Vivotech said it has approached VeriFone Systems Inc. about acquiring the U.S. assets of Hypercom Corp.
VeriFone announced in November it would divest Hypercom's U.S. assets after it completes its purchase of the rival terminal maker. That acquisition is expected to close in the second half of this year.
Vivotech, of Santa Clara, Calif., provides software and systems for the use of near field communication technology, which is being used in many mobile payment trials. The company has shipped more than 800,000 contactless NFC readers. Through its direct and reseller channels, Vivotech has an 80% share of U.S. deployments, including nearly all of VeriFone's U.S. contactless NFC readers.
"NFC mobile commerce is on the cusp of becoming reality," Mick Mullagh, Vivotech's chief executive, said in a press release Thursday. "Vivotech's acquisition of the Hypercom U.S. assets would allow us to accelerate the adoption of this revolutionary new technology and ensure that a vigorous and competitive market emerges."
