In today’s top payments news around the world, India’s social networking platform ShareChat is said to be close to finishing a Series E funding round led by Google and Snap, while Indonesia’s ride-hailing and payments platform Gojek is reportedly in talks with Tokopedia for a business combination. Plus, Finnish payment service provider Paytrail Oyj is planning to acquire Checkout Finland Oy.
India’s ShareChat Could Close Series E Round Led By Google, Snap
India’s social networking platform ShareChat is reportedly near completing a Series E funding round headed up by Snap and Google. ShareChat, which is based in Bangalore and engages users in 15 Indian languages, is well-used in smaller cities in the nation. The round is anticipated to be above $200 million, with Google kicking in over $100 million.
Indonesia’s Gojek Mulls $18 Billion Merger With Tokopedia
Indonesia’s ridesharing and payments platform Gojek is reportedly in discussions with Tokopedia for an $18 billion business combination. The two companies are said to be in advanced talks before a possible public offering of the combined company. A tie-up between Gojek and Tokopedia could make a combined company worth $18 billion.
Nets Group’s Paytrail Plans Checkout Finland Acquisition
Paytrail Oyj, the Finnish payment service provider owned by Nets Group, is intending to buy Checkout Finland Oy, part of OP Financial Group. The latter company has seen expedient expansion on all fronts of the Finnish payments environment and is expecting to finish 2020 with revenues reaching nearly €12 million (approximately $14.7 million).
Britain Goes On National Lockdown; New COVID Virus 70 Pct More Contagious
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put a new national lockdown in place to combat the new, very contagious strain of the coronavirus. Individuals will only be allowed to depart their residences to purchase essentials, work if they can’t do so from their residences, work out, visit the doctor and leave domestic abuse situations.