Thirty-five invited guests representing the financial and internet community gathered in Realex Payments Paris office this week as Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr. Eamon Gilmore officially opened the company’s French office.

Also attending the event was Mr. Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, the Irish state body responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises around the world.

Commenting on the opening, Realex Payments founder and CEO Colm Lyon said “This is a very exciting day for us and we are honoured to have the Minister here to open our office. Our ambition for this French office is very real; we see the incredible opportunity that exists for online retailers, web developers and acquiring banks.”

The company’s arrival into the French marketplace represents a significant change for the French ecommerce industry; one which Realex Payments believes will accelerate online sales in the marketplace.

“Our entrance into the French marketplace will facilitate and encourage cross border trade, giving our existing clients access to an increasing pan European network of financial institutions”  said Lyon.

Realex Payments has ambitious plans for expansion having experienced year on year growth since it was founded in 2000. While the company opened a UK office in London in 2008, their Paris office is the first foray into mainland Europe. Their UK office now employs 13 people and processes in excess of £3Bn per annum on behalf of 1000 UK clients including brands such as GlaxoSmithKline and Virgin Atlantic.