Groupe FDJ has announced the launch of its new payment solution brand ‘Nirio’, as the operator of the French National Lottery steps up its expansion plans in the sector.
Managed by FDJ’s payments subsidiary and developed in cooperation with the Confederation of Tobacconists, Nirio allows French consumers to pay their daily bills or their rent using the bar-tobacco-press network.
As it stands, 10,000 FDJ partner merchants have agreed to offer the service to their customers, of which 5,000 have been approved by French financial institutions monitor Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR).
Raphaël Botbol, Strategy, Innovation and New Activities Director of FDJ, commented: “What is important for our group is to put people back at the heart of the payment of daily bills, by offering an alternative and a practical and fast for people who are sometimes far from urban areas or resistant to online payment.
“Nirio will be able to draw on the experience and network of FDJ partner merchants.”
This deal is another statement of intent from FDJ, who, earlier this year, stated its ambition of becoming France’s leading proximity payment collection and processing network.
That came after the acquisition of L’Addition, a French firm specialising in payment management, point of sales systems and management services for the hospitality sector.
Following the launch of Nirio, FDJ has reiterated its stance.
“The ambition of the FDJ group is to become the leading player in local payment services in France,” the firm explained.
Additionally, Nirio and Seqens, a social landlord and subsidiary of the Action Logement group, have announced the signing of a partnership which will make it possible to pay rent by cash or card at approved points of sale.
“Seqens has always placed the relationship with its tenants at the heart of its action, and is constantly adapting its offer to meet their expectations,” added Stéphane Dauphin, Managing Director of Seqens.
“This partnership offers a local service while facilitating the collection of rents.
“With this new means of payment, everyone benefits from it, both for the tenants through its flexibility and ease of access and for our company through the improvement in our collection.”
