Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading provider of data-driven marketing, loyalty and payment solutions, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Lon Inc., a technology-driven digital payments company operating under the trademark Bread, offering an omnichannel solution for retailers and platform capabilities to bank partners. The acquisition was completed under the terms of the previously announced definitive agreement entered into on October 28, 2020. Alliance Data’s aggregate consideration for this acquisition, valued at approximately $450 million at signing and subject to customary closing purchase price adjustments, consisted of cash and approximately 1.9 million shares of Alliance Data common stock, with a portion of the cash consideration deferred for a period of one year.
Alliance Data gains Bread’s flexible technology platform and will soon offer to its brand partners installment and buy now, pay later solutions at the point-of-sale. Able to seamlessly integrate with online, mobile and brick and mortar shopping environments, Bread’s platform gives Alliance Data’s brand partners the tools to drive increased spend and loyalty as customers increasingly adopt digital payments.
Additionally, Alliance Data welcomes Bread’s talented group of employees, many of whom are specialized technology and product engineers. These new Alliance Data associates bolster Alliance Data’s agility, fintech knowledge and skillsets to support the innovation and development of new and expanded payment solutions. Bread will maintain its Tampa, Fla., customer care center and continue supporting its 400+ existing clients from its Innovation Center in New York City.
“Bread’s innovative platform and point-of-sale technologies, including installment and buy now, pay later solutions, expands our payment offerings and reinforces Alliance Data’s commitment to investing in digital and technology solutions,” said Ralph Andretta, president and chief executive officer, Alliance Data. “We are excited to welcome our new Bread associates, and look forward to working together to support our brand partners and their customers to drive greater value.”
With Bread, Alliance Data will offer its brand partners across verticals and their customers a number of ways to finance purchases of all sizes. As retailers and e-tailers alike appeal to tech-savvy shoppers seeking convenient digital options, installment and buy now, pay later solutions empower customers to choose the payment option that meets their needs.
“With several top-Millennial brands in our client roster, the capabilities and products acquired through Bread appeal to younger, digitally native consumers,” said Val Greer, chief commercial officer, Alliance Data’s Card Services business. “Bread’s easy, seamless integration and white labeling options give our brand partners the ability to quickly stand up these additional payment offerings, all while keeping their own branding at the forefront of the shopping experience.”
