The latest Nilson Report has arrived featuring an in-depth look at POS terminal shipments worldwide (subscription only). This issue also has articles discussing the Visa's merger/IPO plans, Internet gambling legislation, and projections for the growth in purchase transactions on credit and debit cards globally by 2010.

Tony Adams reports for the Columbus, GA Ledger-Enquirer that "Synovus Financial Corp., which owns 80 percent of payment processor TSYS, is seriously considering spinning off its subsidiary in the face of financial pressure to diversify and grow its business by acquiring other companies around the world." One important issue is that TSYS is limited in its ability to do stock-based acquisitions with its parent holding such a position.

We have received news of the following recent management changes:

• Michalis Michaelides has been named Business Development Manager for TSYS Card Tech's European and Indian subcontinent business units. Phone: + +357.2288.2600.

• National Restaurant Association Comments on Announcement that Visa Will Publish Interchange Fee Schedule on Website
  
• LLR Partners and Greenhill Capital Partners Co-Lead $56.2 Million Recapitalization of First Equity Card Corporation
  
• Fifth Third Electronic Deposit Solution Posts Back-to-Back Billion Dollar Months
  
• Fort Knox National Company to Provide Innovative Payment Solutions for Arvest Bank Operations