Google wants to buy mobile payment Softcard not more than $ 100 million

   

         Apple has launched Apple Pay, now Google seems to have begun to create their own wallet. According to informed sources, the search giant, Android manufacturer intends to acquire mobile payment company Softcard, but not more than $ 100 million bid.


　　Softcard, formerly known as Isis, created by AT & T, Verizon and T-Mobile three operators in 2010, they have millions of dollars to their investment. But Google's offer can be seen, the company is currently in what predicament.

　　Early January, Softcard lay off about 60 people, and in a state of being acquired. Softcard did not comment on acquisition rumors, also did not disclose how much invested in the operation of funds, but layoffs responded. Its spokesman said: "Softcard is taking measures to reduce costs and enhance business, including simplifying the company's organizational structure, all the operations into Dallas and New York offices we believe that these measures will help improve the efficiency of help Softcard retain market position. ., while continuing to focus on services for the market. "

　　Google also declined to comment, the company issued a statement saying the message:. "We will not make any comment on this, nor will they make any form of response to the rumors."

　　AT & T, Verizon and T-Mobile and other carriers intention is to create a unified fight Softcard near field communication "non-contact" (NFC) payment solutions, the United States is said to have more than 200,000 merchants to accept this payment. Softcard payment applications support Android and Windows Phone devices, but does not support Apple's iPhone.

　　Softcard application users can activate American Express, Chase, Wells Fargo and other banks, payment card, and then use their mobile phones to pay for shopping. But it is unclear whether such services have a tremendous appeal to consumers, it is unclear Softcard services can get what kind of return. A source revealed, Softcard day money burn rate of about $ 500,000, or $ 15 million per month.

　　Google acquisition rumors Softcard lot of interest, PayPal and Microsoft are also said to contact Softcard. Another possibility, if the external sale can not be completed, AT & T or Verizon might take over one of Softcard, even though they themselves are also looking for mobile devices wallet services.

　　The source said that one of the reasons Google is interested to Softcard fancy the latter patent, Softcard 120 patents. Moreover, given the close relationship between the three operators Softcard with the, Softcard sales channels may also become one of the bargaining.

　　In the case of rumors, Softcard staff morale is very low. A source said: "Softcard employees on the current situation is very confused, at least in the last 6-8 months, the entire company is very depressed, even a lot of people have not come to work in general, here's business. Cultural less transparent, many people are thinking the worst direction "

　　Softcard former chief commercial officer Ed Booth ratio (Ed Busby), said: "Unfortunately, they chose this sensitive time now flinch fact, ever since. I got into this line since this is the first time I saw signs of an outbreak of mobile payments. "For Softcard acquisitions may be rumors, Division of Boothby not surprised. He said: "I can only say that everyone has realized that this is much longer than people expected the investment process, but they do not want long-standing need for such investment.."