Western Union Buys Orlandi Valuta

Western Union Financial Services Inc. said it completed its purchase of Orlandi Valuta, which provides money transfers from the U.S. to Mexico, for an undisclosed price. The unit of Paramus, N.J.-based First Data Corp. said Orlandi Valuta will operate as an independent company and continue to use the Orlandi Valuta name. Orlandi Valuta agents will sell Western Union products and services, including money transfer, money orders and in-person bill payment services. Orlandi Chairman Paolo Orlandi will leave the company and President Hector Gonzalez will remain in his current position, Western Union said. Los Angeles-based Orlandi, founded in 1985, operates through more than 2,000 retail agent locations in California, Texas, Illinois, Florida and Mexico.