Operating Officer Marco Benvenuto says: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Arvato Financial Solutions Risk Management division. The two companies are a fantastic fit and there will be enormous consumer benefits from the outset. Right now, particularly in the current environment, everyone needs fast, reliable and smart processes to improve automation and competitiveness, while consistently offering as much flexibility and convenience to the customer.”

Rolf Hellermann, CEO of Arvato Financial Solutions, adds: “Experian’s technology leadership, industry-specific expertise and global position will enable us to support our clients in helping their customers even more. The new partnership significantly strengthens the market position of Arvato Financial Solutions’ Risk Management division in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.”

Kai Kalchthaler says: “The new partnership comes at a crucial time to help clients further meet customer expectations in the digital age. Experian’s major shareholding is an important step at the right time. Many companies are, quite rightly, very consumer-focused and ready to make critical investments in their digital transformation. They need fast, smart, scalable processes based on innovative technologies. This is exactly what we offer our strategic clients. With two financially strong parent companies backing us, we will be strongly positioned to ensure our clients get access to innovative solutions, as well as continued stability and reliability in the future. The partnership strengthens our long-term market position in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. By building on Experian’s market-leading and in-depth knowledge of innovative platforms, Big Data and AI, our goal is to set new standards and redefine what is now possible for our clients.”

Experian’s updated websites for Germany and Austria, are now live, with Switzerland to follow.