Deluxe to Acquire Payment Processor Celero Commerce for $625 Million

Deluxe (NYSE: DLX), a trusted payments and data company, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Celero Commerce, a financial technology company focused on optimized payment solutions for small to mid-sized businesses and strategic partners, for approximately $625 million in an all-cash transaction. This acquisition is a pivotal step in Deluxe's ongoing transformation strategy to shift its revenue mix towards higher-growth Payments and Data segments.

Under the terms of the agreement, Deluxe will acquire Celero Commerce for approximately $625 million in cash, plus payment of certain seller transaction expenses and other adjustments. The transaction will be funded through committed debt financing, consisting of an incremental Term Loan A financing of $375 million from a five-bank syndicate led by BofA Securities, Inc., and by drawing on Deluxe's existing revolving credit facility. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in the U.S. and other customary closing conditions, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2026.

Celero Commerce is recognized as an industry-leading integrated payment processing partner, offering high-tech, high-touch merchant solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. The company combines a comprehensive, all-in-one suite of omnichannel payment solutions with dedicated, localized customer support to drive growth and increase profitability. Celero Commerce has also pursued its own aggressive growth strategy through acquisitions, completing 12 prior deals, most recently acquiring Dpscorporate in March 2026.

Post-closing, the combined Payments and Data businesses are expected to account for 57% of Deluxe's 2026 proforma revenues, a significant increase from 31% in 2020. This shift underscores Deluxe's objective to reposition its revenue mix towards segments with greater growth potential. Deluxe anticipates the combination to be accretive to adjusted EPS in the first year following closing, extending both revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA margin rates, while also unlocking significant identified cost synergy opportunities across the combined organizations.

The consolidation in the payment processing sector reflects the broader trend of financial services companies striving to meet the demand for digitalization and integrated solutions. As small and mid-sized businesses accelerate their adoption of digital payment infrastructures, such acquisitions enable companies to expand their market share and gain a competitive edge. Deluxe's move solidifies its vision of successfully transitioning its legacy from checkbook manufacturing and traditional financial services into modern fintech solutions.

Market analysts generally agree that Deluxe's acquisition of Celero Commerce will strengthen the company's long-term growth strategy. The transaction is expected to further modernize Deluxe's payment technology infrastructure, integrate complementary go-to-market capabilities, and expand customer reach through a broadened and diversified customer base. Deluxe management has stated that no change is required to its dividend policy, and its 2026 full-year guidance remains unchanged, with updates anticipated post-closing.