PRESS RELEASE: GBG, the identity data intelligence specialist today announced it has acquired PCA Predict (formerly Postcode Anywhere), a leading provider of UK and international address validation services, for £66m. With over 9,000 customers, PCA processes millions of transactions every day for some of the world’s largest ecommerce companies.
It’s also used to enhance the quality of data held within CRM systems and to improve user experience and customer conversion rates. With GBG’s unrivalled data partnerships, PCA’s technology will now be far easier to internationalise, offering frictionless billing and self-service capabilities in all the world’s key markets.
Delivered via an easy to deploy, self-serve SaaS platform, the functionality can be integrated in minutes. Additional services such as mobile phone number, email and card payment verification help to build a complete customer identity profile.
Shoppers expect retailers to know exactly where to deliver the products they’ve purchased. As ecommerce sites move towards same day delivery, speed and an effortless experience become the crucial differentiator. This requires improved identity and location data, delivered in real-time via the Cloud. And in regulated markets where identity verification is required, knowing that the given address actually exists is fundamental to protecting against identity fraud and crime.
The transaction combines PCA’s SaaS technology with GBG’s global address repository – available for over 190 countries – to create the world’s leading location intelligence platform. The acquisition brings together two complementary solutions as well as offering a full suite of deployment options to the combined customer base. The full product portfolio now includes:
GBG Loqate – aimed at global enterprises through our channel partners
GBG Matchcode360 – sold directly to large corporates with the addition of sector specific reference data
PCA Predict – designed specifically for smaller businesses, the easy, ‘drag & drop’ interface supports instant integration
PCA’s platform is equipped to handle high transaction volumes. This means GBG will be able to deliver extra capacity to customers at peak times much faster and more easily.
Chris Clark, CEO at GBG said: “The joining of PCA Predict and GBG is a very exciting prospect. There is a strong strategic and cultural fit in combining our capabilities which will bring significant benefit to our customers. PCA already serves many leading ecommerce companies who are transforming the way we shop and access services online. We are ideally placed to support their growth. Together with the fantastic team at PCA, we have the opportunity to accelerate our progress in this fast emerging market.”
Guy Mucklow, President at PCA Predict said: “We are really excited about becoming part of GBG. It brings together two highly successful, growth focused, businesses with complementary skills and similar cultures to create a world class technology company. The GBG team has a long history of integrating acquisitions successfully; together we now have the very best knowledge and expertise in this sector.”
David Green, Managing Director of Location Intelligence at GBG added: “GBG has admired the work of the PCA Predict team for many years and we’re thrilled to welcome them into the GBG family. Our location intelligence solutions will fuel explosive growth of ecommerce and vertical market applications that are emerging from the transition to SaaS and Cloud computing. PCA will integrate with existing GBG capabilities developing a common global roadmap and technology platform.
“This technology is just the start of the customer journey. It provides a means for clients to access other GBG identity data intelligence services, delivered via the same SaaS model.”