Dorset-based software development firm, Unicard, has announced its acquisition of Ecebs, a digital ticketing business previously owned by global payments company Visa. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Unicard specializes in providing smart ticketing and payment solutions to the public and commercial transport sectors.
The purchase of Ecebs will expand Unicard’s portfolio of services to include contactless Europay, Mastercard, and Visa capabilities. This move solidifies Unicard’s position as a leader in the UK market for smartcard ticketing and concessionary travel. The acquisition will also enable Unicard to enhance its operations and maintain its dedication to innovation, close customer relationships, and exceptional customer care.
Unicard’s solutions have been widely adopted by over 70 Local and Regional Authorities in England and Scotland, including major transport agencies such as Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM), Transport Scotland, Merseytravel, and Solent Transport. With this recent acquisition, Unicard has also added Transport for Wales and Transport for London to its list of clients.
Sean Dickinson, the CEO of Unicard, emphasized the company’s three guiding principles in pursuing the acquisition: selecting the right partner, ensuring business continuity for customers of both companies, and preserving Unicard’s reputation for market innovation and superior customer care. Unicard aims to leverage Ecebs’ expertise and market insights to deliver high-quality products and services to all its customers and their passengers.
Russell Mccullagh, the General Manager of Ecebs, expressed confidence in the acquisition, highlighting the shared interests and cultural alignment between the two companies. He assured customers of both Unicard and Ecebs that continuous innovation and the delivery of high-quality services will be paramount going forward, promising enhanced flexibility and an improved experience for the traveling public.
In addition to the acquisition, Unicard has entered into a commercial agreement with Visa to utilize Cybersource, Visa’s global payments platform. This collaboration will enable Unicard to offer its services internationally, although the immediate focus remains on expanding its presence within the UK market.
Unicard, headquartered in Ferndown with an additional office in Bulgaria, is poised to strengthen its position in the smart ticketing industry through this strategic acquisition. With its comprehensive range of services and proven track record, Unicard is well-positioned to provide innovative solutions and meet the evolving needs of public and commercial transport sectors in the UK and potentially worldwide.
