Glenbrook has released a new research report on virtual currencies fundamentals.

Our focus is on describing what virtual currencies are, how they work, who uses them, and why. We describe the general characteristics and key attributes of a typical virtual currency program, demonstrating the strategic choices facing online sites as they contemplate whether or not a virtual currency is an attractive addition to their monetization strategy.

The specific currencies covered include Facebook Credits, Microsoft Point, PlaySpan Ultimate Points, Tencent Q Coin, Second Life Linden Dollars, World of Warcraft Gold, various Zynga currencies, and the experimental BitCoin digital currency.

TransUnion announced today that "Advent International and GS Capital Partners VI Fund, LP and certain of its affiliates (the "Sponsors") have signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire TransUnion from its current stockholders, including Madison Dearborn Partners and the Pritzker family business interests. The transaction, which is expected to close late first quarter or early second quarter of 2012, values TransUnion at over $3 billion. TransUnion President and Chief Executive Officer Bobby Mehta and the rest of the company's leadership team will remain with TransUnion."

On the web:

• Groupon Buys Mobile Payment Specialist Kima Labs - TechCrunch

On the wires:

• New Mercator Report on Card-Not-Present Risk Management Across the Value Chain
• Clear Payments and Chexar Networks Announce Patent Pending Solution for Mobile RDC
• moneto brings NFC Mobile Wallet to Six Additional Android Smartphones
• AsiaPay Launches ePayAlert to Provide Advanced Online Fraud Detection
• eLayaway Acquisition Sets Stage for Continued Growth and Expansion