LONDON, September 19, 2014 (ANTARA/PRNewswire) --

Collinson Group, a global leader in shaping customer behaviour to drive revenue and add value to its clients, has announced the acquisition of Welcome Real-time, an international provider of payment-based loyalty solutions.

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Founded in 1997, Welcome Real-time's unique, award-winning technology integrates with banking and retail systems enabling banks, card issuers and retailers to provide special offers, points redemption and other real-time communications to consumers at the point of sale. Headquartered in France with offices in Asia and Latin America, employing over 70 specialists, Welcome Real-time reaches over 100 million consumers globally.

The acquisition will further strengthen Collinson Group's loyalty capability, which includes leading loyalty marketing agency ICLP, advanced online omni-channel earning and redemption platforms through Collinson Latitude, and a global network of redemption partners. Collinson Group counts a number of the world's leading airlines, financial services, and travel brands among its customers and manages over 20 million consumer relationships.

Colin Evans, Chairman, Collinson Group says, "Welcome Real-time's unique technology and impressive customer base is a clear strategic fit for Collinson Group. Our combined skills, experience and technologies will enable our clients within the travel industry to offer their members a wider choice in both the earn and redemption aspects of their programmes. With 25 years' experience in loyalty, including 50 airlines globally, we are continually investing and developing our business to meet the needs of our clients. We look forward to including its team within the Group over the coming months."

Philippe David, CEO, Welcome Real-time commented, "We are delighted to become part of such a trusted, global brand and to be able to build on the opportunity that Collinson Group offers. There are clear synergies in terms of our offering and our customer base. As part of the broader Collinson Group we can now bring our capabilities to bear in new sectors and markets and extend our services across the entire loyalty spectrum."

About Collinson Group

Collinson Group (http://www.collinsongroup.com) is a global leader in shaping customer behaviour to drive revenue and value for clients.

We offer a unique blend of specialists across four core capabilities: Loyalty, Lifestyle Benefits, Insurance and Assistance.

Our unrivalled insight and expertise around affluent consumers and frequent travellers delivers products and services that increase engagement, loyalty and value.

With 25 years' experience, 28 locations, servicing over 800 clients in 170 countries, employing 1,500 staff, and managing over 20 million end customers, our clients include: MasterCard, VISA, Diners, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Air France KLM, and InterContinental Hotels Group.

Collinson Group comprises leading brands including: Priority Pass, Columbus Direct, ICLP, Collinson Latitude.

About Welcome Real-time

Welcome Real-time is a global provider of marketing and loyalty solutions for banks, retailers and other organizations in the payment ecosystem. Established in 1996, Welcome is implemented across 5 continents and in over 20 countries worldwide, proving its ability to meet any business need. Further information about Welcome Real-time can be found at www.welcome-rt.com.

Source: Collinson Group

Editor: PR Wire
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