Shift4 Expands Footprint in Australia and New Zealand with Acquisition of Smartpay
In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the Australasian market, Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR), a global leader in integrated payments and commerce technology, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Smartpay (NZX:SPY, ASX:SMP), a prominent independent provider of payment processing and point-of-sale (POS) solutions in Australia and New Zealand. The deal, valued at NZ$296.4 million (~$180 million USD), translates to NZ$1.20 per share, representing a 46.5% premium over Smartpay’s 90-day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP). The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
A Strategic Expansion into High-Growth Markets
This acquisition underscores Shift4’s commitment to expanding its footprint in high-growth markets while leveraging localized distribution networks to deliver its cutting-edge suite of software and payments solutions. With Smartpay’s extensive reach across Australia and New Zealand, Shift4 gains access to a robust merchant base of over 40,000 businesses, spanning diverse industries such as retail, hospitality, and professional services. This partnership positions Shift4 to scale rapidly in the region, introducing its innovative products like SkyTab POS for restaurants, SkyTab Venue for stadiums and arenas, and comprehensive end-to-end payment solutions for hotels and unified commerce merchants.
For Shift4, this transaction aligns with its proven strategy of combining acquisitions with localized expertise to create a seamless, integrated payment experience. By merging its advanced payment infrastructure with Smartpay’s established distribution capabilities, Shift4 aims to establish itself as a dominant player in the Australasian payments landscape. The acquisition not only enhances Shift4’s ability to serve existing customers but also opens new avenues for growth by tapping into Smartpay’s deep regional expertise and trusted brand reputation.
Strengthening Distribution and Merchant-Facing Solutions
Smartpay has long been recognized as a leader in tailored payment solutions, offering a wide range of services that cater to the unique needs of businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Its extensive distribution network and strong relationships with local merchants make it an ideal partner for Shift4’s ambitious growth plans. For merchants, this acquisition means access to a broader array of tools and technologies designed to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and drive revenue growth.
Shift4 CEO Taylor Lauber highlighted the strategic significance of the acquisition, stating, “This acquisition follows the Shift4 playbook to a tee. It deepens our strategic presence in Australia and New Zealand, providing a significant opportunity to offer our full suite of software and payments solutions in the region.” He added, “By combining our payment infrastructure with Smartpay’s distribution capabilities, we’re well-positioned to go-to-market at scale in the region with our leading products and services.”
Lauber’s remarks underscore Shift4’s focus on delivering value through integration, ensuring that merchants benefit from a seamless blend of technology, service, and support. This approach has been central to Shift4’s success in other regions, including Germany, the UK, and Ireland, where similar strategies have driven rapid expansion and market penetration.
A Proven Playbook for Global Growth
Shift4’s acquisition of Smartpay is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader strategy to expand its global footprint through targeted acquisitions and partnerships. The company has consistently demonstrated its ability to integrate acquired businesses into its ecosystem, leveraging their strengths to enhance its offerings and scale operations. This playbook has been instrumental in Shift4’s growth trajectory, enabling it to establish a strong presence in key markets worldwide.
In Germany, the UK, and Ireland, Shift4 successfully executed similar strategies, combining its proprietary payment rails with localized distribution and support networks. These efforts have resulted in accelerated adoption of Shift4’s solutions, driving both revenue growth and customer satisfaction. The acquisition of Smartpay represents the next chapter in this journey, as Shift4 seeks to replicate its success in the Australasian region.
Unlocking New Opportunities for Merchants
For merchants in Australia and New Zealand, the acquisition brings numerous benefits. Smartpay’s existing customers will gain access to Shift4’s advanced suite of products, which includes industry-specific solutions like SkyTab POS and SkyTab Venue. These tools are designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer engagement, and provide actionable insights through data analytics. Additionally, Shift4’s unified commerce platform enables merchants to seamlessly integrate online and offline sales channels, creating a cohesive shopping experience for consumers.
The combination of Shift4’s technological prowess and Smartpay’s regional expertise creates a powerful value proposition for merchants. By leveraging Shift4’s owned payment rails, businesses can enjoy faster transaction processing, enhanced security, and reduced costs. Meanwhile, Smartpay’s deep understanding of the local market ensures that merchants receive personalized support and tailored solutions that meet their specific needs.
About Shift4
Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR) is boldly redefining commerce by simplifying complex payments ecosystems across the world. As the leader in commerce-enabling technology, Shift4 powers billions of transactions annually for hundreds of thousands of businesses in virtually every industry. For more information, visit shift4.com.
About Smartpay
Smartpay (NZX:SPY, ASX:SMP) is the leading independent provider of electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) solutions in Australia and New Zealand. Smartpay designs, develops and implements point-of-sale payment solutions for more than 40,000 merchants.
