MEDIA RELEASE
Prepaid Solutions Provider SmartPay Ltd Acquires Ownership of its Operating Software IP Opening Up Expanded Business
Opportunities
Auckland Monday September 18 2006: Prepaid solutions provider SmartPay Ltd (NZX:SPY)has purchased the company’s
Intellectual Property (IP)software and source code from its Malaysia based owner as the New Zealand business drives new
innovations in electronic payment solutions.
The acquisition includes SmartPay’s prepaid top-up software, prepaid payment solutions and software to support gift card
and voucher based systems for POS and internet – an area of business which is expected to expand rapidly in the New
Zealand retail environment.
The acquisition from Cardtrend, the Malaysian developer, means SmartPay can now openly compete with the Asian company in
New Zealand and internationally.
“The purchase provides SmartPay with greater earnings potential,” says SmartPay chief executive, Mr Linc Burgess. “By
owning the technology from the terminal to the back office, plus our operational expertise, opens up significant
opportunities to partner with like minded businesses.
“The POS terminal software that we own provides some unique capability to process a range of prepaid solutions.
“We are looking to announce shortly new contracts in New Zealand as well as investigating opportunities through the Asia
Pacific region.”
Prepaid solutions are still in their infancy in New Zealand, but Mr Burgess says there are many opportunities aside from
the $600 million pre-pay mobile top ups and international calling card business in this country.
“The payment infrastructure and private transaction systems base could be radically changed to deliver a host of new
efficiencies, costs and time savings.”
He said purchasing systems within government departments, local authorities, schools and other organizations could be
streamlined with electronic payment systems which would offer tightened credit lines and less wastage.
“Prepaid solutions in New Zealand will follow international trends and become attractive to the general public
particu7larly where they do not have, or prefer not to use, credit cards and others who seek to make transactions
anonymously.”
International reports predict that European consumers are set to spend EUR 75 billion
by 2010, using reloadable prepaid cards.
In New Zealand, SmartPay has electronic network agreements with Telecom, Boost, Vodafone, Telstra and others for prepaid
top-ups but is now developing solutions for internet and POS based payments.
Mr Burgess says one of the most exciting areas is internet and POS purchasing where prepaid cards and vouchers could be
used.
“Prepaid payment cards provide for collaboration with third parties for branding and promotional activities.
“Effectively, SmartPay would provide the technology, processing and operational expertise, and the third party or
co-brand partner provides the distribution and marketing input into the programme
“A prepaid payment card would be able to be used to make payments on web sites, at nominated retail outlets and
potentially through terminals and money kiosks to add value to the card or redeem cash.
“Gift cards can be worked easily with loyalty programmes. In the corporate sector, there are also numerous applications
which can be included in to regular business payments and billing systems.”
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ABOUT SMARTPAY LTD
SmartPay Ltd (NZX:SPY) is a leader in the development and supply of innovative electronic prepaid solutions including
mobile phones, international calling cards, internet and POS based services, gift cards and a range of other products
For an example of the business in which they operate, the value of the pre-pay mobile and international calling card
market in New Zealand is estimated at $500 million and $100 million annually and growing every year.
Established in 2004, SmartPay has signed contract agreements with telecommunications networks and product suppliers
including Telecom New Zealand Ltd and Vodafone New Zealand Ltd. The company is also researching and developing potential
software business interests in New Zealand and internationally, including markets in Australia and Asia Pacific.
In New Zealand, SmartPay manages a network of merchants who supply products to a wide range of retailers, including a
number of high profile, national retail chains and route/convenience store owners and operators.
More information about SmartPay is available at www.smartpay.co.nz
ENDS