CARD payment specialist firm Handepay has been sold in a £70million deal.

The Haydock-based business has been purchased by digital payments, retail technology and in-store services provider PayPoint.

Also acquired in the deal is card terminal leasing business, Merchant Rentals, also located at Westway Park in Haydock.

Handepay, which provides card payment services to independent businesses across the UK, employs more than 150 people.

The business will continue to operate from its current location in Haydock, 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.

The PayPoint Group is a provider of digital payments solutions, innovative retail technology and essential in-store services serving millions of consumers every week.

The group businesses serve a diverse range of customers: from leading service organisations such as EDF and Monzo; retailers from Tesco to the independent UK stores; parcel carriers like eBay and DPD to the millions of consumers who pay bills, get cash, make card payments or pick up parcels every day at thousands of locations across the UK and Romania.

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The coronavirus pandemic has seen card payments enjoy a boost as businesses and consumers alike make more contactless purchases and shop online.

Data from PayPoint, from April to September 2020, showed a 75 per cent increase in card payments during the first national Covid-19 lockdown.

And 81 per cent of consumers indicated that they would be more likely to shop locally if cards were accepted.

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.”

Nick Wiles, chief executive officer at PayPoint, added: “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.”