Affirm buys Nexi's BNPL unit Ratepay to expand in Germany
What's the deal? Nexi has agreed to sell RatepayDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, its Germany-based buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) unit serving merchants in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, to US payments network Affirm. The acquisition price was undisclosed. Nexi and Affirm also signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their existing partnership in the DACH region.
Why now? The sale follows Nexi's 2026 Capital Markets Day plan to focus on core businesses, cut leverage and invest selectively. "The sale is in line with our strategy, focused on our core businesses and portfolio optimization," said Bernardo Mingrone, chief executive officer of Nexi GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
What's the endgame? For Affirm, Ratepay brings an established DACH presence as it pushes beyond its core markets. The timing matters: new EU rules bringing more BNPL products under consumer-credit requirements take effect in November 2026, raising the premium on scale, compliance and funding.
Who gets what? The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. Nexi will provide Ratepay and Affirm with transition support, including on-the-ground specialists and technical expertise. NomuraDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → advised Nexi.
Neither side expects a major financial shift. Nexi says the deal will slightly improve its net financial position and cash generation, while Affirm expects no significant impact on its 2027 outlook. Nexi shares rose 1.3% to €4.56.
The signal: This looks like balance-sheet and portfolio housekeeping rather than a landmark transaction. But it also marks a step in European BNPL consolidation, with scale and compliance capability becoming decisive as tighter EU credit rules arrive.
Read more: hk.marketscreener.com
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