Berner Group to Process Payments on the Wirecard Platform

MUNICH, January 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- The Munich-based Technology Group is Offering a Comprehensive Package of Solutions for the Wholesale Company's International Online Stores

The Berner Group, which is based in Künzelsau, Germany, is a leading direct sales company operating across Europe and specializing in small components for professional use in the construction and automotive segments as well as in industry. Roughly 8,000 employees ensure that customers benefit from their relations with Berner.

The company has recently opted for the services provided by Wirecard AG of Munich for processing payments at its German online store. In the future, customers in a total of 14 countries will be able to order the articles offered by the Berner Group via the Internet; depending on the national company, the range comprises between 10,000 and 30,000 articles. As of next year, Berner's customers in France will be the next to be able to place their orders on line, with further countries to follow step by step.

The package of solutions comprises the processing of payments, risk management and credit-card acceptance for e-commerce ordering processes. With the extensive package of solutions provided by Wirecard AG, the Berner Group will be able to utilize payment processing services from a single source: The handling of payment processes via the Wirecard Payment Page permits transparent controlling, allowing the individual transactions to be monitored directly. Innovative risk management methods specifically tailored to meet the direct sales company's needs provide optimum protection against the risk of payment defaults. At the same time, Wirecard Bank AG handles acquiring for processing credit card payments. In its relations with Wirecard AG, Berner additionally benefits from maximum flexibility. Thus, for example, it is possible to integrate further payment methods within the payment platform swiftly and simply if required.

Explains Alexander Emmert, Head of International Alternative Distribution Channels at Berner: "After extensive investigations, we opted for a single-source solution. This is because our international orientation calls for convenient and transparent contractual structures. What was also important for us was to work with a service provider who is able to provide optimum support for our strategic objective of boosting profitability. By working with Wirecard, we are able to simplify our back-office processes substantially, thus reducing time requirements and cutting costs."

In addition to the extensive range of products, Berner's customers particularly appreciate the practical special functions. For example, e-procurement functions allow them to optimize their ordering processes by using cost-center and budget management.

"Our partnership with the Berner Group confirms that with our commitment to providing all solutions from a single source we are able to provide retailers with the support they require. Transparent and harmonized processes offer decisive added value particularly for internationally active companies which operate multiple stores under a single roof," explains Marion Laewe, Head of Sales eCommerce, Division Consumer Goods at Wirecard AG.

BTI Befestigungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, which is also a member of the Berner Group, offers a specialized range for builders and is already using Wirecard AG's payment platform for its online shop.

About the Berner Group:

Berner is one of the leading European direct sales companies specializing in small components for professional use in the construction and automotive sector as well as in industry. Roughly 8,000 qualified and knowledgeable employees - including 5,000 in the external sales force - ensure each day that customers in over 20 European countries receive comprehensive and professional service.

It is guided by its commitment to a successful partnership with its customers. One of the key determinants of Berner's success is its dedication to aligning the range of its products to meet the needs of target customer groups combined with close and ongoing dialog with its customers. With its ability to adjust to conditions in regional markets and the needs of local customers, Berner can respond flexibly to different users.

http://www.berner-group.com

http://www.berner.de

http://www.bti.de

About Wirecard AG:

Wirecard AG is one of the leading international providers of electronic payment and risk management solutions. Worldwide, the Wirecard Group supports over 11,000 companies from various industry segments in their efforts to automate their payment processes and minimize cases of default. Wirecard Bank AG is a Principal Member of Visa, MasterCard and JCB and operates as a credit card acquirer in 69 countries around the world, involving over 100 transaction currencies and 15 payout currencies. Part of the Wirecard Group, Wirecard Bank provides innovative solutions in the fields of corporate banking, prepaid and co-branded cards, along with account products for both business and private customers. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Securities Exchange (TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060, WDI).

http://www.wirecard.com

http://www.wirecardbank.com

http://www.mywirecard.com

    
    Wirecard media contact:

    Wirecard AG
    Iris Stöckl
    Bretonischer Ring 4
    D-85630 Grasbrunn
    Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1424
    Fax: +49(0)89-4424-2424
    E-Mail: iris.stoeckl@wirecard.com
    Internet: http://www.wirecard.com

    Berner media contact:

    Berner SE
    Bernerstrasse 6
    D-74653 Künzelsau
    Kommunikation International
    Sibylle Kolb
    Tel.: +49(0)7940-121-632
    Fax.: +49(0)7940-121-11632
    E-Mail: sibylle.kolb@berner-group.com
    Internet: http://www.berner-group.com