Collinson Group, a global leader in shaping customer behaviour to drive revenue and add value to its clients announced the acquisition of Welcome Real-time, an international provider of payment based loyalty solutions.

Founded in 1997, Welcome Real-time’s unique, award-winning technology integrates with banking and retail systems enabling banks, card issuers and retailers to provide special offers, points redemption and other real-time communications to consumers at the point of sale. Headquartered in France with offices in both Asia and Latin America, employing over 70 specialists, Welcome Real- time reaches over 100 million consumers globally.

The acquisition will further strengthen Collinson Group’s loyalty capability, which includes the leading loyalty marketing agency ICLP, advanced online omni-channel earning and redemption platforms through Collinson Latitude, and a global network of thousands of redemption partners. Collinson Group counts a number of the world’s leading airlines, financial services, and travel brands among its customers and manages over 20 million consumer relationships.

Colin Evans, Chairman, Collinson Group says, “Welcome Real-time’s unique technology and impressive customer base is a clear strategic fit for Collinson Group. With 25 years’ experience in loyalty, we are continually investing and developing our business to meet the needs of our clients. We look forward to including its team within the Group over the coming months.”

Evans continued: “‘Closing the loop’ on purchasing, earn and redemption behaviour is a huge, untapped market opportunity, with retailers, airlines, financial services providers and other brands all viewing point of sale insight and real-time communication as a way to build closer ties with their consumers and drive incremental revenue. Welcome Real-time will give us a clear point of differentiation in this rapidly developing market.”

Philippe David, CEO, Welcome Real-time commented, “We are delighted to become part of such a trusted, global brand and to be able to build on the opportunity that Collinson Group offers. There are clear synergies between Collinson Group and Welcome Real-time, in terms of our offering and our customer base. As part of the broader Collinson Group we can now bring our capabilities to bear in new sectors and markets and extend our services across the entire loyalty spectrum.”