Transaction Network Services (TNS), which operates its European marketing and technology services from Dublin, has acquired UK company Sligos Payment Services (SPS) in a deal estimated at around £7 million sterling (€10.8 million). SPS, currently owned by Paris-based Atos, will now be known as Switchtran (UK). It will continue to offer its range of services to manage automated teller machines for demutualised building societies and banks.

TNS recently filed a complaint to the European Commission over the Government's decision not to put the An Post Social Welfare payments contract out to tender.

According to TNS the EU Competition Authority has shown a strong interest in the complaint, and is expected to communicate formally with the Government shortly. TNS has said it can deliver the social welfare payments for one third of the current cost.