Sunday, December 25, 2005

Western Union Network Exceeds 250,000 Agent Locations ...

Western Union Network Exceeds 250,000 Agent Locations; A Global Leader in Money Transfer Reaches New Business Milestone
DENVER, Dec 21, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Western Union proudly announces today that its agent network, combined with its subsidiary Orlandi Valuta, now exceeds 250,000 locations. For more than a century, Western Union has been providing consumers with quick, reliable and convenient money transfer services. Consumers in more than 200 countries and territories rely on Western Union to send or receive money to friends and family around the globe in response to emergencies or to provide regular financial support for things like food, shelter and education. Western Union services are offered in trusted locations where consumers already do business. Around the world, our agents include grocery and convenience stores, banks, and post offices.

Earlier this year Western Union established a goal of reaching 250,000 Agent locations in 2005. The company not only met, but exceeded this goal, extending its global agent network to include more than a quarter million locations. Together, Western Union and its subsidiary Orlandi Valuta, make up one of the world's largest money transfer networks.

The expansion of the Western Union Agent network demonstrates the continued international growth of this First Data business. The Payments Services division of First Data (NYSE:FDC), which includes Western Union, contributes nearly 40 percent of the company's revenues. It also reinforces First Data's leadership in seamlessly and securely moving money around the world.

In 2005, Western Union network expansions included the addition of Norway and Palau to our list of countries served. Significant Agent signings include Kenya Commercial Bank in Kenya, Taishin International Bank in Taiwan and Bank of the Philippine Islands in the Philippines.

"Western Union is dedicated to serving its customers in the communities where they live and work," said Christina Gold, president, Western Union Financial Services, Inc. "As Western Union continues to expand, we increase our ease and convenience for consumers."

According to the United Nations, more than 175 million people live outside their country of birth and, in 2005, the International Organization for Migration estimated that the number may be as high as 185 to 192 million. First Data and Western Union recognize that the ability to send money home to friends and loved ones quickly, reliably and conveniently is an essential need to be met. First Data addresses this need by providing fast, secure and reliable payment solutions to millions of businesses and consumers worldwide. Western Union completed 97 million consumer-to-consumer money transfers transactions in 2004.

posted by Tata @ 12/25/2005 10:21:00 PM   0 comments  

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