American Express to acquire B2B payment automation company

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By Michael Elkins 

American Express (NYSE:AXP) announced today that the credit card service company has entered into an agreement to acquire Nipendo, a company used by global businesses to automate and streamline business-to-business (B2B) payments processes.

The acquisition is the latest step in AXP's strategic step toward its goal of creating a leading end-to-end B2B platform and making business payments simpler and more efficient. The Nipendo platform works alongside a company's existing systems, allowing customers to maintain their current payments infrastructure, while benefiting from additional automation.

"Our extensive direct relationships with both buyers and suppliers puts us in a unique position to transform the way companies pay for goods and services. We are taking the friction out of B2B payments, paving the way for faster, more efficient, and transparent transactions," said Anna Marrs, Group President, Global Commercial Services and Credit & Fraud Risk at American Express. "With Nipendo, we will strengthen our expertise and capabilities in the space, and their innovative platform will give business customers common ground to connect and transact on the Amex network."

"Businesses can face a number of challenges even before they make a payment, including finding the right suppliers, managing order processes and supply chain, as well as handling discrepancies and invoice reconciliation. These traditionally paper-based processes require heavy investments of time, effort, and money," said Nipendo Co-Founder & CEO, Eyal Rosenberg. "We are honored to become a part of American Express, excited about the synergy of our mutual vision and looking forward to serving as an important component of the new business value we can offer, by efficiently streamlining B2B payments."

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close within the quarter.

Shares of AXP are up 0.10% in mid-day trading on Thursday.