PRA Group Boosts Online Payment With Latest Acquisition

PRA Group Inc. (NASDAQ:PRAA) recently acquired eGov Systems for an undisclosed purchase price.

e-Gov Systems provides web-based payment portals and integrated revenue administration solutions to the government sector. The company was founded two decades ago and currently caters to the payment needs of more than 300 clients. It successfully processes more than $1.2 million online transactions every year.

e-Gov has been providing its payment portal services to PRA Group’s government business since 2008. Therefore, the acquisition of e-Gov will help PRA Group to add capabilities to its existing online payment portals apart from enhancing services and broadening client base.

PRA Group undertakes strategic buyouts for growth and expansion. Acquisitions of IGS Nevada, Alatax, Broussard Partners, MuniServices, Claims Compensation Bureau and Mackenzie Hall have enabled the company to expand its operations beyond primary debt collection to government collections, audit services and claims settlement. This diversification has also facilitated it maintain steady earnings growth as well as partially mitigate the stress on collections due to the recent economic softness.

PRA group currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Also, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has been revised downward over the past several weeks. However, we expect the aforesaid acquisition to result in upward estimate revisions and an upgrade in Zacks Rank.

Insurers often undertake acquisitions to drive growth. Recently, Assurant Inc. (NYSE:AIZ) acquired Americaln Title Inc. to strengthen its capabilities in the housing market. Also, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) acquired 85% interest in Brim AB to expand its presence in Scandinavia. AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFSI) acquired Total Program Management LLC to expand its esteemed fee-based businesses.