International Money Express Inc

Western Union has renewed its partnership with Publix Super Markets, extending a relationship that spans more than two decades and keeps domestic and international money transfers, bill payments and money orders available at participating Publix stores across the southeastern United States. The agreement also gives Western Union a chance to reach additional customers as Publix expands into new markets including Kentucky; Publix currently operates 1,432 stores across eight states and employs more than 260,000 people, while Western Union's network covers over 200 countries and territories and supports 130 currencies. The renewal comes as Western Union's North American money transfer revenues declined 9% in second-quarter 2026 and transactions fell 5%, and it should help the company protect its retail distribution network and defend market share without building standalone branches. Western Union also works with major retailers including Kroger, Walmart, Albertsons, Walgreens, H-E-B and Giant Eagle, and management said on its second-quarter earnings call that it had renewed major retail contracts despite increased competition, with terms broadly similar to previous agreements. Separately, Western Union's pending $500 million purchase of Intermex would strengthen its U.S. retail network and its presence in Latin American remittance corridors, with management targeting $30 million in annual cost savings within two years of closing, though the deal still needs California regulatory approval and a renewed federal antitrust waiting period.

Western Union and Intermex announced that they have received regulatory approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services for Western Union's pending acquisition of Intermex. However, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation has suspended its previously granted approval extension, citing a need to further review the transaction and its impact on operations in the state. Western Union and Intermex intend to engage promptly with the California regulator to address its questions and seek reinstatement of the approval. The companies remain committed to completing the transaction and plan to close promptly after reinstatement, subject to remaining customary closing conditions.

Western Union shares surged 10% after a report that the company has begun a strategic review following an approach from a private equity firm at a price just below $10 a share. The company is now inviting offers from other possible bidders, according to traders citing a Betaville uncooked alert. The speculation comes as Western Union is in the late stages of its planned $500 million takeover of International Money Express, whose shares edged 0.5% lower on Tuesday.