A deal between loyalty-scheme operator Zapa Technology and Ireland’s largest merchant acquirer, AIB Merchant Services, could see Zapa’s contactless stickers rolled out more widely in Ireland and also gain a foothold in the United Kingdom.
AIB Merchant Services, which is a joint venture between one of Ireland’s largest banks, Allied Irish Banks, and processor First Data Corp., owns nearly half of the merchant acquiring business in Ireland in terms of retail outlets. The joint venture is offering merchants its “loyaltyplus” service, which uses Zapa’s loyalty platform and its passive contactless stickers to enable consumers to tap their mobile phones or other devices to earn and redeem points for discounts and other incentives.
Update: Zapa, however, in late October reportedly appointed a provisional liquidator to help it pay off its debts. End update.
