Blackhawk Network Acquires Retailo

Blackhawk Network announced that it has completed the acquisition of Germany-based Retailo AG, a leading third-party gift card distribution network in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The acquisition adds over 40,000 new distribution locations, bringing Blackhawk's total EMEA retail distribution network to approximately 70,000. The deal is part of Blackhawk's strategy to serve consumers' demand for gift cards and prepaid solutions across Europe, including Germany where Blackhawk has had limited presence to date. Through Retailo, Blackhawk adds leading distribution partners in the region such as Rewe, dm-drogerie markt, Kaiser's Tengelmann and Aral as well as international content partners including Douglas, IKEA, C&A, Tchibo and Mediamarkt Saturn. The acquisition also expands Blackhawk's digital network offerings through Retailo's digital gifting network, which comprises email, SMS, smartphone and social media apps. Blackhawk will also benefit from Retailo's social gifting solutions, universal gift vouchers and gift card package solutions, as well as its established B2B offering. "Blackhawk is focused on international growth, and the acquisition of Retailo in Germany, Europe's biggest economy and a country where gift cards are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, is a clear indication