Dutch payments giant Mollie is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to acquire UK-based GoCardless, with the transaction potentially closing as soon as September 2025.
The acquisition would represent one of the most significant consolidations in Europe's payments landscape this year. GoCardless, which specializes in direct bank payment solutions, has attracted considerable interest from potential buyers throughout 2025. Swedish payments firm Trustly was among the suitors, though discussions between the two companies ended earlier in the year, clearing the path for Mollie.
The two companies already share leadership connections. Mollie CEO Koen Köppen has served as an independent director on GoCardless's board since 2022, following the company's $312 million Series G funding round led by Permira that valued the business at $2.1 billion.
GoCardless has shown strong financial momentum. In fiscal year 2024, the company reported revenue growth of 38% to £126.8 million, while transaction volume climbed 28% to £39.6 billion. Net losses fell by 55%, aided by cost-cutting measures including workforce reductions of up to 20% and offshoring initiatives.
Mollie, meanwhile, has established itself as one of Europe's fastest-growing payment service providers. The company recorded €214 million in revenue for 2024, representing 28% year-over-year growth driven by its product-led strategy and international expansion efforts.
A combined entity would create a European payments powerhouse, merging GoCardless's expertise in direct bank payments with Mollie's robust merchant platform for online and e-commerce transactions. The deal would accelerate Mollie's ambition to deliver an end-to-end payment ecosystem for European and global merchants.
The transaction reflects broader consolidation trends in the fintech sector. Industry data shows 62 acquisitions occurred in the first half of 2025, up from 57 during the same period in 2024, as companies seek scale and complementary capabilities in an increasingly competitive market.