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A North West firm is eyeing growth after it was acquired by digital payments provider PayPoint in a £70m deal.

Haydock-based business Handepay was acquired in the deal also involving its card terminal leasing business, Merchant Rentals, which is also located at Westway Park.

Handepay, which provides card payment services to independent businesses across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, currently employs over 150 people.

The business will continue to operate from its current location in Haydock, Merseyside, with employees joining forces with PayPoint’s workforce under the new operation. The new combined operation will have more than 30,000 SME customers across a range of sectors.

Mark Latham, card services director at PayPoint, and formerly chief commercial officer for Handepay, said, “The two businesses have a lot in common and together will be able to offer so much more to our customers.

"Combined, we now have more than 30,000 SME customers across a range of sectors and are aiming to increase that through joining the PayPoint Group. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Handepay and the local economy as we continue to grow and grow.”

The PayPoint Group claims to be the leading provider of cutting-edge digital payments solutions, innovative retail technology and essential in-store services serving millions of consumers every week.

The group businesses serve customers including EDF, Monzo and Tesco.

Nick Wiles, chief executive officer at PayPoint, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Handepay and Merchant Rentals to the PayPoint Group. The team have built a true North-West business success story and we’re excited to continue that story together over the coming years.”