This year’s  ETA meeting was very interesting—of the many new and emerging angles we encountered in terms of what were the most sought after acquisitions, there appeared to be one common theme amongst acquisitive ISO’s – niche specialization.  Being an industry insider and dealing with buyers and sellers every day, I have been accustomed to seeing a merchant portfolio’s value enhanced through a broad spectrum of diversified SIC codes, geographic locations, and a large component of traditional  brick and mortar businesses.  Well, times are changing. Welcome to the dawn of enhanced value through NON-diversification, specialization and ancillary products. Read more...