Deluxe Corporation (NYSE:DLX) has reached an agreement to purchase Nashville-based Celero Commerce for approximately $625 million in cash, plus certain seller-related expenses and adjustments. The transaction, unveiled on June 18, 2026, marks a key step in Deluxe’s ongoing shift toward higher-growth digital payments and data services.
Deluxe, the Minneapolis-based company long associated with the pocket checkbook over a century ago, now operates as a comprehensive payments and data solutions provider.
It supports millions of small businesses, thousands of financial institutions, and major consumer brands while handling more than $2 trillion in annual payment volume.
Celero Commerce specializes in integrated payment processing solutions designed for small and medium-sized businesses.
The firm combines advanced omnichannel payment technology with personalized, localized support and additional tools such as business management software and data analytics.
This approach helps merchants improve efficiency, drive growth, and enhance profitability.
In 2025, Celero generated more than $200 million in revenue and achieved a 28% adjusted EBITDA margin with strong free cash flow conversion.
The acquisition is expected to accelerate Deluxe’s strategic transformation.
On a pro forma basis following closing, the combined Payments and Data segments are projected to represent 57% of 2026 revenues, up significantly from 31% in 2020.
Together, the two companies processed roughly $70 billion in gross transaction volume in 2025, positioning the merged entity among the largest non-bank merchant acquirers in the United States.
Barry McCarthy, President and CEO of Deluxe, stated that Celero’s addition will immediately advance the company’s evolution by expanding its distribution channels, strengthening technology capabilities, and broadening reach across key partner networks including banks, independent software vendors, and sales organizations.
He highlighted Celero’s dedicated customer base, experienced team, and cultural alignment as strong complements to Deluxe’s existing platform.
Kevin Jones, Founder and CEO of Celero Commerce, described the combination as an exciting new chapter that will allow both organizations to scale their shared focus on innovative technology and customer-centric service more effectively.
He noted that partnering with Deluxe’s resources and infrastructure will open greater opportunities for growth and value delivery to merchants and partners.
Financially, the deal is anticipated to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share in the first full year after closing.
It is also expected to support higher revenue growth and improved adjusted EBITDA margins, aided by more than $15 million in identified cost synergies to be realized over 24 months, along with additional revenue synergy potential.
At closing, Deluxe’s net leverage ratio is projected at approximately 3.9x, with a clear path to reduce it below 3.0x within 24 months through ongoing debt repayment.
The transaction will be financed through a committed $375 million incremental Term Loan A facility led by BofA Securities, supplemented by draws on Deluxe’s existing revolving credit line.
It remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, with completion targeted for the third quarter of 2026.
Deluxe has reaffirmed its previously issued 2026 full-year guidance and plans to provide updated figures after the deal closes.
This acquisition underscores the broader industry trend of legacy financial services companies investing in digital capabilities to serve the evolving needs of small and mid-sized businesses. By integrating Celero’s specialized merchant solutions with its own scaled infrastructure, Deluxe aims to deliver a more comprehensive and competitive offering in the payments space.