Shift4, an American company specialising in integrated payments and commerce technology, has agreed to acquire Smartpay for NZ$296.4m ($180m) in an all-cash deal.
The two parties have entered into a scheme implementation agreement in this regard.
Smartpay is a provider of payment processing and point-of-sale solutions in Australia and New Zealand.
The company offers customised payment solutions and maintains a distribution network supporting over 40,000 merchants in Australia and New Zealand. Completion of this acquisition is anticipated in Q4 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
Smartpay specialises in electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) solutions, servicing merchants through the design, development, and implementation of their systems. Shift4 has previously executed strategies involving acquisitions to enhance integrated payment experiences in various regions, including Germany, the UK, and Ireland.
Shift4 CEO Taylor Lauber said: “This acquisition follows the Shift4 playbook to a tee. It deepens our strategic presence in Australia and New Zealand, providing a significant opportunity to offer our full suite of software and payments solutions in the region.
“By combining our payment infrastructure with Smartpay’s distribution capabilities, we’re well positioned to go-to-market at scale in the region with our leading products and services such as SkyTab POS for restaurants, SkyTab Venue for stadiums and arenas, and our end-to-end payment solution for hotels and unified commerce merchants.”
After concluding negotiations with Smartpay, Shift4 announced that the offer price of NZ$1.2 ($0.71) under the scheme represents its best and final proposal in the absence of any competing bids.
The scheme requires the approval of Smartpay shareholders, clearance under the New Zealand Overseas Investment Act 2005, and the consent of the New Zealand High Court. Additionally, no material adverse change should occur, among other standard conditions outlined in the scheme implementation agreement.
The scheme will not be dependent on financing conditions.
A special meeting is expected to be held in Q3 2025 to seek Smartpay shareholders’ approval for the acquisition.
Smartpay CEO Marty Pomeroy said: “Smartpay remains focused on being the payments partner of choice, investing and adding scale to our existing Australian and New Zealand business.
“The proposed transaction, if completed, will see Shift4 partner with Smartpay to deliver an enhanced value proposition to our customers, employees and other stakeholders while delivering immediate and derisked value to our current shareholders.”
