Intellicheck Mobilisa
Helzberg Diamonds has inked a contract to implement ID Check throughout their 230 U.S. retail locations. The jeweler hopes the Intellicheck Mobilisa solution will reduce the risk of fraudulent purchases.
Capital One and Helzberg Diamonds Re-Up on Private Label Card
Capital One Financial Corporation and Helzberg Diamonds announced a multi-year extension of the private label credit card program agreement. The partnership enables consumers to have expanded buying power through access to special purchase offers, as well as exclusive benefits and financing options. Capital One’s continued partnership with Helzberg Diamonds reinforces the company’s commitment to building its credit card partnership business.
HSBC Extends Contracts with Four National Merchants
HSBC has renewed or extended long term contracts with four major U.S. merchants across multiple industries, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building their private label (merchant branded) credit card business in the U.S. The Neiman Marcus Group extended into 2015. HSBC has managed their program since 2005. Furniture Row extended into 2014. HSBC has managed their program since 2003. Helzberg Diamonds extended into 2013. HSBC has managed their program since 2004. Polaris extended into 2013. HSBC has managed their program since 2001.Neiman Marcus Group’s private label credit card gives customers an additional way to pay for purchases while earning “InCircle” points with each purchase that can be redeemed for gift cards, air miles, and other exclusive gifts. Furniture Row’s “Express Money” Card program offers special financing opportunities, enabling consumers to purchase furniture in an affordable way. Helzberg Diamonds’ Preferred Card program provides access to special purchase offers, as well as exclusive benefits and financing options. The Polaris private label credit card program operates under StarCard.
Alliance Data Systems’ Q4 Up 15% to $603B
Dallas-based Alliance Data Systems reported that fourth quarter revenue increased 15% to $603 million. The “AIR MILES Reward Program” in Canada continued its over-performance, driven by strong double-digit growth in “AIR MILES” reward miles issued and solid operating leverage. U.S. Marketing Services (Epsilon) posted the Company’s highest growth rates. Marketing spend continues to shift away from traditional media channels and into specific, highly targeted ROI-based efforts. Additionally, the Company’s private label business also continued to post solid results with better than expected new wins further driving growth. Epsilon, ADS’s U.S. platform for Marketing Services, had another outstanding quarter, posting double-digit growth fueled by escalating global demand from new and existing clients. During the quarter Epsilon announced it had signed a multi-year agreement with Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary Helzberg Diamonds, a fine jewelry retailer operating 269 stores throughout the United States, pursuant to which the Company will manage Helzberg Diamonds’ marketing database and provide data and analytical support for customer cross-sell and acquisition marketing efforts. In addition, during the quarter Epsilon announced it had signed a multi-year agreement to provide loyalty marketing and database services, analytics, permission-based email communications and strategic consulting.
ADS Reconfirms its Revenue Guidance
Alliance Data Systems has reconfirmed its full-year guidance of at least $2.1 billion in revenues, at least $575 million in adjusted EBITDA and at least $3.50 in cash earnings per share for 2007. As a result of the previously announced acquisition of Alliance Data by an affiliate of The Blackstone Group, Alliance Data continues to be in a blackout phase with regard to participating at investor conferences and meetings. Therefore, the Company today is reiterating to its stockholders the 2007 full-year guidance previously given by the Company on October 17, 2007, and providing insight into the general trends of its businesses, all of which suggest no change in the Company’s long term stated growth rates.
Owens to Associates
James A. Owens has been promoted to senior vice president of Portfolio Management for Credit Card Operations at Associates First Capital Corporation. In this position, Owens will oversee credit card portfolio risk management activities for the U.S. bankcard and private label divisions.
Prior to joining The Associates, Owens spent three years with U.S. Bancorp where he was responsible for credit card portfolio risk management. He has a degree in engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla and a Masters at Business Administration from St. Louis University.
Associates Credit Card Operations issues Visa and MasterCard credit cards as well as a number of private label credit cards on behalf of such leading retailers as Gateway Computers, Helzberg Diamonds, Office Depot, Radio Shack, Staples and Value America. The Associates is also the largest issuer of private label oil cards in the nation, with its BP Amoco, Shell and Texaco programs, and is one of the largest independent sources of financing for personal computers and related products.
Associates First Capital Corporation, established in 1918, is a leading diversified finance company providing consumer and commercial finance, leasing, insurance and related services worldwide. The Associates has operations in the United States and 13 international markets. Headquartered in Dallas, it is the largest publicly traded finance company in the United States, based on total market capitalization. For more information, visit The Associates Web site at [www.theassociates.com][1]
[1]: http://www.theassociates.com
ACS Moves SPS Headquarters
Associates Commerce Solutions (ACS), a subsidiary of Associates First Capital Corporation, Monday dedicated its new headquarters in Deerfield, IL. More than 350 employees will occupy the 125,000 square foot facility. The grand opening also marked the company’s official name change from SPS Payment Systems to Associates Commerce Solutions. The company moved from Riverwoods, Ill.
“We are pleased so many distinguished community leaders could join us for our grand opening. This new facility represents the strong growth potential for Associates Commerce Solutions,” said Joseph N. Scarpinato, senior executive vice president, Credit Card Operations, Associates First Capital Corporation.
As a living symbol of ACS’ commitment to its new community, a mature tree was donated to support Deerfield’s efforts to revitalize downtown.
Associates Commerce Solutions is a leading provider of consumer private label credit card programs and technology-based commerce solutions. Its clients include Gateway Computer, Goodyear, Helzberg Diamonds, Office Depot, Office Max, Radio Shack, Staples and Value America. It has operations centers in Asheville, N.C.; Gray, Tenn.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Layton, Utah. ACS employs approximately 4,200 individuals throughout these locations.
Dignitaries who participated in the dedication and grand opening ceremony included Illinois State Senator Terry Link; Derek Ragona, trustee, Village of Deerfield; Pam McDonough, director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs; Vicki Case, president, Deerfield Chamber of Commerce; Jerry O’Mally, managing director, CarrAmerica; Joe Scarpinato, senior executive vice president, Credit Card Operations, Associates First Capital Corporation; and Dick Robinson, president, Associates Commerce Solutions. ACS employees also joined in the ceremonies.
Associates First Capital Corporation, established in 1918, is a leading diversified finance company providing consumer and commercial finance, leasing, insurance and related services worldwide. The Associates has operations in the United States and 13 international markets. Headquartered in Dallas, it is one of the nation’s 100 largest companies, based on total market capitalization. For more information, visit The Associates Web site at [http://www.theassociates.com][1].
[1]: http://www.theassociates.com/