Deluxe, a payments and data company, has closed its acquisition of Celero Commerce, a financial technology firm specializing in optimized payment solutions for small and mid-sized businesses and strategic partners. The transaction was originally announced on June 18.

For Deluxe — a company historically rooted in check printing that has been steadily building out its digital payments and data capabilities — the acquisition represents a significant step in its strategic transformation, substantially expanding Deluxe Merchant Services. The combined payment platform is expected to process more than $70 billion in annual gross transaction volume, positioning Deluxe among the top 10 non-bank merchant acquirers based on Nilson reporting.

The deal comes amid a broader wave of consolidation in the merchant acquiring industry, where scale has become increasingly important for funding technology investment, improving unit economics, and competing on pricing for SMB merchants. As previously disclosed, the transaction is projected to be accretive to adjusted EPS in the first full year following closing. Deluxe has identified more than $15 million in expected cost synergies, which the company anticipates will further support revenue and EBITDA margin growth.

"Acquiring Celero was an important strategic next step in our expansion as a major digital payments processor," said Barry McCarthy, President and CEO of Deluxe. "The combination is expected to add more than 55,000 merchant relationships and 130 bank partners to our existing base, and we look forward to providing all of our customers and partners with the highest-touch merchant solutions service, deep distribution experience, and a fully scaled processing platform."

The combined company stated it is committed to a careful integration process aimed at ensuring uninterrupted service for all partners and customers.

"I couldn't be more excited about what this combination makes possible," said Kevin Jones, CEO of Celero Commerce. "Our shared commitment to innovation, execution, and service creates a strong foundation for our customers and partners, and I'm confident the best is yet to come."

Deluxe intends to provide updated full-year 2026 guidance reflecting the Celero acquisition closing when it reports its second quarter 2026 financial results on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The company also plans to hold an investor day conference in December to elaborate on the integrated business and the broader strategic direction of Deluxe.