Cardtronics acquires Spark ATM Systems to enter African market

Cardtronics CEO Steve Rathgaber. ©Dave Rossman

Privately held and headquartered in Cape Town, Spark ATM Systems is a fast-growing independent ATM deployer (IADs) in South Africa, with a growing nationwide network of approximately 2,600 ATMs.

Novitas Capital Advisors advised Spark ATM Systems. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Cardtronics CEO Steve Rathgaber, commented, “Spark ATM Systems is an innovative and respected ATM deployer, with relationships with leading banks in South Africa, making it a strong fit with Cardtronics. We are excited to broaden our global footprint into South Africa, with a management team that has built an impressive operating and technology platform.”

Spark ATM Systems MD Marc Sternberg added, “This is a major milestone for Spark and is a strong vote of confidence not only in our organisation but also in the growth potential of South Africa’s ATM market."

Global expansion into Africa

Founded in 2005, Spark ATM Systems expands Cardtronics’ global presence by adding South Africa as an anchor market in Africa, alongside the company’s established operations.

South Africa is under-penetrated in terms of ATMs per person, relative to Cardtronics’ two largest existing markets, and consumer use of retail ATMs in South Africa is well-established, with nearly 80% of all ATMs located off-site from a bank branch, according to research firm RBR. Spark ATM Systems continues to capitalise on local banks’ appetite to outsource segments of their ATM networks to IADs, while merchants continue to turn to them as their ATM provider of choice.

Spark ATM Systems will continue to operate under its current name and its founders, Marc Sternberg and Russel Berman, and the existing management team will continue in their current roles. The Spark ATM Systems head office in Cape Town will be retained as Cardtronics’ African base of operations.