Nexi Sells Ratepay to Affirm, Expands Partnership
Nexi is divesting its payment provider Ratepay to Affirm while the two companies widen their BNPL cooperation in three European markets.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Financial Services
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Nexi agreed to sell payment provider Ratepay to Affirm, announced in a news release on Monday, November 9. The two companies also signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their partnership in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Why it matters
The divestment reflects Nexi's strategy of focusing on core activities and an optimized portfolio. The new ownership is expected to let Ratepay strengthen its buy now, pay later offering given the commercial fit between the two firms.
PYMNTS Intelligence research finds that 34% of married parents rank monthly payment amount as their leading consideration, compared with 25% of single parents. Terms of the sale and financial details were not disclosed.
The players
Nexi
Nexi is a European payments company that processes card and digital payments for merchants and banks.
Affirm
Affirm is a U.S. buy now, pay later lender that offers installment financing at online and in-store checkout.
The details
Nexi will provide transitional support to Ratepay and Affirm after the deal closes, including specialist on-the-ground support and technology expertise. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Timeline
November 9, 2026: Nexi and Affirm announce the Ratepay sale and memorandum of understanding.
First half of 2027: Regulatory approvals are expected for the deal to close.
Market Landscape
The transaction consolidates European buy now, pay later capacity under Affirm, reflecting competitive positioning in the BNPL segment. It also aligns with PYMNTS Intelligence findings that pay later providers serve households with children under differing definitions of an attractive offer.
For Nexi and Affirm shareholders, the transaction reshapes the scope of their businesses, with completion depending on regulatory approval. Consumers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland may see changes to the BNPL options offered through Ratepay as the partnership expands.
The takeaway
The Nexi and Affirm deal shows payments companies narrowing to core activities while BNPL providers consolidate to strengthen their European footprint. Readers tracking buy now, pay later services should watch how the expanded partnership changes checkout options in the three markets once approvals are granted.
What happens next
Regulatory approvals are expected in the first half of 2027, at which point the Ratepay sale is expected to close.
Further reading
For more on how payment deals reshape the industry, see Financial Services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PYMNTS.
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