
AIB announces sale of minority shareholding in AIB Merchant Services
The AIB Group has reached agreement on the sale of its minority shareholding of 49.9% in AIB Merchant Services (AIBMS) to global fintech Fiserv.
AIBMS was founded in 2007 as a Joint Venture between AIB and Fiserv.
It is one of Ireland's largest payment solution providers and one of Europe's largest e-commerce acquirers, providing businesses with the ability to accept card payments from their customers.
Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Colin Hunt, said: "Following a successful Joint Venture partnership, we believe Fiserv has the commitment, experience and innovative technical solutions to grow AIBMS and that our customers will continue to be well-served under their sole ownership."
There will be no day-to-day change for AIBMS customers as a result of this announcement and no customer action is required.
Upon completion, the transaction is expected to result in a circa 35bps positive impact on AIB's CET1 capital.
In 2024, AIB recognised income of €34m relating to AIBMS in its income from equity accounted investments line.
The Head of the EMEA region at Fiserv, Katia Karpova, said: "Our focus will remain on delivering market-leading solutions to clients of all sizes across Ireland and the broader European market.
"We are particularly excited for the opportunity to accelerate the local penetration and growth of Clover, the world's smartest point-of-sale system and business management platform."
The transaction is expected to be completed later this year subject to all relevant regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Iconic compact convertible hinted at return after 20 years away – and could compete with the Mazda MX-5
AN ICONIC convertible could be returning to the road - some 20 years after it was discontinued. Better yet, the compact roadster might produce some fair competition for the world's most popular little convertible, the Mazda MX-5. 6 Smart's iconic Roadster could return, 20 years after its discontinuation, to take on the Mazda MX-5 Credit: Getty 6 The compact convertible was once championed by F1 legend Gordon Murray Credit: Getty 6 Over 43,000 units of the Roadster were produced between 2003 and 2005 Credit: AFP 6 The brand is currently focussed on two models set for release in the near future Credit: Alamy According to Auto Express, Smart has left the door open for the return of the Smart Roadster - with the brand preparing a successor for its famous ForTwo city car. Indeed, back in March, we reported on how the much-loved ForTwo - the quintessential 'park anywhere' city car of the noughties - That could spell good news for the Roadster model too, a two-door, two-seater convertible that was Smart's sports car offering at the time. Introduced back in 2003, it was widely respected for its balanced mid-engined layout - with iconic F1 designer Gordon Murray a famous fan who used the Roadster as his daily driver. Read more Motors News The model was ultimately discontinued in November 2005, with just over 43,000 units produced. In a recent interview, Smart UK CEO Jason Allbutt talked fondly about the Roadster, saying: 'We used to have one of those in the family, and [it was] particularly good fun. 'For a country that has more rain than probably any other European market, we are lovers of coupés and roadsters. 'So yes, I could see a possibility for such a car in the UK.' Most read in Motors Allbutt did however reiterate that nothing is concrete and that the brand currently focussed on the launch of its biggest model yet - the all-new Smart #5 SUV - with an electric family hatchback called Smart #6 to follow. ELECTRIC FEEL As the industry continues to transition into electric power , several marques are lining up all-electric sports cars to replace their ICE counterparts. New Nissan Leaf tested - it's bigger, better and goes further An electric version of the universally acclaimed Alpine A110 is already in the pipeline, while Porsche is rumoured to be lining up some kind of Boxster/Cayman EV. Meanwhile, Lotus are waiting for battery tech to catch up - especially in terms of weight - before drawing up an exciting electric sequel to the Elise. Even the aforementioned MX-5 is being earmarked for an electric replacement in the coming years. But according to Auto Express, Allbutt appears to have reservations about whether petrolheads are ready to embrace electric convertibles. Smart Roadster history First introduced in 2002 43,091 produced between August 2002 and November 2005 Produced in Hambach, France Created following Smart's "reduce to the max" philosophy Coupe and Roadster introduced in 2002 were designed to be reminiscent of classic British roadsters like the Triumph Spitfire and MG B Roadster was powered by a 45 or 60kW version of the turbocharged 698cc 3-cylinder Suprex engine in the rear Roadster Coupe had the more powerful 60kW option only Car weighed as little as 790kg - creating the emotion of driving a sports car at an affordable cost Awarded Fun Car Of The Year by Top Gear in 2005 He said: 'I think a lot of people that drive these cars historically have been traditional car enthusiasts. 'Part of the joy of having the roof down, in case you have less hair to be ruffled nowadays, is also to hear the sound of the engine. 'Maybe there's a new audience that would be looking at [an electric roadster] in a different way. I'm not quite sure yet as to who the buyers of that car really are. 'It's too early to tell right now, but we'll see.' 6 Smart Roadsters were designed to give drivers the feel of a sports car but at an affordable price Credit: Getty 6 It is thought a new Smart Roadster could compete with the popular Mazda MX-5 Credit: Getty


The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Nuno Espirito Santo signs new deal at Forest, Liverpool ‘eye huge Guehi move', Spurs want Semenyo
THE thrills and spills of the summer transfer window are well underway with some huge deals in the pipeline. In other news, Elsewhere, Follow ALL the latest news, moves and completed deals with our live blog below... By BREAKING: Nuno signs new deal at Forest This morning, Nottingham Forest announced that manager Nuno Espírito Santo has penned a new deal with the club. The new contract sees the Portugese gaffer remain at the City Ground until 2028. Nuno was the brains behind last season's stunning campaign, with the Tricky Trees qualifying for a European competition for the first time since 1995/96. Speaking about his new deal, Nuno said: "I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football Club. "Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the Club, which helped us achieve great things last season. "I would like to thank our owner, Mr. Marinakis, for his constant support and backing. It is important to me to share a strong relationship with our ownership and we have thoroughly enjoyed working together ever since I arrived at Forest. "Now is the time to work harder than ever as we strive for more special memories together." Copy link Copied By Record deals Liverpool's stunning £116.5million signing of Florian Wirtz has made him the most expensive player in British history. Copy link Copied By Seagulls target Elliot Brighton are set to enter the race for Harvey Elliott - and have identified the Liverpool star as their key summer target. The England international's future at Anfield is unclear, and his playing time last season was limited under Arne Slot. That's put him on the radar of several clubs in England, and abroad, who are keen to secure the services of a versatile player who can operate in midfield or out wide. SunSport understands Brighton are now tracking the 22-year-old and see him as a player who can help take them to the next level. And sources say the presence of James Milner, Liverpool's former vice-captain, could help persuade Elliott to make the switch to the south coast. Copy link Copied By Still a Pal Fulham are eyeing a sensational swoop to bring Joao Palhinha back to the Cottage — just a year after he joined Bayern Munich for £48million. The Portuguese midfielder, 29, endured a nightmare debut season in Germany and could now be handed a Premier League lifeline. Palhinha still wants to fight for his spot in Munich but Copy link Copied By EXCLUSIVE: Martinez pushing for United Emiliano Martinez is desperately trying to push through a dream move to Manchester United. And Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim is weighing up his goalkeeping options and has not ruled out a new number one with No1 Andre Onana emerging as a target for Monaco. Amorim wants 'captains and leaders' in his squad and the United chief has been a long-term admirer of the Aston Villa stopper, 32, who has been named Fifa's best goalkeeper twice in the last three years. A source said: 'Emi is big pals with Argentina teammate Lisandro Martinez and is keen to move. He has already knocked back a couple of big hitters in the hope of joining United. 'Amorim is a huge admirer of his. He tried to sign him for Sporting in 2020 but lost out to Villa. He wants to fill the squad with captains and leaders and Emi fits the bill perfectly.' Copy link Copied By Como in Antony race Como have entered the race to sign Manchester United star Antony. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Serie A side have tried to sign the Brazilian this week. However, Antony would prefer to return to Real Betis. Copy link Copied By Tino update Eddie Howe is in 'constant contact' with Tino Livramento as he looks to stave off Manchester City's interest in his star. And the Newcastle ace, 22, dropped the biggest hint yet that he will still be wearing Black and White next season due to the pair's 'amazing' relationship. Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the versatile full-back and had been linked with an attempted £30m swoop. Copy link Copied By Partey stall Talks over a new deal for Thomas Partey have reportedly hit an impasse. The Guardian have claimed that the midfielder and Arsenal have not yet agreed on new terms. The midfielder is a free agent this summer and could be on the move without a transfer fee coming to the Gunners. Copy link Copied By Cherry move Bournemouth ace Daniel Jebbison is reportedly set for a move to the Championship. Sky Sports have claimed that the striker could join Preston on loan for the 2025/26 campaign. However, there will be no obligation for the deal to be made permanent. Copy link Copied By Zabarnyi offer Bournemouth have reportedly received a second offer from PSG for defender Illia Zabarnyi. Sky Sports claim that the improved offer is worth £55million. However, the Cherries have set a price-tag of £70m Copy link Copied By Another United exit? Manchester United could be set for another player to head to the exit door. Andre Onana is reportedly being eyed up for a move to Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. Sky Sports have suggested that Monaco are keen to know what the Red Devils will demand for the Cameroonian goalkeeper. Copy link Copied By Fox incoming? Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss. The 21-year-old impressed at the King Power despite the club's relegation from the Premier League. Reports have claimed that Arsenal have an agreement with the player's agent. The Gunners will still have to agree on a fee with Leicester City to seal the deal. Copy link Copied By Done deals Here is a look at all of the deals that have been wrapped up by Premier League clubs this summer. Florian Wirtz - Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool - £ 116.5m Jeremie Frimpong - Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool - £29.5m Matheus Cunha - Wolves to Man Utd - £62.5m Dario Essugo - Sporting to Chelsea - £18m Caoimhin Kelleher - Liverpool to Brentford - £12.5m Liam Delap - Ipswich to Chelsea - £30m Antonio Cordero - Malaga to Newcastle - Undisclosed Jean-Clair Todibo - Nice to West Ham - Undisclosed Armin Pecsi - Puskas Akademia to Liverpool - Undisclosed Rayan Ait-Nouri - Wolves to Manchester City - £31m Mamadou Sarr - Strasbourg to Chelsea - £12m Marcus Bettinelli - Chelsea to Manchester City - Undisclosed Rayan Cherki - Lyon to Manchester City - £30.45m Tijjani Reijnders - AC Milan to Manchester City - £46.5m Charalampos Kostoulas - Olympiakos to Brighton - £29.78m Lukas Nmecha - Wolfsburg to Leeds - Free Mathys Tel - Bayern Munich to Tottenham - £30m Adrien Truffert - Rennes to Bournemouth - £14.4m Diego Coppola - Verona to Brighton - Undisclosed Copy link Copied By Wirtz speaks Florian Writz has spoken for the first time as a Liverpool player and insists he has high hopes. I'm so happy! I didn't come here to have fun… I'm here to win everything'. I would like to win everything every year! First of all, we have to do our work, I have to make my work. Florian Writz Liverpool Copy link Copied By Wirtz speaks Florian Writz has spoken for the first time as a Liverpool player and insists he has high hopes. I'm so happy! I didn't come here to have fun… I'm here to win everything'. I would like to win everything every year! First of all, we have to do our work, I have to make my work. Florian Writz Liverpool Copy link Copied By How Liverpool could line-up Here is one way that Liverpool could line up next season following the arrival of Florian Wirtz. The German could play in the midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. Copy link Copied By How Wirtz will be paid? Florian Wirtz will be compensated generously following his switch to Liverpool. The midfielder has been made the club's third-highest-paid player with a weekly wage of £245,000. Copy link Copied By What are Liverpool getting? Florian Wirtz is one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. Last season at Bayer Leverkusen, he scored ten times and assisted 12 more in the Bundesliga. Copy link Copied By BREAKING: Liverpool annouce Wirtz Liverpool have announced the British record transfer of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The German has swapped Germany for Anfield in a stunning £116.5million transfer. Copy link Copied By Zubimendi 'signs' Arsenal have reportedly completed all the paperwork to seal the signing of Martin Zubimendi. Fabrizio Romano has claimed the midfielder has completed all "formal steps" in London. Copy link Copied By Martinez replacement? Aston Villa have lined up their replacement for the outgoing Emiliano Martinez. The Argetine appeared to wave goodbye to the club at the end of the season. Now ESPN have reported Lille shot-stopper Lucas Chevalier has been lined up by Villa chiefs as a replacement The French side are demanding £40m for the 23-year-old after Villa enquired about his availability. Copy link Copied By More Juve interest in Prem Juventus are also keen on raiding the Premier League for another star. The Italian side are in the race to reportedly register their interest in West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd. The Moroccan spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad and helped the club keep an impressive defensive record. Copy link Copied By Carroll leaves Bordeaux Andy Carroll has left Bordeaux after one season in order to be closer to his family. The former West Ham and Newcastle striker joined the French side last summer despite it being in the Championnat National 2. Bordeaux confirmed his exit with a statement on social media. It read: "Andy is leaving us to be closer to his children. All the Club lovers thank you warmly for this season. "You will always be at home here. Safe travels and see you soon." Copy link Copied By Juve target Sancho Jadon Sancho is a reported target for Serie A giants Juventus. Sky Sports have claimed that the Italian club are exploring the conditions of a deal to sign the Manchester United outcast. Sancho has one year left on his deal with the Red Devils keen for a permanent move this summer. Copy link Copied By Juve target Sancho Jadon Sancho is a reported target for Serie A giants Juventus. Sky Sports have claimed that the Italian club are exploring the conditions of a deal to sign the Manchester United outcast. Sancho has one year left on his deal with the Red Devils keen for a permanent move this summer. Copy link Copied 1 …


Irish Times
14 hours ago
- Irish Times
Paschal Donohoe's refusal to tackle banker bonus ban is hitting those who bought State's shares
Paschal Donohoe's sale of the State's remaining shareholding in AIB this week will pave the way for a crisis-era agreement that governed the Minister for Finance's engagements with the bailed-out bank to be torn up within weeks. The relationship framework – tweaked in 2017 as Donohoe proceeded with AIB's initial public offering (IPO) just days into the job and his first stint in the role – gave the Minister the right to be given sight of business plans before these were adopted, consulted on any deal or investment worth more than €100 million and get prior notice of a senior executive appointment before it was announced. On remuneration, the document said that 'any incentive arrangements for directors and senior executives are closely related to their performance, measured by the achievement of relevant targets, such targets having regard to the achievement of the business plan'. It was a moot clause, of course. Bank bonuses above €20,000 have been in effect banned across rescued banks by way of a prohibitive 89 per cent supertax for the past decade-and-a-half. (Indeed, Donohoe only allowed for variable pay up to that level to be introduced in late 2022, after Bank of Ireland returned to full private ownership.) READ MORE Bank executive pay remains as politically thorny today as at any stage the financial crash – even if the State has now recovered, in nominal terms at least, just over the €29.4 billion pumped into AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB during the crisis. It continues to hold a 57 per cent stake in PTSB, which at present has a market value of €620 million, and stock warrants in AIB, estimated to be worth about €300 million. Donohoe confirmed to reporters on Tuesday, after selling the Government's last 2 per cent stake in AIB to stock-market investors, that he is lifting the €500,000 basic salary cap at AIB and PTSB. He argued that it was not appropriate for the Government to have a role in setting the pay at AIB and Bank of Ireland 'when we no longer own a single share in those companies'. Lifting the cap at PTSB is to prevent it being put at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to hiring and retaining executives. He's right. But the logic fell apart when he said that he had 'no plans' to remove the 89 per cent super tax on bonuses, knowing it is enshrined in law (the Finance Bill 2011) and requires legislation being passed through the Oireachtas. There are no votes in that. [ How AIB, once worth less than its art collection, came back from the brink Opens in new window ] To be clear, the long campaign by bankers to reintroduce bonuses was largely ham-fisted. It started off with a pitch by AIB's then chairman David Hodgkinson to the Department of Finance in early 2014 when the bank had barely returned to profit after the crisis, let alone start to repay its rescue bill. Arguing for a return of variable pay when the sector spent much of the next decade knee-deep in the tracker mortgage scandal was also tone deaf. But lines have been drawn under those. To see where AIB is now headed on the executive pay front, you only have to look at its main rival. Following the lifting of pay caps in Bank of Ireland in late 2022, its board came up within months with a plan to award its chief executive, Myles O'Grady , the equivalent of 25 per cent of his basic salary from 2024 by way of shares in the group, rising to 50 per cent this year. O'Grady was hired two-and-a-half years ago on a fixed salary of €950,000. With the stock awards set to soar to 100 per cent of salary next year, his total remuneration will top €2 million, when pension entitlements are also included. The fixed share bonanza, which have trickled down to other senior Bank of Ireland executives, means that top employees have skin in the game alongside other investors. The board, in fairness, has also decided that executives must now hold on to stock for five years after they are received, up from three years previously. And it argues the CEO's total package will remain about 60 per cent below the median maximum remuneration opportunity that heads of mid-tier UK banks and other top-10 Iseq companies enjoy. But the no-strings nature of the stock awards – to get around the fact that performance-related pay above €20,000 remains outlawed – is not ideal for investors who now hold the shares that the Government sold in the banks. It treats success, mediocrity and even underperformance as one and the same. It also flies in the face of carefully thought-out EU rules brought in after the financial crisis. These limit variable pay to 100 per cent of salary – or 200 per cent if explicitly approved by at least two-thirds of shareholders. These also include provisions for bonuses to be docked or clawed back when staff engage in risk-taking that causes losses later. The Irish solution to an Irish problem is even more incongruous when you consider that senior finance executives are now subject to one of the strictest individual accountability regimes in Europe – by virtue of rules that came into force almost 12 months ago.