Finance

Lesaka Technologies to Acquire Touchsides, Bolstering South African Market Presence

Published February 6, 2024

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Lesaka Technologies, Inc. LSAK, a prominent player in the digital finance sector, is poised to make a substantial impact on the South African market with its latest strategic move. In an announcement made today, Lesaka revealed a definitive agreement to acquire Touchsides (Pty) Ltd, a company renowned for its advanced data analytics, insights, and merchant services offerings. This acquisition signifies a deliberate expansion of Lesaka's Merchant Division within South Africa's dynamic informal market. Touchsides, previously under the ownership of Heineken International B.V., is expected to integrate seamlessly with Lesaka's existing operations, providing a solid foundation for growth and innovation in the region.

Strategic Implications of the Acquisition

The procurement of Touchsides aligns with Lesaka's broader objectives to deepen its market penetration and enhance its service portfolio. With this acquisition, Lesaka will harness Touchsides' robust technology platform, which underpins a large network of merchants and offers data-driven insights into consumer behavior. This move further entrenches LSAK as a crucial player in South Africa's informal economy, which is marked by high transaction volumes and significant growth potential.

Financial and Operational Benefits

From a financial standpoint, the Touchsides acquisition promises to be accretive to Lesaka's earnings and operational capabilities. The enhanced data analytics and merchant services capacities are set to optimize Lesaka's product offerings, benefiting both merchants and consumers. Additionally, the deal is expected to drive long-term shareholder value as Lesaka leverages synergies and captures market share in the informal sector, which has historically been underserved by traditional financial institutions.

Lesaka, Touchsides, Acquisition